PC fails to initialize audio device in Roon after years of functioning (ref#MR1M06)

Support
1

What best describes your playback issue?

· Music doesn't start when I press "Play"

What type of Zone is affected by this problem?

· *Network Zones* are affected.

Is the affected network Zone connected with Ethernet or WiFi?

· Ethernet

Does the issue affect all file formats?

· The issue affects *multiple/all* file formats.

Does the issue happen with local library music, streaming service music, or both?

· *Both streaming and local* *library* music are affected.

Do you encounter any playback errors with the "System Output" Zone?

· I don't have a System Output available, but I'd like to keep troubleshooting

How is the affected Zone connected to your RoonServer machine?

· Network - Ethernet

Which network audio protocol is the Zone using with Roon?

· RoonReady

Does the device show up at all in Roon Settings -> Audio?

· Yes, it shows up there, but it isn't Enabled

Does the "Enable" button unlock the Zone?

· I can Enable the Zone, but the Zone disappears

Does the device play audio from another source when using the same connection?

· The device has no problems with another audio source

Have you checked that Roon is whitelisted in any firewalls?

· I've checked the firewall and the issue remains

If the device has multiple output options, do the other options work as expected?

· Only one output type is affected while the other output type works as expected

Is the device using the latest firmware as per the manufacturer?

· Firmware is up-to-date but the issue remains

Do you have an approximate timestamp of when the issue last occurred?

· 6:52pm 05/15 - Hoy Como Ayer by Hermanos Gutierrez. I've tried multiple different tracks.

What are the make and model of the affected audio device(s) and the connection type?

· Windows 10 Pro PC (custom build) via ethernet

Describe the issue

My PC is suddenly giving me the, "Failed to initialize the audio device." It is connected via ethernet to the NUC hosting the Roon server (thru an ethernet hub). This has been working for years with no problem. If I open sound settings (app volume and device preferences) on my PC + hit play, I can see it pop up briefly and then disappears and I get the failure message above on the roon app.

I have tested my other devices such HiFi Rose 150B, RS520, Wiim devices (all wifi) and they all work... it is just my PC. The PC shows up as an endpoint, but just won't play it. My windows drivers sound drivers are all up to date. Firewall has been checked and rechecked. Suggestions?

Describe your network setup

Directly wired from PC -> ethernet hub -> Roon server (NUK)

2

Hello @MLJones,

Thank you for reaching out to Roon Support.

I’ve gone ahead and enabled diagnostics mode for your account, and we can see that your PC suddenly dropped the connection and began refusing retry attempts.

Additionally, we are currently unable to retrieve diagnostic data from the PC, while it is coming through correctly from your ROCK device. Based on this, it appears that something on the PC is now blocking incoming connections.

Here are a few steps you can take to investigate and resolve the issue:

  1. Firewall Settings:
  • Open the Windows Defender Firewall and ensure that both Roon and RAATServer are allowed through the firewall on both Private and Public networks.
  • You can do this via:
    Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  1. Antivirus Software:
  • If you are running third-party antivirus or security software (e.g., Avast, Norton, McAfee), temporarily disable it to see if the connection is restored. Some antivirus programs block local traffic even if the firewall appears open.
  1. Reboot the PC and Router:
  • Sometimes a simple restart of your PC and your router can help clear out stale connections and refresh IP assignments.
  1. Check for VPN or Proxy:
  • Make sure no VPN or proxy services are running that might route or block local network traffic.

Please try these steps and let us know if the issue persists. We’ll continue to assist you from there.

05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Info: [zone PC] OnPlayFeedback Stopped
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Info: [zone PC] Canceling Pending Sleep
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Info: [zone PC] Canceling Pending Sleep
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Debug: [raat/tcpaudiosource] disconnecting
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Debug: FTMSI-B closed file for qo/B3F24D43; open files:0
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Debug: FTMSI-B qo/B3F24D43 download status: AllBlocksDownloaded accessTimeout:True openFiles:0 prev:(AllBlocksDownloaded,True,1)
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Debug: FTMSI-B closed file for qo/0EF126AF; open files:0
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Trace: [raatserver] [RaatServer DESKTOP-G8UD3QB @ 192.168.87.40:9200] lost client connection. Retrying(0)
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Trace: [raatserver] [RaatServer DESKTOP-G8UD3QB @ 192.168.87.40:9200] connecting (attempt 1)
05/16 02:43:19 [Local 05/15 22:43:19] Warn: [raat_ll/client] [System Output] failed to connect(0) Cannot access a disposed object.

05/16 02:43:23 [Local 05/15 22:43:23] Warn: [rnet/RnetJsonClient] failed to connect Connection refused
05/16 02:43:23 [Local 05/15 22:43:23] Trace: [raatserver] [RaatServer DESKTOP-G8UD3QB @ 192.168.87.40:9200] client connection failed. Giving up
05/16 02:43:23 [Local 05/15 22:43:23] Trace: [raat] [sood] Refreshing device list
3

I ended up getting it to work. Not entirely clear how, but I rolled back some Windows updates and reboot my computer. Seems to have done the trick. Not sure why the updates caused an issue, but the important thing is it works.

Thank you for the help.

4

Hello @MLJones,

Thank you for the update — we’re glad to hear that the issue has been resolved on your end. Enjoy your music! :notes:

By any chance, do you happen to have the KB (Knowledge Base) number(s) of the Windows update that caused the issue? We’d like to investigate it on our side to help prevent similar issues in the future.

5

I don’t. What I think happened is that it loaded the Nahimic 3 APO and the Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer, which in the past has caused conflicts with my audio and microphone (I’m using a GOXLR mixer to control my audio input/output volumes, etc.). I’ve never understood why I need those, plus Realtek Audio Universal Service, Realtek Hardware Support App, and Realtek drivers plus those mentioned above. A lot of threads out there about deleting the Nahimic and Sonic Studio to fix audio issues.

6

Hello @MLJones,

Thank you for the update.

It looks like we can mark this thread as resolved for now. If you run into any further issues, feel free to update us here or open a new thread — we’re happy to help!