Check Audio Interface Settings

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 75 views

Multichannel Duplex Audio Interface No Sound from Proton (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 + Pipewire)

In this article, we will explore the issue of no sound from a multichannel duplex audio interface when using Proton with a specific setup. The setup consists of a Focusrite Scarlett Gen2 18i20 audio interface, Pipewire 1.2.7, and Proton 9.0.4 on a Manjaro Linux system with OS version 6.13.5-2. We will delve into the details of the issue, provide relevant information, and attempt to find a solution.

When running Proton games, such as Baldur's Gate 3, there is no sound output to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 audio interface. The device is not detected by Proton, and no audio stream is visible in the Pipewire graph. However, when the default audio interface is changed to a different device, such as the onboard motherboard or a USB audio interface, audio works as expected. This suggests that there is an issue with the way Proton interacts with the multichannel duplex audio interface.

Here are the relevant system details:

OS: Manjaro Linux 6.13.5-2
Steam: 1741737356
Proton: 9.0.4
Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett Gen2 18i20
Pipewire: 1.2.7

The game log and system info files are attached to this article:

When running the game with the default audio interface set to the onboard motherboard or a USB audio interface, the Pipewire graph shows an audio stream. However, when the audio interface is set to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, no audio stream is visible in the graph.

Based on the information provided, it appears that there is an issue with the way Proton interacts with the multichannel duplex audio interface. Here are some possible solutions:

Update Proton: Ensure that Proton is up-to-date, as newer versions may resolve this issue.
Check Audio Interface Settings: Verify that the audio interface settings are correct and that the device is properly configured.
Use a Different Audio Interface: Try using a different audio interface to see if the issue is specific to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20.
Pipewire Configuration: Check the Pipewire configuration to ensure that it is properly set up to work with the multichannel duplex audio interface.

The issue of no sound from a multichannel duplex audio interface when using Proton with a specific setup is a complex problem that requires further investigation. By analyzing the system information, game log, and Pipewire graph, we can attempt to find a solution. If you are experiencing this issue, please try the possible solutions outlined above and provide feedback on whether they resolve the problem.

To further investigate this issue, we can:

Analyze Proton Logs: Examine the Proton logs to see if there are any error messages related to the audio interface.
Check Proton Configuration: Verify that the Proton configuration is correct and that it is properly set up to work with the multichannel duplex audio interface.
Test with Different Audio Interfaces: Try using different audio interfaces to see if the issue is specific to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20.

By working together, we can resolve this issue and provide a solution for others who may be experiencing similar problems.
Multichannel Duplex Audio Interface No Sound from Proton (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 + Pipewire) - Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the issue of no sound from a multichannel duplex audio interface when using Proton with a specific setup. We provided an overview of the problem, system information, and possible solutions. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

A: The cause of the issue is not yet fully understood, but it appears to be related to the way Proton interacts with the multichannel duplex audio interface. Further investigation is needed to determine the root cause.

A: It is not clear if this issue is specific to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 or if it affects other multichannel duplex audio interfaces. However, based on the information provided, it seems that the issue is related to the way Proton interacts with the audio interface, rather than the specific device.

A: Yes, you can try using a different audio interface to see if the issue is specific to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. However, this may not resolve the underlying issue, and you may still experience problems with other audio interfaces.

A: To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following:

Update Proton to the latest version
Check the audio interface settings and configuration
Use a different audio interface to see if the issue is specific to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Analyze the Proton logs for error messages related to the audio interface
Check the Proton configuration to ensure it is properly set up to work with the multichannel duplex audio interface

A: There is no known solution to this issue at this time. However, by working together and sharing information, we can try to find a solution.

A: Yes, you can report this issue to the Proton developers. You can submit a bug report on the Proton GitHub page or contact the Proton support team.

A: It is possible that this issue will be resolved in a future version of Proton. However, this is not guaranteed, and further investigation is needed to determine the root cause of the issue.

The issue of no sound from a multichannel duplex audio interface when using Proton with a specific setup is a complex problem that requires further investigation. By answering these FAQs, we can provide more information and guidance to those who may be experiencing similar problems. If you have any further questions or would like to share your experience, please feel free to comment below.