OBS, XR1 Pro, New User, Fail

Hello. I have a new EVGA XR1 Pro that I wanted to use for recording of unprotected HDMI content with OBS.
System specs follow, generally ancient, bordering on archeological.

Windows 10
EVGA 730i (Nvidia 9300 built-in)
Q6600 @ 3.0GHz
8GB RAM
VIA chipset USB 3.0 add-on card (PCIE x1 with aux SATA power input)
XR1 Pro (latest FW), original XR1 Pro cables

When attempting to record on USB 3.0, I get picture but no audio. On USB 2.0 I get both, and recordings are so-so but acceptable considering the host machine, I suppose. I'm hardly fluent in OBS, but I've set and reset it a hundred times without benefit. It just doesn't give any indication of audio, though the devices are present and "This device is working properly". On USB 2, I see all the audio sources active, on USB 3, DOA.

Any reason I shouldn't get audio on the USB 3 ports? I've tried all 5 ports on the add-on card.
Monitor and Output are on.
App perms seem OK, too.
Running as Administrator.

Just a bum card?

Thanks for reading and any replies.

My personal thoughts- Start with fresh boot of Operating System (OS), and let it settle down
do NOT start OBS. Turn off auto-start apps that aren't necessary to recording effort (ex OneDrive/file sync tools, messenging apps, browser, etc).
connect capture device using USB 3.0
Check Audio devices and permissions at OS layer. Do not skip this step. Make sure audio working at OS layer first. update/change drivers if need be, etc.

As for using an old, under-powered computer for real-time video encoding, beyond starting with OBS' auto config settings as a baseline, I recommend avoiding Studio Mode in OBS as that doubles the rendering workload. And make sure you've optimized Operating System by avoiding all unnecessary background processes.

Thanks much for your reply. I'll check it out and get back. Even VLC will not give me audio over 3.0 (File/Open Capture Device). Maybe it's a problem with the architecture of the USB 3.0 card. You get what you pay for.

I did use the auto config and it gave far better results than mucking around on my own. I'll remember your tip on Studio Mode. I'm not expecting perfection but it runs about 50% CPU when recording which I guess is pretty good for the old tank!

Thanks again for the help, I'll be back.

Lawrence_SoCal said:

My personal thoughts- Start with fresh boot of Operating System (OS), and let it settle down
do NOT start OBS. Turn off auto-start apps that aren't necessary to recording effort (ex OneDrive/file sync tools, messaging apps, browser, etc.).
connect capture device using USB 3.0
Check Audio devices and permissions at OS layer. Do not skip this step. Make sure audio working at OS layer first. update/change drivers if need be, etc.

As for using an old, under-powered computer for real-time video encoding, beyond starting with OBS' auto config settings as a baseline, I recommend avoiding Studio Mode in OBS as that doubles the rendering workload. And make sure you've optimized Operating System by avoiding all unnecessary background processes.

Click to expand...

OK, confirmed no programs auto-starting in Startup. I can play a movie with sound in VLC and can turn on System Sounds (beeps, etc.). No audio over USB 3.0 in VLC. In OBS, Mic and Camera both show on and have OBS showing active but no sound. I think it must be the card or cable/card mismatch. I have read of people using a different USB C cable with success, maybe I'll try that. At any rate, thanks for you pointers and at least I have enough working that I can fiddle around and learn things. Have a good weekend!

I have partially solved my no audio issue with a driver update for the VIA 3.0 chipset as shown here: No audio from Elegato
Seems to be an issue with the MS Win10 driver for the VIA chipset. I installed the recommended VIA-supplied driver and at least I have sound. Bad, choppy sound, but sound nonetheless... :/ I may just go back to 2.0 and call it a day.
Thanks again.