Popping noise from subwoofers when turned on is a common problem with most subwoofers all over. When you experience this issue, you should not be too worried since it can be easily fixed without a professional. There are a variety of reasons why subwoofers begin to pop. When there is an excessive amount of distortion or power being delivered to the speaker, you will have audio difficulties.
Several factors can contribute to the popping or cracking sound produced by a subwoofer. A filthy signal from the amplifier or receiver, an underperforming receiver, the auto-on feature, interfering signals, overheating of the amplifier or receiver, or clipping could be contributing factors. However, the most common reason for speaker popping or crackling is a disruption in the current and audio signal flowing through the speaker.
This article contains several tips on how to troubleshoot this problem. You will find the main causes of the issue and also answers to the frequently asked questions. Follow the steps given below keenly to get the best results.
Simple steps to troubleshoot your subwoofer
- Turn the receiver off.
- Connect the subwoofer properly to your receiver or your amp
- If you find any electronic device nearby that might interfere with the sub, turn it off
- Make sure to move all the subwoofer wires far from electrical cords
- If the issue persists, reset your subwoofer to the factory default setting.
- Try a different sub to be certain where the problem is.
Troubleshooting the popping noise in your subwoofer
Step 1; ensure you have disabled the Auto on setting
It is possible to use the Auto to automatically switch on the subwoofer whenever it senses an input signal. As a result, electricity consumption is reduced, and internal temperature is reduced as well.
Step 2; the wireless subwoofer interference
When your woofer is wireless, it’s possible that wireless interference is causing the problem. It is possible to have wireless interference when signals overlap and interact negatively, causing the Wi-Fi signal to become disrupted or weak.
It is necessary to hardwire your subwoofer to the receiver to rule out this possibility as soon as possible. An RCA cable or, better yet, a subwoofer cable should be used to create this connection. The problem is likely caused by interference if the problem disappears after you hardwired the device. Wireless technology is no exception; it has its own set of restrictions.
Fixing the wireless interference:
- Shift the subwoofer around the area until the popping noise stops. However, this may not be the ideal solution because of the importance of a subwoofer location in a home theatre. People like to put their woofer behind their couch, for example.
- Make a few moves with your Wi-Fi devices until the popping stops. That may not be the best option because several gadgets could be creating trouble, and you don’t know which one.
- Maintain a barrier between your subwoofer and any other equipment. It is possible to employ various Wi-Fi shields to protect the sub from other nearby devices while still maintaining connectivity with the Wi-Fi receiver. Solid shields are available for purchase, but you should first experiment with foil to determine if it works.
- Make sure that the subwoofer is using a channel as far distant from the other wireless devices as feasible if you have a large number of them in your home.
Step 3; switch the AV receiver and the amplifier out
When the popping sound occurs, it is conceivable that the receiver or amplifier is providing an unclean signal to the subwoofer, creating the popping sound. In this situation, the subwoofer may be delivering “pulses” within the audio stream for an unexplained cause, causing the problem.
For a fast check to see whether it is this, detach the RCA cable or the subwoofer cable from the sub on the receiver’s port or from the amplifier, but leave the subwoofer powered on for a few seconds. Alternatively, if the problem disappears, the receiver or amplifier may be at fault.
Step 4; pulling excess power from your receiver
If the speakers are linked to your subwoofer and are drawing a significant amount of power, this could be the source of the problem.
It will eventually fail due to the strain placed on the receiver or amplifier, resulting in the popping sound. Purchase a decent digital amplifier capable of handling the demanding speakers to remedy the situation.
Step 5; underpowering a subwoofer and mismatching power clipping
Under-powering the subwoofer is not always a bad thing. All this implies is that the subwoofer will not have enough power, and as a result, whatever is playing will feel weak and devoid of clarity. It becomes problematic, though, when the sub is attached to an overworked amplifier and puts out a clipped output.
Step 6; the voice coil shorting
Subwoofer popping often indicates specific voice coil burns. Long copper wire wound around a magnet and fastened to the cone is the voice coil. The cone moves when an electrical signal runs through the coil, responding to the magnetic field. This movement produces vibrations and sound.
Step 7; connectivity issues
A loose connection disrupts the current, causing popping. The subwoofer popping and humming is extremely annoying.
Step 8; replacing your cables
Audio transmissions can be disrupted by old, worn-out, and broken wires with shorts. Subwoofer Cable Replacement. It may be as simple as changing the RCA or subwoofer cable.
Step 9; power issues with the AC
Dirty power can create subwoofer pops. Remember that AC electricity is a sinusoidal wave and that problems with the circuit in your home might create changes in the wave. If that doesn’t work, try another plugin in another room.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when the level is turned down, it is common for your subwoofer to start popping. If your subwoofer continues to pop even after the sub is turned off, you are most likely working with a malfunctioning amplifier. A loose connection could be in the wires to the amp, voice coil, or subwoofer. Check that none of the wires are loose or melted. It is also important to check and tighten the speaker cone wires. In addition, as previously stated, if the subwoofer is cracking or popping when no signal is delivered, it is most likely due to a burnt-out voice coil in the amplifier.
When your subwoofer makes popping and cracking noises, there could be various reasons for this to happen. Problems with the voice coil, auto-on feature, amplifier/receiver, or actual connecting cords are the most likely causes of this problem. However, if you put in the effort to go through the troubleshooting and identify the underlying reason, the problem will probably be resolved. If the problem does not seize, contact a professional.
