Sometimes your speaker starts delivering abnormal sounds when audio is playing. This might be due to cable failure, poor wiring, and blown speakers, among others. Understanding the cause of humming in your speakers ensures quick and faster troubleshooting of the problem. Speaker humming due to poor wiring can get resolved by replacing or repairing the wires.
Humming can cause damage to your speakers, especially at high loudness. It is thus vital to repair the problems in your speaker for a comforting performance. There are various recommended steps that one can follow to get rid of the humming problem. This article will guide you on the causes of humming and the recommended steps of fixing the issues.
Causes of amplifier hum through speakers
It is normal to have a humming noise from your speakers when your audio plays. Several reasons can result in your speaker humming, as discussed below;
- Ground loops
These are common audio problems in speakers that cause hum problems. Plugging several electrical types of equipment into the same AC but in different channels results in ground loops. This creates a single loop. It results in AC voltage level differences producing hums.
An audio system with different potential AC plugs leads to ground loop occurrence.
- Alternating current line noise
Devices with motors produce electromagnetic interference that may end up creating noise in the speakers. Various standard appliances with motors include hair dryers, coffee grinders, and blenders. These devices produce some noise when turned on, interfering with one’s listening.
These appliances emit EMI, producing hums. While indoors, it is obvious that different appliances will be in use. Thus, on usage, one will get to hear such noises from the devices.
- Faulty wiring.
Several rules govern the way wiring should be done. The first rule states that power cables should not be in close contact or run near electric wires. Lines should be protected or covered with a shield to avoid humming problems.
The second rule on wiring supports that the looping of antenna signal cables should be avoided. Noise comes out when the wires are twisted. The cables thus become electrically induced to become antennas. Poorly covered lines acquired cheaply will result in humming problems.
Micro-phonic cables result in body shocks which can turn into noticeable signals.
- Mechanical noise
Poorly designed transformers will lead to speaker humming. The speaker parts will produce noise when music or any audio is playing in the speaker. Such noise results due to poor assembling of the transformer.
Transformers which are poorly designed are prone to lamination rattle. Direct current on the line causes this lamination rattle. Transformers are not immunized against this rattle and thus will end up introducing hums on the speaker.
- Blown- out speakers
Damaged speakers end up humming as you play audios on your speaker, interfering with your listening. Speakers’ voice coil may get damaged hence causing damage to the speaker cone. However, the humming will depend on the extent of the speaker’s damage. Speakers will hum more when fully damaged.
- Noise from your computer
Computerized devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets are vulnerable to electromagnetic intrusion in their components. The device motherboards and sound cards can cause hums. Using digital to analog converters in your computer can introduce noise to your speakers.
- Radiofrequency interference (RFI)
Frequency bands get interfered with by electromagnets bringing about RFI. Wireless devices use radio frequency transporter signals in data transmission. These signals result in noises from your radio speakers.
- Noise from your USB cable
USB cables are shielded, but some stray currents might end up leaking into these shields. Hums result from this since USB connections are not fully protected against noise.
Troubleshooting humming problems
In most cases, these humming problems can be resolved even without incurring high costs. To eliminate these problems, ensure that you follow the steps, and you will end up fixing the issues.
Ground loops can be eliminated by ensuring that all your devices are connected via a single socket. Using a surge protector plugged into the wall will best solve this problem. In case you can’t accommodate a single socket, you can acquire a hum eliminator.
AC line noise can be excluded by eliminating the noise-producing devices. Isolation transformers and UPSs in your AC line will do away with interferences in your device.
Radiofrequency filters will best fix any RFI problem in your radio system. Ensure that Bluetooth-enabled devices are kept away from your radio system if not in use. Another way to fix RF problems is by using EMI obstructive approaches.
To troubleshoot computer hums, ensure you use advanced sound cards and superior audio interfaces to reduce or eliminate this problem.
On wiring, check on the type of wires you are using. Microphonic cables result in shocks that result in humming. A good example is in the case of guitar cables.
The best way to fix blown-up speakers is by replacing them entirely. In this way, it is more straightforward and cost-effective in that you will have to spend again fixing the problem in the future. It could also be better to replace the speaker’s coil, cone, or other moving parts. Ensure you get the specific element from a qualified source.
Transformer hums can be resolved by fixing an AC regulator between the audio structures and power mains. The regulator helps in eliminating any irritating direct current present on the power.
One can fit ferrite choke cables can be fit on USB cables to obstruct them. One can use USB nose filters, and these will troubleshoot any USB hum problem.
Conclusion
If your speaker hums, try to trace the cause of the problem. Test whether it may be due to the loudness of the volume and regulate it. If the humming persists, try changing your cables, sockets, or maybe disconnecting your devices from the power source. It will be easier to rectify a problem when you get the origin of the problem.
By applying the above-discussed tips, you will be able to eliminate any humming problems from your speaker. You got to enjoy the best performance of your speaker. It is thus possible to eliminate these humming problems.
If you aren’t fixed it so far, the watch this video below:
