Why Do Computer Speakers Hiss?

Why Do Computer Speakers Hiss?

You're not the only one who has ever been working on their computer and heard a hissing sound coming from the speakers. This is a regular problem that can be annoying and take your attention away, but knowing why it happens can help you fix it. This article explains why computer speakers hiss and what you can do to stop it.

1. Electrical Interference

Electrical disturbance is one of the main reasons why computer speakers hiss. This might happen if there are other electronics close to your computer or sound setup that send out electric waves. These signals can interfere with your speakers, causing a hissing sound.

Solution: It's best to keep your speakers away from things like computers, smartphones, and even TVs. You can also cut down on crosstalk by connecting your speakers to shielded wires.

2. Poor Quality Components

There are also big effects that can be caused by the speakers and computer parts that are used. Speakers and sound cards that aren't very good often don't have the shielding and filters that keep out annoying noise.

Solution: If you buy better speakers and sound cards, hissing will be much less noticeable. Look for items that have been reviewed well and say that the sound is clear and there is little distortion.

3. Ground Loop Issues

When there are multiple ground routes in an electrical system, current flows in a loop that makes noise in the audio stream. This is called a ground loop. When you put different things into different outlets, this problem often happens.

Solution: This issue can be fixed by using a ground loop blocker. Instead, making sure that all of your electronics are plugged into the same power strip can help keep everything in sync.

4. Audio Cable Issues

The wires that connect your speakers to your computer may also be making noise. Cables that are broken or not very good can pick up radiation and send it to your speakers.

Solution: Check your cords to see if they are broken. Most of the time, getting new, high-quality wires that are insulated can make a big difference in how good the sound is.

5. Software and Driver Problems

Problems can sometimes be traced back to settings in the software or tools that are too old. If your audio settings are off or your drivers don't work together, noise can come through the speakers.

Solution: Check to see if your sound drivers are up to date. Make sure that the music settings on your computer are set up properly by checking them. Changing the sound settings or installing new drivers can sometimes fix the problem.

6. External Factors

Hissing sounds can also be caused by things outside of the computer, like noise in the surroundings or problems with the power source. If your power isn't stable or is fluctuating, noise can get into your music system.

Solution: A power conditioner or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help keep your speakers and computer's power steady. This lowers the chance of noise from power changes.

It can be annoying when your speakers hiss, but with a little research, you can usually find and fix the problem. Getting rid of electrical interference, improving your hardware, or changing the settings in your software are some of the things you can do to get hiss-free sound from your computer speakers.

Back to blog