Why are my speakers crackling? That’s a question most of us don’t want to ask because it means there is something wrong with the device.
There are instances where you can hear the crackling even when the sound is muted. What should you do when this happens?
Hearing those crackling sounds while you’re engrossed in a movie or listening to your favorite music is not only frustrating but irritating, too. So let’s talk about these annoying crackles, what causes them, and how to fix the problem.
What Is Static Noise?
Static is an amplified electrical noise on your speaker. Others refer to it as power line interference, causing electromagnetic waves on a frequency band.
The electromagnetic waves interfere with other signals while creating random electrical pulses inside your speaker, sometimes called dirty electricity. When the speaker cables lack “clean” electricity, they pick up the “dirty” current, resulting in buzzing or hissing noises that you hear from the speakers.
How To Check the Problem
It’s hard to fix the problem if you don’t know what’s causing it. Below are some ways to effectively check your speakers, which can also answer the question, “Why are my speakers crackling?”
Check the Cable Connections
Checking the cable connections of your speakers is vital in determining the cause of the crackling noise from your speakers.
Ensure that all cable connections of your speaker system are correct and secured. You can also disconnect them one at a time while observing if you will hear any static.
Plug the cables back into their terminals and see if the crackling noise disappears.
Sometimes, the noise results from a loose connector or a bad cable. You can either resolder it or change it entirely by buying a new one.
Also, ensure that the grounding is correct because it can also cause interruptions with signal transfers through and between the circuits.
Check for Ground Loops
Ground loop problem is another cause for concern as it can produce static noises. When an audio signal creates electrical fluctuations within cable wires or other devices, a ground loop is formed, and the speaker system amplifies the static noise.
If you suspect a ground loop, check all the devices where the electricity flows, starting from your power source to your amplifier, sound card, and speaker system. You can disconnect these devices from the power source to refresh the connection before reconnecting them.
This technique may reduce the noise and improve the overall performance of your speaker system.
Another option to remove the unwanted current and voltage in your ground line is to use a simple electrical ground loop breaker.
Check for Electrical Interference
Electrical interference or dirty electricity may distort or disrupt the signal resulting in the transfer of random pulses through the speaker system.
One cheap option for fixing the crackling on your speakers is to check your audio filter’s quality. If that does not work, you may try a more expensive option.
You can install UPS units or power conditioners to filter out the disruptive frequencies for a cleaner sound through a consistent signal.
New appliances may also cause static noise as they generate dirty electricity through the wirings, especially if they are plugged in near your listening area. Try moving your wires and speakers far from wireless devices, or use shielded speakers and cables near the problem areas.
Shielded cables are the coaxial variety where the surrounding braided strands protect the signal wire. However, coaxial cables are pricier than the flat variety and harder to conceal, but worth the price.
Check Speaker Cones
Even after performing the tips mentioned above, you may check your speaker cones for damages if you can still hear a crackling noise. Though it’s rare, it can happen because of wear and tear, slowly deteriorating the sound quality of your speakers.
If this issue is causing the crackling sound on your speakers, you may have them repaired by a professional or buy a new set instead.
How to Troubleshoot a Crackling Speaker
Before you can fix the crackling problems of your speakers, you have to determine the reason for the problem. Below are additional troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue.
Hardware Problems
Part of the common problem for crackling speakers is faulty control knobs, as they can deteriorate and degrade over time. You can confirm this if the speaker makes a loud crackling sound as you adjust the knobs.
One cheap way of fixing this problem is to keep the dial in the position where the crackling stops.
Speakers With a Connector
Speaker wires with a built-in connector like the RCA plug on stereo speakers or the headphone plug on your computer speakers can sometimes cause the crackling noise you hear.
Try to rotate or gently wiggle the wire while listening to audio. If it crackles, then you found the problem.
If the speaker wire is detachable, you can buy new cables and replace them. For speaker wires that are permanently attached to the speakers, you have to cut and remove the connector and replace it.
Speakers Without Connectors
Most of the time, it’s a bad connection that causes crackling speaker noise, even those without connectors.
You can do the same test you did on the speakers with connectors by wiggling and rotating the wires to check for crackling while doing the test.
Also, disconnect the wires, one at a time, and check for frays or damage on the coating. You can cut and re-strip the ends before attaching them to the speakers again.
Others choose to put a little bit of solder on the strand tips to join them, turning it into a single strand, making it easier to reconnect to the speaker.
Wire corrosion can also affect the sound quality of your speakers, and stripping them with the old strands help improve their performance.
Car Speakers
Typically, car speakers are soldered to the wires or have a spade connector. Gently reheat the joints with a soldering iron for soldered speakers to melt the lead.
Try to move and fix the connection as you reheat to restore any cracked or loose connectivity. You can try the wiggle test to check speakers using spade connectors to determine if they are causing the problem.
Another option is to cut the spade connector from the wire and solder new ones to eliminate the noise.
Computer Speakers
You also use speakers on your computer, and if you are having trouble with its audio output, here are some steps for you to follow to determine its cause:
Step 1: Unplug or Replug the Crackling Device
Refresh the device by unplugging and replugging it from its connection. Check the audio jack for blockage, corrosion, and wear if it starts working after replugging.
If the crackling noise persists even after replugging, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Inspect the Hardware
Check the output device and the connection ports for partial damage that may be causing the crackling noise.
Ensure proper connection if you are using a wireless device. You may even try to reconnect it to remove any interference that may cause a static sound.
Step 3: Test the Hardware With Other Devices
Apart from checking any physical damage, you must also look at the input ports for possible corrosion.
Test your device using a different port from the same computer or another unit if it’s available. If there is no crackling after using another machine, the port from your computer may be the problem.
Confirm your findings by plugging headphones into your computer first, then try again on the other unit.
Step 4: Change Your Minimum Processor State
The processor state is the CPU’s amount of power during the high-intensity task.
If you have programmed a low minimum processor state, your device’s audio output receives a limited power supply. With this, your speaker will have difficulty staying on, resulting in crackling and buzzing.
Step 5: Update Your Sound Drivers
An old sound driver can also affect your audio input. However, a simple update will restore it to its default settings, which may help its performance.
Why Are My Speakers Crackling: In Conclusion
We hope you found some answers from our discussion about why you have trouble with your device.
The next time you experience static noise on your speakers, check the connections, especially the wires, right away. Perform the various troubleshooting tips we have provided. That said, the usual problem with a noisy speaker lies on the wire.
