Sound and audio issues are surprisingly common in the world of VR. Most of these issues can be attributed to SteamVR, but they are usually easy to fix.
There are three primary methods to ensure your audio is working properly:
1. SteamVR > Settings > Audio
- Under Set Playback Device, ensure the HTC Vive is selected.
- Under Mirror Audio to Device, ensure your TV or other audio device is selected (If you are mirroring audio to another device, like a TV).
- Restart SteamVR.
An easy way to test this is to use the Windows Volume Mixer - click on the sound icon on your Windows task bar (bottom-right of the computer screen, normally) and move the volume bar up and down. You should hear a "ping" through both the headset and the TV if it worked.
2. Check your PC volume selections:
- Click on the sound icon on your Windows task bar (bottom-right of the computer screen, normally).
- Ensure sound is not muted.
- Notice that above the volume bar, a specific audio device will be selected.
- Select the displayed audio device and click through the various alternative audio devices
- Each time you select a new audio device, move the volume bar up and down to check for sound.
3. Check your TV volume selections
- If using a TV for mirrored audio, ensure the TV itself is not on mute or turned down.
NOTE: Games using the Unreal Game Engine will NOT emit sound unless the game itself is selected and at the "forefront" of all other applications. Simply use "alt-tab" until the game is selected.
Other tips and suggestions:
- Move the headset to wake it from standby mode.
- Try swapping Windows audio device to "Speakers - 2-USB Audio Device". In Windows, right click on Volume icon in the task tray. Right click "Speakers 2-USB Audio Device". Select "Set As Default Device".
- For more information and troubleshooting tips, check out this link: HTC Vive Troubleshooting