I'm a total noob when it comes to Linux and sound...on Ubuntu, sound worked right out of the box, with no additional configuration required, but I have no idea where to start when it isn't working by default...I'm pretty sure my sound chip (Analog Devices 1986a) works with Alsa, but beyond that I know absolutely nothing...e.g. how to check whether the correct driver is installed, how to configure Alsa settings, how to make sure Alsa is actually being used...I'm even having trouble finding a good way to check whether sound is working (does MP3 work out of the box, or do I have to add anything?).

At this point my main goal is to figure out what Ubuntu is doing right, and convince KnoppMyth to do the same....help!

In most cases (99.99%) sound does work out the box. What isn't playing sound for you?

What do you get?
Do you hear anything?

_________________
cesman

When the source is open, the possibilities are endless!

When I try to play that file, I do hear a very faint high-pitched buzzing noise...whose volume does not change when I mute the speakers. I've also had no luck getting any sound out of xine.

As for the output you requested (from KnoppMyth):


From Ubuntu (where analog sound works correctly...I'd prefer digital 5.1-channel, but I'm not sure it's possible in Linux with my ADI 1986a chip):

Hi,

Have you run alsamixer to set levels and check Mute /unMute switches? I have an EPIA mobo that it took a couple settings to be adjusted before audio came through properly.

Mike