Hisense soundbar only works through Blue Yeti/or Screen AUX, not PC onboard or optical – why?

Understanding Connectivity Issues with Your Hisense Soundbar: A Troubleshooting Guide

If you’re experiencing abnormal connectivity behavior with your Hisense soundbar—specifically, its audio playback only functioning when connected via a Blue Yeti microphone or auxiliary (AUX) screen port, but not through the PC’s onboard audio or optical inputs—it can be puzzling. This guide aims to help you diagnose and resolve these issues effectively.

Common Symptoms
– The soundbar works only when connected to the Blue Yeti microphone’s headphone jack or another auxiliary port.
– No audio output when connected directly to the PC’s built-in AUX output or optical (Toslink/S/PDIF) port.
– The setup fails across multiple devices, including TVs and other computers.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Understanding the Connection Types
AUX (3.5mm) Connection: Generally, used for analog audio signals. Ensure that the output from your PC or device is a line-level signal and not a headphone or microphone output, which can sometimes have different impedance or signal levels.
Optical (TOSLINK) Connection: Transmits digital audio signals. Compatibility depends on both the source device’s digital output and the soundbar’s digital input capabilities.
Check the Signal Type and Compatibility

The fact that your soundbar functions when connected via the Blue Yeti or screen AUX suggests that it might be configured or receiving signals differently in these cases. The PC’s onboard audio and optical outputs may not be reaching the device correctly, possibly due to:

Incorrect settings in your PC’s sound preferences.
Incompatible or faulty cables.
The soundbar expecting a specific signal format or input configuration.
Inspect Your Cables and Connections
Verify that cables are working properly by testing with alternative known-good cables.
Ensure that all connections are secure, fully inserted, and compatible with the ports.
Configure Your Audio Output Settings
On your PC, set the default audio output to the correct device.
Check if the digital output (optical) requires enabling or specific configuration in device settings or sound card control panels.
For Windows, go to Sound Settings > Playback Devices, and verify the selected output device.
Update Drivers and Firmware
Ensure your PC’s audio drivers are current.
Check if your Hisense soundbar has firmware updates available that might improve compatibility