Why can't I hear AC3 sound in the SolveigMM Video Splitter preview?

[Bruce Wayne]

I can hear it fine in an actual edit, just not in the preview. All I get there is a harsh, loud noise. I have the AC3Filter installed, and can hear AC3 sound fine in media players, just not in Solveig.

PS I've checked the list of Preview Direct Show Filters. AC3 isn't in there. And I don't know how to get it in there.

[Baldrick]

I just tried a mkv video with ac3 and the audio works fine. I have ffdshow installed and it's listed as audio decoder under the Preview Direct Show filters.

[jagabo]

I suspect the program needs an ACM decoder, not DirectShow: AC3ACM

[Bruce Wayne]

I just tried a mkv video with ac3

So did I. Well one I muxed with MKVToolNix anyway.

I have ffdshow installed

So have I.

it's listed as audio decoder under the Preview Direct Show filters.

Yep. This too.

Name: ffdshow Audio Decoder
Version: 1.3.4531.0
Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\ffdshow\ffdshow.ax

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. All I get is a really harsh sound like a drill through the brain.

[Bruce Wayne]

I suspect the program needs an ACM decoder, not DirectShow: AC3ACM

I tried this. I thought my version of Solveig was 64-bit so I tried the x64 folder. Right-clicked on the .bat file, selected Run as Administrator, all that happened was a command line window popped up that said installing, then showed a licence agreement which I scrolled down through, and then when I reached the end, the window just vanished. So I assumed it had installed. I tried Solveig with the same video and still got the loud noise. Then I realized Solveig was 32-bit so I tried the x86 folder. This time, instead of a licence agreement, the command line window, after it said installing, said The system cannot find the file specified, and disappeared. Tried Solveig again, again got the loud noise.

[jagabo]

Where did you find a 64 bit AC3ACM? Just FYI, you can't install a 32 bit version for use with 64 bit programs. Only 32 bit programs will be able access 32 bit AC3ACM. Even that may require a special installation procedure on 64 bit windows, like the Lame ACM codec:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/271712-Lame-MP3-Encoder-on-Vista-x64#1723154

Oh, found a 64 bit version here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/fcchandler/files/Ac3Acm%20Codec/

But the fact that you're hearing "something" probably means it's a decoding problem, not a missing codec.

[Baldrick]

https://www.videohelp.com/download/AC3ACM22.zip has both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

[Bruce Wayne]

Where did you find a 64 bit AC3ACM? Just FYI, you can't install a 32 bit version for use with 64 bit programs. Only 32 bit programs will be able access 32 bit AC3ACM. Even that may require a special installation procedure on 64 bit windows, like the Lame ACM codec:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/271712-Lame-MP3-Encoder-on-Vista-x64#1723154

Oh, found a 64 bit version here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/fcchandler/files/Ac3Acm%20Codec/

But the fact that you're hearing "something" probably means it's a decoding problem, not a missing codec.

Um, in the original link you posted. You didn't have to go looking for it. It's right there. Download AC3ACM and just below it Download AC3ACM 64-bit.

EDIT: It doesn't actually matter which one you download. Both zip files have both x86 and x64 folders.

[jagabo]

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

You can determine whether it's 32 bit or 64 bit in Task Manager. 32 bit programs are marked with a *32 under the Processes tab.

[Baldrick]

Where did you find a 64 bit AC3ACM? Just FYI, you can't install a 32 bit version for use with 64 bit programs. Only 32 bit programs will be able access 32 bit AC3ACM. Even that may require a special installation procedure on 64 bit windows, like the Lame ACM codec:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/271712-Lame-MP3-Encoder-on-Vista-x64#1723154

Oh, found a 64 bit version here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/fcchandler/files/Ac3Acm%20Codec/

But the fact that you're hearing "something" probably means it's a decoding problem, not a missing codec.

Um, in the original link you posted. You didn't have to go looking for it. It's right there. Download AC3ACM and just below it Download AC3ACM 64-bit.

I just added the 64-bit link...it's the same as the other.

[jagabo]

Yeah, when I looked earlier there was no mention of a 64 bit version. I didn't download it and look inside.

[Baldrick]

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

You can determine whether it's 32 bit or 64 bit in Task Manager. 32 bit programs are marked with a *32 under the Processes tab.

Yep. My Solveigmm Video Splitter is 32-bit.

[Bruce Wayne]

Where did you find a 64 bit AC3ACM? Just FYI, you can't install a 32 bit version for use with 64 bit programs. Only 32 bit programs will be able access 32 bit AC3ACM. Even that may require a special installation procedure on 64 bit windows, like the Lame ACM codec:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/271712-Lame-MP3-Encoder-on-Vista-x64#1723154

Oh, found a 64 bit version here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/fcchandler/files/Ac3Acm%20Codec/

But the fact that you're hearing "something" probably means it's a decoding problem, not a missing codec.

Just downloaded the latest version of LAME but the instructions were for Windows 7. I'm on 8.1. What should I do?

[Bruce Wayne]

https://www.videohelp.com/download/AC3ACM22.zip has both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

Yep, it's 32-bit. I found the Solveig folder in Program Files (x86).

[jagabo]

Just downloaded the latest version of LAME but the instructions were for Windows 7. I'm on 8.1. What should I do?

You don't need LAME it's an MP3 codec. It's the installation procedure that's important -- some other 32 ACM codecs can be installed with the same procedure (just change the file names). I would assume the 64 bit version of AC3ACM comes with a setup procedure that works with 64 bit Windows. Maybe you need admin privileges?

[Bruce Wayne]

Just downloaded the latest version of LAME but the instructions were for Windows 7. I'm on 8.1. What should I do?

