Forum Discussion
69 Replies
- ryaNP0716Newbie
This really needs to be addressed. Its been far too long to have subpar surround sound. Please release an update to severely increase surround speaker volume. We cannot hear it when the soundbar is on. it makes the speakers useless and it is marketed as surround sound.
- JBChewyBinge Watcher
I think I have a very recent update, and I can adjust the volume of my surround speakers to where I wouldn't need/want it any louder.
- mcgoozeStreaming Star
It would appear that this is (hopefully) FINALLY being addressed!
From Roku's blog, here:
https://blog.roku.com/roku-os-94"Surround level control for multi-channel audio – If you own Roku audio products with a multi-channel speaker configuration, you’ll be able to adjust the volume of your rear surround speakers relative to the volume of your soundbar for sound levels that match your preference."
I checked my soundbar & did a system update. It's still showing 9.3. I'll be watching for 9.4 & look forward to cranking them rear speakers!
- Ed1506Channel Surfer
Better than nothing, but 4 discrete levels are hardly what I would call flexible. Will have to experiment to see if it is at least serviceable. One thing for sure, it cannot be worse than the nothing we had before
still nor impressed though
- hernahNewbie
To see that this issue has been on going since release feb 2020, Roku should either release a statement regarding issue/fix or remove their advertisement for surround sound. Very misleading along with all the reviews on the internet. Its as if Roku sponsored or paid reviewers. Honestly roku surround sound is garbage atm. So much potential, but I had to remove the soundbar. soundbar was too overpowering, rear speakers barely any sound. sub was over shadowed by sound bar. good idea, very poor execution. stop advertising surround sound because its non existent.
akakar4858 wrote:Greetings Roku Team,
I'd like to request an update or addition to the recently added Roku Smart Soundbar update where you can now pair the TV Wireless Speakers to mimic surround sound. Could you please implement an update where we can adjust the volume of the rear speakers (TV Wireless Speakers) for a louder/quieter surround experience. Currently the TV Wireless Speakers are often too soft to be heard when using them for Surround purposes.
- akakar4858Streaming Star
Exactly! Its been slightly over 6 months and not only do we not have a solution, but we also have RADIO SILENCE!!! Thanks for nothing Roku!
- ZimmReel Rookie
I am definitely hoping for this feature.
- akakar4858Streaming Star
Exactly! Its been slightly over 6 months and not only do we not have a solution, but we also have RADIO SILENCE!!! Thanks for nothing Roku!
- ChristiaanReel Rookie
Please add this feature. Concept is good but current surround sound does not work well without the ability to turn up volume on WiFi speakers.
- alexsokoReel Rookie
I just bought the wireless speakers and soundbar and set them up for surround and the speakers are basically inaudible. This isn't just a feature. This is a complete design flaw.
- mcgoozeStreaming Star
For all who are finding the surround speakers to be inaudible, make sure your system is updated to the latest version (9.3.0, build 4170). They did a significant improvement to making the surround speakers audible, but there is still no separate user control for the balance between speakers.
- alexsokoReel Rookie
I had the most updated software (just to be sure I checked both my Roku TV and the Roku Soundbar). It is super quiet.
I don't have any plugs near my couch in my living room, my speakers are on stands on the back wall of the living room (~ 3 or 4 feet away from the couch). Unless I am standing within 1 foot of the speaker I can't hear them.
It's ridiculous to assume that everyone would have exactly the same surround setup in their space with the speakers on (what looks like in the diagram that appears during setup) a table directly behind the couch. Further, this problem would be so incredibly easy to solve by just giving an interface to increase in volume on the speakers based on distance!
- Pcola10kReel Rookie
Poor integration of the satellite speakers with the sound bar. Can't independently control rear speaker volume, base or treble. Even when setting the system to MUSIC and or NIGHT mode audio defaults to surround sound when the integrated Roku receiver receives broadcasts in surround sound on many streams. There is a workaround on Netflix and a few other streams but none found for Prime and other streams. I've spent all the time I'm going to trying to figure this out. The topic has been brought up months ago right after the rear speakers were first updated to work with the surround bar but no fix or even response from Roku. There going back.
