If you are trying to use Adobe Audition on Windows 11 and notice that DirectSound input is not supported, you are not alone. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to record audio using certain devices. Fortunately, there are simple ways to address this issue.
This guide will walk you through easy and detailed steps to fix Adobe Audition’s DirectSound input problem on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.
By the end of this article, you will understand what causes the issue and how to resolve it effectively. Let’s get started and get your audio recording back on track.
Remember, patience is key, and following these instructions carefully will help avoid unnecessary complications.
Quick Note
Before beginning the troubleshooting process, make sure you have the following ready:
- A Windows 11 PC with administrative access.
- Adobe Audition installed and updated to the latest version.
- Audio input device (like a microphone) connected and recognized by Windows.
- Basic familiarity with Windows Sound Settings.
Checking these prerequisites ensures your system is ready for the fixes discussed below.
Step 1: Verify Windows Sound Settings
First, confirm that your audio input device is properly set up in Windows 11. If Windows does not recognize your microphone or input device, Adobe Audition won’t be able to use it.
- Right-click the Speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
- Scroll down to the Input section.
- Make sure your desired input device (microphone) is selected.
- Speak into the microphone and check if the input level bar moves. This indicates Windows is receiving audio.
Why this matters: Adobe Audition relies on Windows to detect audio devices. If Windows itself doesn’t see the device, Audition can’t use DirectSound input either.
Step 2: Change Adobe Audition Audio Hardware Settings
Sometimes, Adobe Audition defaults to an audio driver mode that does not support your device. Switching the audio hardware preferences can resolve this.
- Open Adobe Audition.
- Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio Hardware.
- Under Default Input, select your microphone or the correct input device.
- In the Driver Class dropdown, try selecting MME instead of DirectSound or WASAPI.
- Click OK and restart Adobe Audition.
Why switch Driver Class? DirectSound may have compatibility issues on Windows 11 with some devices. MME is a more basic audio driver model that can work better in these cases.
Step 3: Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can prevent DirectSound from functioning correctly. Updating or reinstalling drivers often fixes this.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your audio input device (e.g., microphone or sound card) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
- If no updates are found, you can also uninstall the device and reboot your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Why this helps: Proper drivers ensure Windows and Adobe Audition communicate correctly with your audio hardware.
Step 4: Check Privacy Settings for Microphone Access
Windows 11 includes privacy controls that may block Adobe Audition from accessing your microphone.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Go to Privacy & security > Microphone.
- Make sure Microphone access for the device is turned On.
- Scroll down and verify that Let apps access your microphone is enabled.
- Find Adobe Audition in the list of apps and ensure it has permission to use the microphone.
Why this matters: Without microphone permissions, Adobe Audition cannot receive input, regardless of hardware setup.
Step 5: Use WASAPI as an Alternative Audio Driver
If DirectSound input is still not supported, you can try using the WASAPI driver mode, which is designed for modern Windows systems and often offers better performance.
- Open Adobe Audition.
- Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Audio Hardware.
- Set Driver Class to WASAPI.
- Select your input device under Default Input.
- Click OK and restart Adobe Audition.
Note: WASAPI mode may introduce latency on some systems but is generally more compatible with Windows 11.
Advanced Option: Run Adobe Audition in Compatibility Mode
If none of the above steps work, running Adobe Audition in compatibility mode for Windows 10 may help.
- Close Adobe Audition.
- Right-click the Adobe Audition shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10 from the dropdown.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch Adobe Audition and check if DirectSound input is now supported.
This trick forces the app to behave as if running on an earlier Windows version and can resolve driver compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Adobe Audition say DirectSound input is not supported?
This usually happens because Windows 11 or your audio drivers do not fully support DirectSound input for your device. It might also be due to privacy settings blocking microphone access.
Can I use other audio driver modes in Adobe Audition?
Yes. You can switch between MME, WASAPI, and sometimes ASIO drivers depending on your hardware. WASAPI is recommended for Windows 10 and 11 for better compatibility.
Will updating Windows fix this issue?
Sometimes, Windows updates include fixes for audio driver compatibility. Keeping Windows updated is always a good practice but may not always resolve this specific problem.
Is this issue specific to Windows 11?
DirectSound input issues are more common on Windows 11 due to changes in audio architecture. Older versions of Windows may have fewer problems with DirectSound.
Can third-party audio interfaces cause this problem?
Yes, some USB or external audio devices may not support DirectSound well on Windows 11. Using their dedicated drivers or switching to WASAPI mode often helps.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot get Adobe Audition to support DirectSound input, consider the following options:
- Visit Adobe’s official support page: Adobe frequently updates troubleshooting guides and forums that might have solutions specific to your hardware.
- Contact your audio device manufacturer: They may have updated drivers or software patches for Windows 11 compatibility.
- Use alternative recording software: Temporary use of another program to capture audio might be necessary while waiting for fixes.
- Reinstall Adobe Audition: A clean install can sometimes resolve corrupted preferences or files causing the issue.
Conclusion
Fixing Adobe Audition’s DirectSound input issue on Windows 11 involves a few straightforward checks and adjustments. Start by ensuring your audio device is recognized by Windows and that permissions are granted. Next, adjust Adobe Audition’s audio hardware settings and try alternative driver modes like MME or WASAPI.
Updating your audio drivers and running the program in compatibility mode can further improve results. If problems persist, official support and community forums are valuable resources.
By following these detailed steps carefully, you should be able to restore audio input functionality in Adobe Audition and continue your audio projects without interruption.