Fixed: Getting different results in Exclusive Mode (Windows 11) on Tidal vs Qobuz. Anyone know why?

[bgtees]

Trying out a few of the streaming services that offer higher quality/lossless tracks. So far I like Tidal the best, but I can't seem to get Exclusive Mode working correctly. Running Windows 11.

• If I open the Qobuz app and select my external DAC (Atom 2) in Exclusive Mode, then the Windows volume control has no effect on volume levels and I cannot hear sounds from any other Windows programs in my headphones.
• But, in Tidal, if I do the same thing (put it in Exclusive Mode), I am still able to raise/lower the volume using Windows (even on FLAC tracks) and I can hear sounds from other Windows programs in my headphones.

Why the difference? (All streaming apps except the one I'm listening to are closed during listening.)

Edit - Adding screenshots. If I close Tidal app and open Qobuz app, Exclusive Mode works as expected. Close Qobuz app and open Tidal app and I get the results described above.

Edit2 - Well, time tested solution. Turned everything off, rebooted PC, turned DAC back on, and now Exclusive Mode works as expected. Interestingly, volume is much lower on Tidal FLACs than Qobuz, but not a big deal.

 

[Vincent Kars]

I cannot hear sounds from any other Windows programs in my headphones.

That is exactly what "Exclusive" is about. The program has an exclusive lock on the device and it talks straight to it bypassing the Win audio. This allows for automatic sample rate switching.

If you can hear other audio streams, it is shared mode.

 

[bgtees]

That is exactly what "Exclusive" is about. The program has an exclusive lock on the device and it talks straight to it bypassing the Win audio. This allows for automatic sample rate switching.

If you can hear other audio streams, it is shared mode.

That's my question essentially. Why is Exclusive Mode in Tidal not functioning like it should? Tidal Win11 app says it's in Exclusive Mode, but it does not appear to be.

 

[Minimalismusik]

Maybe there is another application forcing exclusive mode, but that is strange because Qobuz works. I found this, seems logical:

https://www.reddit.com/r/TIdaL/comments/15joetg

 

[Jimbob54]

Been a while since I used Tidal on Windows (and will check later) but if i remember rightly there are more settings you need to flick - somewhere in listening settings- about disabling volume control and wot not before it works.

Will report back later when I have access to PC and DAC

 

[jcarys]

On Tidal, are you sure that the output is selected for your Atom? When I start up Tidal it always defaults to System default. You can see it on the little speaker icon at bottom right. When I select my Topping DAC from the list, then I can truly enable Exclusive Mode on the More settings option.

 

[bgtees]

Update with screenshots. If I close Tidal app and open Qobuz app, Exclusive Mode works as expected. Close Qobuz app and open Tidal app and I get the results described above.