5
Symptom Possible Problem Solution
Crackling sound
from speakers.
Sound is
distorted.
Radio
interference.
No sound from
subwoofer.
Low hum from
subwoofer.
Loud hum from
subwoofer.
Not enough bass
from subwoofer.
Too much bass
from subwoofer.
Distorted
monitor.
Bad connection.
Volume control in your computer operating system is
set too high.
A problem with your audio source device.
Volume level set too high.
Your computer operating system volume control is set
too high.
Sound source is distorted.
Too close to a radio tower.
Subwoofer volume set too low.
Sound source has little low-frequency content.
The AC in your house is at 60 cycles per second, which
is within the audio frequency of the subwoofer.
Bad connection.
Volume on your audio source device set too high.
Bass setting is too low.
Bad connection.
Bass setting is too high.
Subwoofer too close to monitor.
Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to “line-out” or “audio-out”
jack on your sound card or other audio source—NOT “speaker-out.”
Check the computer operating system volume control and decrease if
necessary.
Unplug the stereo cable from the audio source. Then plug it into the
headphone jack of an alternate audio source (e.g., Walkman, Discman or
FM radio).
Decrease master volume level.
Adjust the computer operating system volume and balance controls to the
center as a starting point, then adjust the level on the speaker using the
volume control.
.WAV files are often of poor quality. So distortion and noise are easily noticed
with high-powered speakers. Try a different sound source such as a music CD.
Move your speakers to see if the interference goes away. If not, you may be
able to purchase a shielded stereo cable from your local electronics store.
Adjust the bass level on the controller.
Many .WAV and .MID files often have little low-frequency content and sound
flat when you listen to them on a computer. Try a song with more bass—
something from your CD collection.
Some low hum may be detected when your speaker system is powered on
without an audio source playing, or when the volume is set at an extremely
low level.
Unplug the power cord from the surge protector (if used), and plug directly
into an AC wall outlet.
Move your cables. Check to ensure they are making a solid connection.
Disconnect your green stereo cable from the subwoofer. If the loud hum goes
away, lower the volume on the audio source.
Lower the master volume or bass level on your computer, portable device, etc.
Adjust the bass level on the subwoofer.
Confirm that all cables are properly connected and are making a solid
connection.
Decrease the bass level on the controller.
Because the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, it can cause distortion if
it’s too close to your monitor. Move the subwoofer so it’s at least 2 feet (0.6
M) from your monitor.
