Contributor I

PS4 Pro outputting PCM via LG CX shows Multichannel PCM 7.1 for Sonos Arc, but rear surrounds have no audio

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I have the Arc, Sub, and Sonos 1 in a surround setup, connected to an LG CX via eArc. Previously I had the PS4 outputting Bitstream (Dolby), and Sonos reported Dolby Digital 5.1.

The fix that added LPCM to Sonos Arc recently went live, so I updated PS4 Pro to output PCM, and the HDMI input on the TV to PCM. (The output remained Passthrough). After doing this, the System Status page for Sonos shows Multichannel PCM 7.1.

However, I now get no rear surround audio in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. (It’s not faint, there’s really none.) I get the full surround experience if I change it back to getting Dolby Digital 5.1. On the PS4 Home screen, I do get sound from the rears in PCM 7.1, albeit very faintly, compared to Dolby Digital 5.1.

Does Sonos not downmix the extra channels properly? It’s kinda bad that a higher fidelity signal sounds worse.

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Corry P

Sonos Staff

Hi @ledzep1

This has not yet been addressed. I too have seen mention that it seems to have improved - I don’t see why this would be the case (wishful thinking?).

As it counts as a new feature, rather than a bug fix, I would suggest that it will be specifically mentioned in the release notes, when it does arrive.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein

W

Whistler

Enthusiast II

Wow, this is taking a long time to fix. You would think this is trivial since downmixing is something that has been around for a long time. Should be not really a problem for a company that has, I suspect, lots of audio experts. Don’t get me wrong. I’m heavily invested in Sonos, and I have no other choice than to wait. I’m just really surprised this was even missed in the first placed when launching the Arc.

ohweezuschrist

Lyricist II

Wow, this is taking a long time to fix. You would think this is trivial since downmixing is something that has been around for a long time. Should be not really a problem for a company that has, I suspect, lots of audio experts. Don’t get me wrong. I’m heavily invested in Sonos, and I have no other choice than to wait. I’m just really surprised this was even missed in the first placed when launching the Arc.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. And I believe it was said that a fix would be anticipated this past July. A shame. I love my speakers; but I expect better.

H

Hebassaurus

Lyricist III

Add my name to the plate, I’m really excited about a proper downmix from LPCM 7.1 to LPCM 5.1. I’m not angry or anything, but man…my 4K library is only half loved right now. This would certainly get me on board for some new speakers for other purposes :)

xenadondoit

Lyricist III

Same problem with

Sonos Beam gen 2

LG G1

we get multichannel 7.1 instead of 5.1 in pass through mode

O

OmriP

Lyricist III

Hi everyone, just purchased the Beam Gen 2 today and I came across a similar issue with:

Sonos Beam Gen 2

LG C9

PS5

PS5 set to “soundbar” and LPCM.

TV set to “bitstream”, “passthrough” (setting “auto” will downgrade to stereo PCM).

Sonos app reports Multichannel PCM 7.1 despite the Sonos Beam only being 5.1(clearly Sonos bug).

Connection to TV using eARC.

If I select “audio receiver” instead of soundbar in the PS5 menu, I can force the PS5 to 5.1 channels, then the Sonos app reports Multichannel PCM 5.1 correctly. I don't know whether using the “receiver” option vs the "soundbar” option is a good fix since it asks me to map the locations of the speakers in the room which I don't have (being a soundbar), so I'm afraid the sounds I'll get will be inaccurate. But selecting “soundbar” sets it automatically to 7.1, indicating that somehow the Beam tells the TV incorrectly that it supports 7.1 and thus the PS5 defaults to it with no option to change it.

@Corry P is the discussed fix going to solve my issue as well? I have seen people here mostly talk about the ARC but I use the Beam. The issue sounds identical to what the Arc users experience though. Also is there some kind of update or some estimate for a fix? Is it still being worked on (since this thread seems quite old).

Thanks!

C

Crea

Lyricist II

Another new Arc owner here with a 5.1 setup, and an LGC1 having this issue.

I’m kind of amazed scrolling back how long this has gone on without a fix. Somewhat disheartening.