- AztecsolNewbie
I was so impressed by the sound of my new Roku soundbar, that I went ahead and purchased the rear speakers a few days later. To my surprise, there were no individual volume controls for any speakers, let alone front vs rear. I'm truly shocked at this as no single home will have the same physical setup or layout and any proper surround system needs to be tweaked for its surroundings. This is a huge "miss" on an otherwise great system. If this is not something that will be fixed or updated soon I find myself wanting to return this and look for another solution. After spending $400 for surround sound you would think that you could control volume levels at least front and rear. Point being unlike everyone else in this thread, my rear speakers are too LOUD and I've moved them away as far as I could, they drown out normal dialogue of the movie and I've tried adjusting all 'TWO' audio controls Please fix this issue for all if your frustrated customers.
- McSorleyReel Rookie
That is interesting are you able to lay out your system and what you did with your settings to get them to be loud?
Jim McSorley
- akakar4858Streaming Star
So my issue all along hasn't been that the volume is too high or too low, my issue has been we do NOT have control over the volume to set it to high, medium, low or to specific number lets say between 1-100. There are different situations where at times you want the surround sound to be lower or higher.
- al_schueyReel Rookie
Totally agree. I can't hear the rear speakers unless they are within 12 inches of my skull. The soundbar entirely drowns them out. Did they not test this system before releasing it? If there is not going to be some sort of fix in a software update very soon, I am going to need to return the wireless speakers. Very disappointing and honestly kind of embarrassing when I hooked them up and tested with my fiance in the room. Might just sell the whole system and start over with this Sonos I hear so much about.
- mcgoozeStreaming Star
al_schuey wrote:...I can't hear the rear speakers unless they are within 12 inches of my skull. The soundbar entirely drowns them out. Did they not test this system before releasing it? ...
Have you checked to make sure you're running the latest version? (Check System update, look for version 9.30 / Build 4134. HUGE improvement. Still no independent control, but you will hear them at least.
- al_schueyReel Rookie
Ya I actually saw your comment about that last night and checked. I was indeed already running 9.3. I get the feeling I am doing something wrong because they are so dang quiet.. cant possibly how they designed it to sound. Thanks for the reply though!
- Ed1506Channel Surfer
Agreed, second. My wireless surround speakers are essentially behind the couch, and I need more volume for them to be noticeable as anything more than a money pit
- tfenneNewbie
I have the exact same issue. Just bought and setup the TV speakers as rear channels with the Soundbar and Sub, and am extremely disappointed. I can barely hear them at all when playing something with a 5.1 soundtrack. Standing with my ear 6 inches from the speaker and 15-20ft from the soundbar, the sound from the soundbar is still far louder than the sound from the TV speaker. Without an option to boost the sound from the rear speakers relative to the front channels they are practically inaudible.
Went with Roku for my basement setup since it was half the price of the Sonos setup I have elsewhere in the house. Sound quality from the soundbar and sub is great, but I'm with near-silent rears I'm getting about half the sound :( I hope this can be fixed soon.
- Turning180Newbie
Agreed! I bought the Roku TV Wireless Speakers because I already have the Roku Soundbar and Subwoofer and I wanted the wireless speakers for a surround sound experience as promised and the results have been extremely disappointing. If I would have known they were going to be so quiet I would not have gotten them. I have the speakers directly behind my bed (1 foot from my ear) I don't even notice them except for very rare instances. I previously had a cheap Logitech surround sound setup and they were a a lot better. Hopefully an update will make them adjustable because right now they are pretty much useless in surround sound mode.
- AnkMeBinge Watcher
Agree a 100% I have wireless speakers and I added the sub and bar. My wireless speakers that I was very happy with were completely wasted in surround setup. 2.1 setup with just the wireless speakers and sub sounds much better than the full surround after adding the bar as well. I returned the bar and I won’t buy it until I hear great reviews from other users here.
- McSorleyReel Rookie
This exactly my experience less the sub. Debating on sending soundbar back highOPES that ROKU CAN FIX WITH A UPDATE FIX.