How to Stop Speakers From Buzzing

Speaker buzzing issues can range from simple wiring problems to more complex electrical interference.

The presence of buzz in your speakers often indicates underlying issues within your audio setup. Buzzing elimination from your speakers starts with understanding the potential causes. By systematically addressing these causes, we can often find a simple yet effective fix. The good news: many of the solutions to these problems are straightforward and can be executed with minimal technical know-how. In this article we collected a list of troubleshooting solutions for the cases when the buzzing sound in your speakers gets really too much to handle, starting with the most basic solutions and gradually moving towards more advanced remedies. 

Why Are Speakers Buzzing?

Speakers can buzz for several reasons, often related to issues in the audio signal path, power supply, or the speakers themselves. Here are some common causes:

• Ground loops: A ground loop occurs when there is more than one ground path between two or more devices in an audio system, creating a loop that allows for unwanted current, which can cause a buzzing sound.
• Interference: Electrical interference from nearby devices (like routers, monitors, or power supplies) can induce a buzzing sound in speakers. This includes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
• Faulty wiring or connections: Loose or damaged audio cables, connectors, or poor solder joints can introduce noise into the audio signal, resulting in buzzing.
• Defective equipment: Faulty audio source equipment (such as mixers, amplifiers, or sound cards) or damaged speakers can produce a buzzing sound. This includes blown speakers or issues with the speaker’s internal components.
• Power supply issues: Problems with the power supply, such as voltage fluctuations or using an unsuitable power adapter, can lead to a buzzing noise in speakers.
• Audio signal problems: A low-quality audio signal, incorrect settings, or issues with digital-to-analog conversion can result in noise, including buzzing.
• Improper shielding: Lack of proper shielding in audio cables or within audio equipment can make the system susceptible to picking up electrical noise from the environment.

How to Stop Speakers From Buzzing

1. Adjust the volume

The interplay between the volume on your audio source and your speakers can sometimes result in a buzzing sound in speakers. An imbalance, where the source’s volume is high and the speaker’s volume is low, can lead to sound distortion.

Fine-tuning the volume levels to ensure they are balanced might be the key to how to stop speakers from buzzing. A lower volume on the source paired with a higher volume on the speakers might clear the unwanted noise.

Also read: 7 Best Free Volume Boosters for Windows 10: Increase Your Sound

2. Move your speakers

If you’re wondering how to fix buzzing sound from speakers with minimal effort, consider the possibility of interference. The placement of your speakers can influence their performance, with nearby electronics or obstacles sometimes contributing to the buzz.

Shift your speakers to a location free from electronic interference or physical obstructions. Finding the right spot can be a game of trial and error but can result in a buzz-free listening experience.

3. Plug all devices into the same socket

A common yet often underestimated cause of speakers buzzing is electrical interference, which can be significantly reduced by a simple adjustment in how we connect our audio setup. Plugging all related devices into the same socket or power strip can provide an immediate and effective solution to how to fix buzzing speakers. This method is grounded in minimizing the potential differences in electrical ground levels between devices, which is a frequent source of the annoying buzz or hum you might hear.

Besides, this method is convenient, requires no additional purchase beyond a basic power strip and no extra knowledge and expertise.

To maximize the benefits of this approach:

• Opt for a high-quality surge protector to safeguard your equipment against power spikes.
• Ensure the power strip has enough outlets to accommodate all your devices comfortably.
• Regularly inspect the power strip and all cables for signs of wear or damage.

Also read: How to add and set up sound equalizer in Windows 10?

4. Avoid frequency interference

Wireless and electronic devices produce frequencies that can interfere with your audio system, leading to speakers making a buzzing noise. This is especially true in densely populated electronic environments.

How to mitigate:

1. Identify potential sources of interference, such as routers, mobile phones, or microwaves, and move them away from your audio setup.
2. Use shielded cables and quality power supplies designed to minimize interference.

5. Troubleshoot the hardware

Troubleshooting the hardware is akin to a first-aid response for your buzzing speakers. This approach is fundamental, addressing the physical connections that are often the culprits behind the buzzing sound in speakers.

Possible steps to perform:

1. Volume control: Gently adjust the volume up and down. This can sometimes re-establish a clean connection if the issue is minor.
2. Inspect cables and ports: Examine your audio cables and ports for any signs of wear or damage. A frayed cable or a loose port can easily lead to interference.
3. Check the transformer: Power supply units or transformers can induce hum. Ensure they are properly connected and not overloaded.

6. Configure audio settings in your computer

The question of how to stop speakers from buzzing might lead you to the depths of your computer’s audio settings. Incorrect settings can sometimes be the root of the issue, making a thorough investigation and adjustment a path to clarity.

What to do:

• Venture into your audio settings, found in Control Panel or settings menu, under headings like “Sound” or “Audio.”
• Tinker with the formats by selecting your playback device, hitting “Properties,” and venturing into the “Advanced” tab to test and apply different formats.

This approach allows you to tailor your system to your hardware’s capabilities, potentially stopping the speakers from making a buzzing noise through mere configuration adjustments.

Also read: [Fixed] One or more audio service isn’t running in Windows 10

7. Update your audio driver

Central to the functioning of your computer’s audio system, the driver acts as a mediator. If you’re wondering how to fix buzzing sound from speakers, an outdated or corrupt driver might be the cause. Updating your audio driver can bridge the gap between your system and great sound, eliminating the buzzing that disrupts your audio experience.

What to do:

1. Open the Device Manager on your computer.
2. Find Sound, video and game controllers to locate your audio device.
3. Choose to update your driver by right-clicking your audio device, selecting Update driver, and following the prompts to search for and install updates.

Also read: Auslogics Driver Updater: Update Your Drivers in One Click!

8. Upgrade your cables

The issue of speakers making a buzzing noise can often be traced back to one of the most basic components of your audio setup: the cables. Inferior quality cables are prone to interference and can degrade the audio signal, leading to that frustrating buzzing sound. Upgrading your cables to higher-quality, shielded versions can be a game-changer in how you experience sound. Thus, shielded cables are designed to protect the audio signal from EMI and RFI, common culprits behind the buzzing.

Things to consider when choosing a cable:

• Look for cables with robust shielding and quality connectors. Gold-plated connectors offer superior resistance to corrosion.
• Pay attention to cable length. Shorter cables can reduce the potential for interference but ensure they’re long enough for your setup to avoid tension or accidental disconnections.
• Consider the type of cable for your specific needs (e.g., RCA, XLR, optical), as each has its own advantages depending on your equipment and setup.

Also read: How to adjust the microphone volume in Windows 10?

9. Addressing ground loops in audio systems

If you keep wondering how to stop speakers from buzzing, common troubleshooting steps often involve addressing electrical interference, and a common culprit behind buzzing sound in speakers is a ground loop.

A ground loop occurs when there are multiple paths to ground across an audio system, creating a loop that can pick up electrical interference.

How to fix the issue?

If you’ve identified a ground loop as the culprit of your buzzing speakers, using a ground loop isolator might be the solution you need. It acts as a filter that only allows the audio signal to pass through, blocking the noise caused by the ground loop. Beside its ability to significantly reduce the buzzing sound in speakers caused by ground loops, most ground loop isolators are plug-and-play devices that can be easily added to your audio chain without the need for specialized knowledge.

Conclusion

We understand how irritating a constant buzzing sound in speakers can be, detracting from your positive experiences. By following these steps, described in this article, we aim to guide you through resolving this issue in the most effective way possible. Remember, while some steps are easy and can be done immediately, others might require a bit of patience and perhaps a helping hand. Here’s to clear, buzz-free audio and the joy it brings into our lives.

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