If speakers make a loud noise, crackle or crackle without music or a podcast playing, there could be a defect. We help troubleshoot and give tips.
PC speakers, Bluetooth speakers, surround system, soundbar: If there is noise, it’s really annoying. Sometimes the speaker is broken – but often it’s just a small problem that can be fixed in a few seconds.
Loudspeakers hiss without music: causes, tips + solutions
Before you send your speakers back or dispose of them, you should first check the most important points. The cause can be in the hardware (speakers, cables, sound card, connections), but also in the software (drivers, settings).
Active speakers always make a little noise
If the speakers have their own power connection, then it is Aktivlautsprecher: There is one with them amplifier built-in. Most PC speakers, but also studio monitors, are active speakers. What they all have in common: If there is no music, it is a slight hissing audible – but usually only at close range (approx. 30 cm). It can also be heard when no device is connected to the speakers.
Active speakers like the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT rustle quietly without music. This is normal for most active speakers and nothing to worry about (Image source: GIGA)
Some models also make a cracking or popping noise when turned on. Both of these are annoying, but absolutely normal – even with expensive models. If the noise is still clearly audible from 1-2 meters and even when quiet music is playing, the speakers may be defective.
Volume set incorrectly
In some situations you have it two (or more) volume controls to do, which can be set independently of each other. The classic case: Software on a laptop plays music – it is the input source. The laptop is connected to PC boxes via an RCA cable, from which the music then sounds. There are in both places Volume control (Label: Usually a triangular bar with “Volume” or “+/-”) Found: Once in the software (e.g. as a slider) and once on the speakers (usually as a rotary control that you can touch). If the volume control on the box is turned all the way up, then maybe it will inaudible noise from the input source amplified so much that you notice it.
Solution: The Turn down the volume on the speakers and increase it in the software. You can read how you can set the Windows 10 equalizer and change the volume in the linked articles.
Check cable
For wired speakers it helps all connecting cables to consider. This includes:
Unplug everything and plug it back in again – Are the plugs firmly seated in the sockets? Is a plug sticking out or wobbly? Are plugs (or input sockets) dirty, bent or corroded? Then the cause could lie here. 3.5 mm jack to RCA: This is how some cell phones can be connected to the line input of the stereo system. If the plugs are loose or are not fully inserted, noise and failures can occur (Image source: GIGA) Rather rare: They may be Signal cable damaged between source (laptop, cell phone) and receiver/amplifier or speakers. Are somewhere Kinks or cracks in the cables to see? Solution: Buy new cables. Sometimes they are too Bushings damagedinto which the cables are plugged. 3.5 mm jack sockets, such as those found on some cell phones, but also MP3 players and laptops, are particularly susceptible. They can really wear out over the years. In the long run, only repairing or replacing the device will help. In the short term, one can changed angle (Turn the plug slightly, lay the cable differently) to ensure better contact. If a signal cable is plugged into a switched-on AV receiver (or amplifier or active loudspeaker), but no source at the other end of the cable (e.g. cell phone or laptop) is connected, an audible noise may occur. Some adapters (e.g. Lightning jack or USB-C jack) cause noise if they are not plugged into the smartphone but are already connected to a speaker system. Solution: First connect everything together and then turn on the receiver.
Microphone as the cause
There’s one somewhere Microphone plugged in and active? Solution: Unplug or deactivate via software.
Interference: external noise
Sometimes the source of the hissing, clicking, crackling or other strange noises is also a Influence from the environmentwhere the speakers are located. These can primarily be devices that communicate wirelessly (smartphone, wireless mouse, keyboard, etc.). The most common case is a cell phone or tablet (with a SIM card) lying on the desk that is currently making contact with the nearest cell tower (e.g. because of an incoming call or text message). This can help here Cell phone further away to lay, to turn off or in the Flight mode to switch.At Bluetooth Boxes This can also lead to disruptions and terminations through WiFi routers or other devices in the household come, send out waves. This is then referred to as “electromagnetic interference sources”. By the way, this applies to both directions, as Bluetooth and WLAN 802.11 b and 802.11 g use the same radio frequency (2.4 GHz). The quickest way to find out is to temporarily turn off the WiFi router. Possible permanent solution: Switch the home network on the WLAN router to 5 GHz.
“Humming loop”: What is it and what helps against it?
A hum or ground loop is “a ground connection of an electrical cabling or wiring that is closed in a loop”. This can occur, for example, if the source (e.g. laptop or PC) and the active loudspeaker are connected to two different sockets plugged in, but connected to each other with a signal cable – hence the term “loop”. Solution: Plug both devices into one socket. To do this, you obviously need a multiple plug or a power strip – all the power plugs go in there and the hum loop should disappear. You can hear what a hum loop sounds like on Wikipedia.
Record player: It rustles and crackles
Record players work analogue, which always involves a certain amount of noise. If it is very quiet, it can contribute to the typical atmosphere that vinyl fans appreciate. If it is noticeably loud, it could be an inferior or defective amplifier (or phono preamplifier) be the cause. Then the only option is to have it repaired or buy better equipment.
Check and update software
The error may lie in the software that plays the music or controls the sound card (Firmware, drivers). Here it is recommended to look for a suitable one Update to look and install it. Then restart the computer.
Check internal sound card
For very cheap PCs and laptops one could inferior sound card be the cause of permanent noise. If the manufacturer had to save money in order to reduce the price, this component is often affected. Solution: Replace the internal sound card with a higher quality brand model or a external sound card (e.g. FiiO E10K on Amazon).
You don’t want to miss any more news about technology, games and pop culture? No current tests and guides? Then follow us on Facebook or Twitter.