06-18-2013, 06:17 PM
If you're still using the Asus drivers I highly recommend trying these ones http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/ as the Asus ones were last updated in 2011 and these are kept updated. I'd suggest selecting the "C-Media Audio Panel" option when installing.
I also read that they might increase the volume and quality of the mic and perhaps the output as well.
Another advantage they have is avoiding loading the Xonar Control Panel which causes high DPC latency. There's a fairly decent explanation here http://maxedtech.com/the-case-of-dpc-latency/ but basically, high latency can cause not just audio stuttering/drop-outs but video/game stuttering as well. It's somewhat explained here http://maxedtech.com/the-case-of-dpc-latency/ but I suggest you run LatencyMon, which will show you if there's anything causing high latency and then you can deal with it http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon
I found that having my mouse plugged into my USB hub was causing high latency but fixed that by plugging it directly into the PC, so some causes are quite easy to fix
I also read that they might increase the volume and quality of the mic and perhaps the output as well.
Another advantage they have is avoiding loading the Xonar Control Panel which causes high DPC latency. There's a fairly decent explanation here http://maxedtech.com/the-case-of-dpc-latency/ but basically, high latency can cause not just audio stuttering/drop-outs but video/game stuttering as well. It's somewhat explained here http://maxedtech.com/the-case-of-dpc-latency/ but I suggest you run LatencyMon, which will show you if there's anything causing high latency and then you can deal with it http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon
I found that having my mouse plugged into my USB hub was causing high latency but fixed that by plugging it directly into the PC, so some causes are quite easy to fix