Left Ear Only Audio Playback

[silentandcliche]

I know I'm going to sound like a noob here and I have searched the forums to find my same issue so, if I need to be re-directed, I apologize in advance. I promise I tried....

I am only getting sound through one side of my headphones (left) through multiple interfaces. I am currently on the third one. This is not just an issue within my DAW. If I am using any of the interfaces as audio output, it is only in the left, no matter the application. To re-iterate, it isn't an issue of me RECORDING mono, the playback at any time through the device is mono. Haven't even had a chance to get to messing with making sure my tracks are recording stereo.

3 interfaces attempted
1. 1st gen Focusrite 2i2- Heard this was a common issue with the model so, ordered the 2i4...
2. 2i4 - same issue. Read that this was more of a common issue with Focusrite hardware in general so, bought a Yamaha MK2.
3. Yamaha MK2 - Same issue!

Clearly it's an issue with settings, not hardware.

Things I've tried:
1. Updating drivers- tried both ASIO & MME. ASIO is the only way I could get any interface to actually record. Again, it was all in my left ear but, at least it recorded.
2. Checking windows audio settings but, from everything I'm seeing, I can find no reason the sound is coming out mono.
3. Read lots of old useless forum posts on similar topics. Most end at "switch from stereo to Mono input in your DAW...". Which hey! May be an issue down the road but, as I said, haven't even been able to get that far.

I'm a at a loss here. More than happy to provide screenshots of settings, was just honestly not sure where to start with this one. I'm using MuTools as my DAW if that helps.

I'm a musician that's recorded for years but, I'm just now learning how be my own sound engineer. It's something I've avoided like the plague for issues exactly like this: I just want to record some music. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[manytone]

Gday
1 - Have you tried any other speakers or output options besides your headphones?
2 - If so I notice on my headphone output I might need to wiggle the jack a bit to get sound proper.Just an option to check.

More info needed like have you tried other output options?
Cheers Paul

[BertKoor]

Clearly it's an issue with settings, not hardware.

I'd question the headphone itself: hardware! Does it work OK with any other device than your interfaces?
Could be the cable is broken, or the plug isn't fully inserted or isn't making good contact.

[silentandcliche]

First, thank you both for the response.

But sadly, yes, I've tried multiple headphones and it's the same issue with all of them. They also all work fine with any other device I use them on. It could be an issue with the jack but again, this now 3 different devices that all have bad jacks? It's definitely possible, would just like to rule it out before returning and buying yet another interface...

I haven't tried speakers, tho. Suppose I could give that a shot. Would really like to be able to listen to playback on headphones, tho.

This is the only option I've tried on each device. Simply plug my headphones into the jack at the front of each interface. I thought I had tried different 1/8" to 1/4" adapters but, maybe I hadn't. I'll give that a shot when I get home tonight. Maybe the adapter is just shot.

You guys pretty confident that's where the issue is, tho? Hardware, not software?

[BertKoor]

Same issue on three different interfaces: no, it's definitely not a setting there.
Three different headphones, that's no coincidence.

One and the same adapter? There's a good possible cause!
Maybe a connection inside has bent or got lose. Costs maybe $5 to replace it, just try a new adapter.

[silentandcliche]

Well, sorry for wasting your time. It was the adapter... Thank you both for responding and helping.

[manytone]

You are welcome! Glad you got it sorted. Enjoy the Stereo World

[Sky Mur]

OP, may I ask you what was wrong with the adapter exactly? Or was it just an invisible thing inside of it?