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From Benchmark

Benchmark's guide for configuring Windows-based media players

General strategies for setting up your computer for high quality audio playback

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*this article was researched using RealPlayer v10. Some information in this article may not apply to different versions of this software. Email us to report any errors or discrepancies, or if you would like more information on this topic.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Recommended Player Settings 3 Known Problems 4 Articles about Computer Audio Setup

Overview

RealPlayer performed the poorest of all media players tested. It had deficiencies with sample-rate, word-length, and volume control.

Recommended Player Settings

• SET VOLUME AT 100%
  • RealPlayer suffers from severe distortion when the volume is set less then 100%
  • Read more about digital volume control, and how it affects the quality of your audio.
• SET 'Playback Performance' TO 'Best quality'
  • This can be found at:

Tools -> Preferences -> Hardware

• SET 'Playback Quality' TO 'Best quality'
  • This can be found at:

Tools -> Preferences -> Hardware -> Sound Card Compatibility -> Settings

• ENABLE '16-bit sound', 'custom sample rates', AND 'Direct Sound' IF YOUR SOUND CARD IS COMPATIBLE
  • This can be found at:

Tools -> Preferences -> Hardware -> Sound Card Compatibility -> Settings -> Sound Card Troubleshooting

Known Problems

• Converts all sample-rates to 44.1 kHz
  • Read more about sample-rate conversion, and how it affects the quality of your audio.
• Would not play 24-bit files
• Poorly designed volume control
  • Read more about digital volume control, and how it affects the quality of your audio.

Articles about Computer Audio Setup

For more articles about specific media players and/or operating systems, see the Category:Setup Guides list of guides.