Roon fails to play audio via Realtek WASAPI, but works with HyperX wireless (ref#MTH4O9)

[ch.ajohnson92]

What best describes your playback issue?

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

What type of Zone is affected by this problem?

· *All of my Zones* are affected.

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

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

· The Zone is listed under the wrong protocol

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?

· N/A

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

· Described above

Describe the issue

"Too many failures, stopping playback" error when using green audio output jack. No error when using wireless HyperX headphones.

Output device on Windows is set to "Speakers (4- Realtek(R) Audio). Roon shows "Realtek(R) Audio" WASAPI option, but won't play audio when this option is chosen.

Describe your network setup

Modem & Router, Internet via Ethernet, IFI Zen Can 3 DAC connected via 3.5 mm audio cables

[vadim]

Hello ch.ajohnson92,

Thank you for the detailed report! The “Too many failures, stopping playback” error, specifically when trying to use a WASAPI output, is a classic sign of an “Exclusive Mode” conflict in Windows.

To fix this, we need to tell Windows to stop allowing apps to monopolize that specific output. Please try the following steps:

Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows:

1. Right-click the speaker icon in your Windows taskbar and select Sound settings.
2. Scroll down and click on More sound settings (this will open the classic Sound Control Panel).
3. Under the Playback tab, right-click on your Speakers ( Realtek(R) Audio) and select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Advanced tab.
5. In the “Exclusive Mode” section, uncheck the box that says “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device”.
6. Click Apply, then OK.

After doing this, please restart the Roon app and try playing music to the Realtek output again.

Let me know if this clears up the error and gets the music playing.

[connor]

Hi @ch.ajohnson92,

Have you tried relying on the iFi proprietary driver instead?

https://downloads.ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Windows-Driver-5.57.zip

[connor]

Hi @ch.ajohnson92,

Gently pinging this thread to see if we can provide any further assistance. Diagnostics show RoonServer might have been active since you posted, but we’d like to confirm you’re able to play music without issue.