Despite all of the handy work-arounds and hotfixes players have come up with, I'd much rather have the developers make it so their game plays at the same default level as anything else. Having to turn up my speakers just to be able to hear Skyrim is annoying.

RealTek HD Audio. Updated.

Oftentimes voices are really low, especially when dramatic music is playing at the same time. I have music turned down and all other sounds maxed and it still doesn't quite do it. The volume on my PC is on max as is my headphones volume adjust (which is separate). I suppose I could try my old Soundblaster Audigy 2 to see if its better than the integrated Realtek, but I really don't want to mess with it.

I normally have my speakers at 44% for all games and normal PC usage, but when playing Skyrim I have to turn it to 100%.

I actually have to turn my system sound settings way down because the in game sound in deafeningly loud.

Realtek ALC662 HD audio and low volume on voices if wearing headphones (i tried two different pairs). if i plug in my speakers everything is fine