Vbox 5.2.X + Windows host Sound problem

[tps]

I use vbox to run windows 8.1 (x64) for Skype for business 2016 and Webex apps. When i use vbox 5.1.32 - everything works good, but for vbox 5.2 there is a problem with the audio: the sound disappears after a few minutes of call (skype, webex). in vbox 5.2.6 when a call or conference there is no sound at all.

Debug log for vbox 5.2.6 vm in attachment.

Host system: Fedora 27
Guest system: Windows 8.1

[arb]

I had the same issue with 5.2.6, I downgraded it to 5.2.4 to make it work now. It seems the issue is with the update only.

[tps]

There is a same issue with vbox 5.2.4 too, but here is a little different behavior: The sound disappears not immediately but after a while.
Log in attachment.
I was forced to make a downgrade to version 5.1.32, there are no problems with sound.

[pentagonik]

Please have a look at the following page to help us getting the required information to debug this issue further: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/AudioDebug

Thanks!

[tps]

I get logs with this command from the AudioDebug guide:

Code: Select all

VBOX_RELEASE_LOG=drv_host_audio.e.l.l2.l3.f+drv_audio.e.l.l2.l3.f+audio_mixer.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_hda_codec.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_hda.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_ac97.e.l.l2.l3.f VirtualBox

Is the need for an audio record critical?

[pentagonik]

If you're testing 5.2.x, those steps aren't needed -- please read the article carefully again.

[Kejk]

Host: Ubuntu 16.04
Guest: Windows 7
Version: 5.2.6

I'm also affected by audio issues in 5.2.x series. In 5.1.x series audio is working fine.

I think I found how to reproduce issue. It happens every time when application request for recording (microphone). It happens in both WebEx and Skype for Business, probably in other applications too.

I attached log file with audio debug enabled.

00:01:57 - Youtube video in Firefox, audio working fine
00:02:17 - WebEx application started. Youtube audio is heavily distorted. I can also hear my voice in the headphones (microphone is enabled). Probably due to hight CPU load Youtube video stutters.
Few seconds later: Youtube audio disappears entirely. I can't hear any input from microphone.
00:02:18.685174 HDA: Warning: FIFO underflow for stream #0 (still 612 bytes needed)
00:02:18.720294 HDA: Warning: FIFO overflow for stream #4 (820 bytes outstanding)
00:02:36 - WebEx application shutdown. Youtube video started to work correctly but no sound.
00:02:56 - Paused and played again Youtube video - audio working fine.

In VirtualBox 5.2.x older than 5.2.6 (I don't remember which one, probably 5.2.4 and 5.2.2) I had different issue. In WebEx sound disappears after a while, 10 to 30 minutes. When it happened it affected whole guest system, not only WebEx. Reconnecting to the WebEx meeting fixes sound, but with each reconnect time without audio problem was shorter. After a while guest system restart is required.

Should I file bug report somewhere?

[pentagonik]

Ok, so in other words, audio only is misbehaving if you are doing simultenous input and output processing?

[Kejk]

Ok, so in other words, audio only is misbehaving if you are doing simultenous input and output processing?

Input is breaking things, even if it is disabled in the "Devices" menu.

[Kejk]

As commented in https://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/17497 the latest test version (5.2.7) fixed this issue.