Dock G5 does not transfer sound to external sound card from HP Elite x360 830 13 inch G11

[VaclavBroz]

Using an external sound card (Apogee Duet) and a brand new computer HP Elite x360 830 13 inch G11

When the sound card is connected to the dock and the dock to the computer, the computer recognises the sound card, and on the OS everything seems fine, even the gauges in volume mixer indicated sound is being sent to the card, also it is possible to control the card settings including volume and other effects. But sound is not received by the card.

When connecting the sound card directly to the notebook everything works.

With a previous notebook from HP (Spectre 13) everything works.

Tried with different cables and different port combinations (USB-C / USB-A plugs) and same results.

My analysis is that the notebook uses a newer standard for the sound stream that the dock is not able to process correctly although the sound card is.

Note: downloaded the latest firmware and driver of the dock, same result.

[erico]

Since the HP (Spectre 13) worked as expected, I see the issue as the HP Elite x360 830 13 inch G11 laptop not having the ports with the required specifications.

The only output ports that could work would be the Thunderbolt 4 USB4 Type-C 40 Gbps ports; (USB Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4).

Have you used the Windows sound output to select the dock or the Duet?

Use Windows key + Ctrl+V to invoke the Windows sound output selection option.

It does always help if you include the operation system.

[VaclavBroz]

When connecting the sound card directly to the notebook via USB-C or USB-A, everything functions correctly. This suggests that the sound card and notebook share compatible protocols. In both configurations, Windows recognizes the sound card as "Speakers (Apogee Duet 3)," not as an audio output from the dock or any other emulated device. Windows treats the sound card consistently across all setups. Ideally, the dock should not restrict protocols and should support proper negotiation to establish the correct protocol when there is compatibility.

[erico]

What do you have? The image from Apogee shows their Duet 3 has two USB Type -C ports.

The user manual also says nothing about USB Type-A ports as an input option.

" the dock should not restrict protocols and should support proper negotiation to establish the correct protocol when there is compatibility."

Interesting thing to state. The reality is that the dock is going to work as it was designed and be fully compatible with some devices and not with others.  That is just the nature of docks.

[VaclavBroz]

Indeed I have exactly that. On Apogee side, there are 2 USB-C ports. Connecting that to the notebook directly either using the USB-C plugs (there are 2) or the USB-A plugs (there are 2) works. Any connection involving the Dock in between fails.

[VaclavBroz]

Regarding your general statement that in reality things do not work by design, I cannot agree here, it's clearly a defect I am trying just to understand if it's a design defect affecting all pieces or if it's a firmware update pending or if it's one piece that does not function properly.

From Dock G5 documentation:

Designed with universal compatibility in mind, this dock works with both HP and non-HP USB-C®- and Thunderbolt™-enabled laptops. For USB-C® functionality, host PC must support the DisplayPort™ Alt mode protocol through its USB-C® port. Thunderbolt™-enabled notebooks will function at USB-C® speeds. 

From HP Elite x360 830 G11 Notebook documentation:

Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB Type-C® 40Gbps signalling rate (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort™ 1.4)

So the notebook clearly complies with the requirements of the dock and both are HP so no discussion if somebody is cheating.

[erico]

USB Type-A ports does not support Display Port Alt mode.

What is the icon next to the USB Type-C  Thunderbolt ports on your laptop? 

Does it have the lightning bolt or the White D with a P inside?

It is clear that the Spectre 13 you used before had Alt DP Mode support, based on your reported experience.

Here is a thread from 2022 you should take a look at.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Video-Display-and-Touch/HP-G5-states-compatibility-with-all-H...

The HP PCB (product content browser) database does not list  HP EliteBook x360  830 G11 Compatibility with the G5 dock.

The  HP Elite x360 830 G11 Notebook is compatible with the HP USB-C G2 Travel Dock.

Is your dock the USB-C G5 Essential dock or the  USB-C Dock G5?  There are two versions of the G5 dock.

[VaclavBroz]

I know that USB-A does not support Display port. But the sound card only requires USB protocol (3.x probably) and that can be handled by the USB-A plug.

USB-C icon is IMHO not relevant. By the way, on this NTB, it only indicates that it's a charging USB plug.

I appreciate your effort to solve the issue by looking in compatibility tables HP approved resellers on the contrary have compatibility stated yes and for a reason:

1) the sound card uses USB 3.0 protocol

2) the dock has USB 3.0 supported

3) the computer has USB 3.2 supported

The display port is not relevant here, it's more relevant for displays.

When connecting a sound card through a dock, the dock should just pass the stream through and since all devices are stated supporting USB 3.x, then it's a bug. Yes, HP can issue some statement that it is by design, but that's basically always possible for anything and given the USB standard and the general purpose of the G5 dock station, I am just very disappointed.

I think there is no HP engineers on this forum that could move this forward, like report the bug to the product team so that the firmware can be fixed. Correct?

[erico]

I think you have already decided that your laptop must be compatible with the dock and all must work as you believe.

Good luck!