Ubuntu Support Template
Ubuntu Version:
25.10
Desktop Environment (if applicable):
GNOME
Problem Description:
The computer has Intel Corporation Cannon Lake PCH chipset, HDMI is used for audio output to 5.1 / THX amp.
In Settings->Audio I see only stereo.
pavucontrol does not list an option for 5.1
Feel free to suggest cheap USB->TOSLINK or USB->SPDIF devices that will show 5.1 as an alternetive in Ubuntu.
The best solution (due to source switching) - would be to have HDMI option to offer 5.1 as an alternative.
What I’ve Tried:
I could workaround the issue using an external Sound card (analog output).
Not sure if this is what you’re looking for, but there’s a ton of USB → SPDIF (both USB A and USB C) as well as SPDIF → USB at this Amazon link. I have used the USB C → SPDIF one with great success.
The thing is that I do not know if/which speaker configurations they offer in Linux.
I have for example tried a “SoundBlaster Live! 24bit”, but when I select S/PDIF or Toslink modes, Ubuntu does not offer 5.1 for that link.
The best would be to convince Ubuntu to offer 5.1 configuration for DisplayPort/HDMI
It is certainly offered if the system allows it, but I’ve only seen it compatible with SPDIF outputs to send 5.1 audio. I have several devices that offer that. It depends on the device, not on Ubuntu, as that’s just the Linux kernel or, in the case of Nvidia (via HDMI or DisplayPort), the Nvidia drivers.
The blame isn’t on Ubuntu; there’s no convincing to be made. Nobody deliberately disabled 5.1. In fact, as I just explained, it’s not disabled.
Source: I’m the Ubuntu Studio lead and make it a point to research and know these things.
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ok I am not so much into assigning blame to Ubuntu, as suspecting it because:
These are my options with said “SoundBlaster Live! 24bit”
none of the lines containing “digital” and “output” offer 5.1 - which I know is not a technical limitation of that device, as I once used it for just that (many years ago when my HTPC was the last windows-thing I had)
At least all the analog lines are decent, and works as expected.
And then I see those HDMI options:
Again: it just looks buggy to me, this machine does not even have three HDMI outputs, and two lines differ only woth mic1,mic 3 vs mic1,mic2 … on HDMI ? - this makes no sense to me. There is not even one “stereo” mentioned.
I work among other things, with electronics, and to me it the audio channel(s) are just a bitstream, be it LPCM or some compressed formats, it is all about signing the packets/conveying the standard and I did not assume that the “Cannon Lake” CPU/chipset does limit the number of channels or other features as long as the data amount is within the limits. (but of course I can be wrong about that)
I hope you agree that the available “profiles” make little sense (and that the IEC958 (S/PDIF) outputs have no reason to be limited to stereo as in the list )
It’s not. This is how PipeWire is finding the profiles as reported by the kernel. This is not an Ubuntu thing; you’ll find this in every Linux distribution.
Perhaps, but again, this is what is being reported what the HDMI is capable of from the kernel to the PipeWire system. You’re barking up the wrong tree, and I’m not trying to argue with you.
Also, as someone who owns those USB to SPDIF adapters I was referencing before, I can tell you they offer surround profiles, which is why I was suggesting them.
Another one I can suggest is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BT6CM6Q, but it’s no longer available. Another Amazon search might prove fruitful.
EDIT: It did. https://www.amazon.com/Optimal-Shop-External-Channel-Surround/dp/B00Q4WQ7XW
