Microphone Only works when windows control panel -> sound -> Recording tab is open
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When I install LFX on my microphone, it stops picking up audio completely. It only starts picking it up by simply opening the Recording Tab in the Control Panel of all audio devices, and only then does Equalizer APO work. If I even go to a different tab, it stops working. I have to constantly keep it open and minimized. Both SFX APO types will install, but nothing happens. The microphone acts like nothing is installed.
Last edit: TRISTAN STREET 2026-01-06
I don't know what that's about but you could try a few things. For instance, uncheck the "Use original APO" checkboxes although they are usually greyed out which is a good thing as no issue is there.
And perhaps uncheck the exclusive mode checkboxes (see screenshot). This mode bypasses any Audio Processing Object (read sound enhancement/effects) like Equalizer APO.
Also, last year someone on this forum had an issue with the audio device privacy setting. I'm not sure how this was resolved but I've included a screenshot of the Windows privacy page.
Unchecking the boxes yields the same results as before, and it doesn't seem like anything with the privacy changes everything.
LFX gets APO to work, although only with that window open and on that exact tab.
Both SFX APOs, when installed, just don't change the mic at all, and it is stock.
Equalizer APO was working fine a couple weeks ago, and my Windows does auto-update, so possibly a Windows update caused this, although I'm not sure which specific one.
Last edit: TRISTAN STREET 2026-01-07
It can be difficult to know which Windows update created the problem. But you're right, it's probably a Windows update. I don't know what Microsoft has changed but you could try some former software for your mic if this is a possibility.
Anyway, having this Recording tab open suggests that it suppresses some APO (sound effect) for your mic, perhaps a default Windows effect. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert on such Windows effects on a mic. However, on the Windows Mic page (not the sound panel. see screenshot) there's a switch called "Audio enhancements" which is by default on "Device default effects", I think. Perhaps try that all options.
So funny thing, I went to this screen and saw that the setting you are talking about wasn't there, and without changing any settings, it just magically works now. I'm honestly pretty confused because I had this issue for weeks, and it's just gone. Whether opening this screen fixed it or something updated overnight, I can't seem to replicate the problem anymore even after messing around some more. Thank you for your help!
Well, it could be both, an update or page opening. I bet the latter. Windows 11 does have many bugs. Anyway, good to hear that it started working again. Happy to have helped, well try to 😃