You don't need LAME it's an MP3 codec. It's the installation procedure that's important -- some other 32 ACM codecs can be installed with the same procedure (just change the file names). I would assume the 64 bit version of AC3ACM comes with a setup procedure that works with 64 bit Windows. Maybe you need admin privileges?

Sorry for taking so long to get back. And sorry, I don't know anything about anything. I know nothing about technical anything. So I just need step-by-steps. I can't hear AC3 (or, as I've just found out, DTS) sound in Solveig. I would assume I have admin privileges. It's my own computer and I'm the only one who ever uses it.

[jagabo]

When you run the install, instead of just double clicking on the INF or install program, right click on it and select Install/Run As Administrator.

[Bruce Wayne]

When you run the install, instead of just double clicking on the INF or install program, right click on it and select Install/Run As Administrator.

Just tried. Got a message saying The system cannot find the file specified.

[jagabo]

Instead of running the "Install the 64-bit codec.bat" right click on AC3ACM64.INF and select Install.

[Bruce Wayne]

Instead of running the "Install the 64-bit codec.bat" right click on AC3ACM64.INF and select Install.

OK. Did that. A box appeared for a split second that I didn't have time to read before it vanished. I could try it again though. Then the desktop refreshed. Nothing else happened. So I assumed it had installed. I tried loading the problem video into Solveig again and again just got the same old noise.

EDIT: Tried it again and tried reading the box but it just appeared and disappeared too quickly.

[jagabo]

Check: Control Panel -> Programs and Features. Does "AC-3 ACM Codec x64 2.2" show up there? If so, it's installed. If SolveigMM still doesn't produce audio it must not be using the ACM codec.

[Bruce Wayne]

Check: Control Panel -> Programs and Features. Does "AC-3 ACM Codec x64 2.2" show up there? If so, it's installed. If SolveigMM still doesn't produce audio it must not be using the ACM codec.

Found both AC-3 ACM Codec 2.2 and AC-3 ACM Codec x64 2.2 Must have both the 64 and 32-bit versions installed then, I assume. But nothing from Solveig. What should I try next?

[jagabo]

Is it just this one video that's giving you problems or all videos with AC3 audio?

I don't know anything about SolveigMM so I can't help you directly with that. Does it give any kind of error report? If you make a video with the program does the new video have audio or it silent? Maybe post a full MediaInfo report of your source video.

[Bruce Wayne]

I don't know anything about SolveigMM so I can't help you directly with that. Does it give any kind of error report? If you make a video with the program does the new video have audio or it silent? Maybe post a full MediaInfo report of your source video.

You can find all those answers in my question and first post.

[jagabo]

Sorry, I lost track of the details. One possible problem I can think of is the number of channels. AC3 can be anywhere from 1.0 to 5.1. If the software isn't prepared to handle the number of channels it might give the symptoms you're hearing.

[Bruce Wayne]

Sorry, I lost track of the details. One possible problem I can think of is the number of channels. AC3 can be anywhere from 1.0 to 5.1. If the software isn't prepared to handle the number of channels it might give the symptoms you're hearing.

Nope. 'Fraid not. Tested that theory. The number of channels is irrelevant. 6 channels or only 2, if it's AC3, all I hear is noise.

[jagabo]

Switch to 32 bit?

[Bruce Wayne]

Switch to 32 bit?

How?

[jagabo]

Get and install 32 bit Solveigmm.

Some other things to try, not necessarily in this order: Disable the AC3 decoder in ffdshow. Any difference? Uninstall AC3 Filter. Any difference? Open one of your videos in GraphStudio. What filter is is using to decompress the AC3? Use a filter manager like FilMerit to change the merit of different AC3 decoders on your system (the filter with the highest merit is preferentially used by DirectShow). Change the output format of the AC3 decoder that's being used.

[Bruce Wayne]

Get and install 32 bit Solveigmm.

Some other things to try, not necessarily in this order: Disable the AC3 decoder in ffdshow. Any difference? Uninstall AC3 Filter. Any difference? Open one of your videos in GraphStudio. What filter is is using to decompress the AC3? Use a filter manager like FilMerit to change the merit of different AC3 decoders on your system (the filter with the highest merit is preferentially used by DirectShow). Change the output format of the AC3 decoder that's being used.

What are you talking about? I'm ON 32 bit SolveigMM. There is no other kind.

I suspect the program needs an ACM decoder, not DirectShow: AC3ACM

I tried this. I thought my version of Solveig was 64-bit so I tried the x64 folder. Right-clicked on the .bat file, selected Run as Administrator, all that happened was a command line window popped up that said installing, then showed a licence agreement which I scrolled down through, and then when I reached the end, the window just vanished. So I assumed it had installed. I tried Solveig with the same video and still got the loud noise. Then I realized Solveig was 32-bit so I tried the x86 folder. This time, instead of a licence agreement, the command line window, after it said installing, said The system cannot find the file specified, and disappeared. Tried Solveig again, again got the loud noise.

https://www.videohelp.com/download/AC3ACM22.zip has both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

You can determine whether it's 32 bit or 64 bit in Task Manager. 32 bit programs are marked with a *32 under the Processes tab.

Yep. My Solveigmm Video Splitter is 32-bit.

https://www.videohelp.com/download/AC3ACM22.zip has both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

I just used solveigmm video splitter home edition from http://www.solveigmm.com/download/SolveigMM_Video_Splitter_Home_Edition.exe . Doesn't mention anyting about 64-bit.

Yep, it's 32-bit. I found the Solveig folder in Program Files (x86).

When you said switch to 32 bit, I had no idea you were talking about Solveig. I'd assumed you'd been keeping track of the thread.

I'll try those other things you suggested anyway.

EDIT: Disabling the AC3 decoder in ffdshow WORKED! THANKS! And I tried the same solution for the DTS problem and that worked too!