I’m currently having some directional audio issues and I have been ever since I installed Windows 11 last month. The sounds from the on-screen audio source get very quiet or even silent when I move either the camera or my character away from the audio source. This seems to happen mostly on the left side (speaker), but sometimes on the right as well. It’s mostly noticeable during pet battles and in the Maw (due to the very loud sounds there).
I’m up to date on all Windows updates, and I just triple-checked today to make sure my sound driver is the latest version (Realtek 6.0.1.7841). So I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. It looks like there used to be some similar issues a few years ago, but I’m not sure if that’s still relevant.
Either way, is anyone else experiencing something like this? Even better, anyone know how to fix this? It’s not like it’s a huge problem, but it’d be cool to be able to fix it.
I too have the latest Windows 11 and WOW updates and have this directional audio issue in both Retail WOW and WOW Classic. Unless I face the NPC the audio goes way down and if I face completely away, the audio is zero. Can’t hear a single word. I don’t recall if this issue was present prior to Windows update or WOW update. My wife is having the exact same issue. I would like the option to turn off directional sound all together.
Doesn’t make much sense for directional sound in a third person view setting. Makes more sense in first person view because my screen isn’t always facing my toon.
Either way having no sound while looking away isn’t good at any rate.
I appreciate any help in this, but disabling the directional sound would be a great option.
Interestingly, as soon as I posted this, the problem just… disappeared. I’m able to hear all my sounds normally again, regardless of which direction my camera and character are facing. I think it just took a computer restart for the sound driver update to kick in.
Maybe you just need to update your sound drivers as well. Go to Settings → System → Sound, choose your speakers and then click Check for driver updates. Maybe restart your computer after the driver update installs, if a driver update does indeed install.
Here’s a pretty picture to help you see where it’s at:
Hopefully this’ll work for you like it did for me. The issue could be completely different for you, though. Good luck!
Good luck!