Snap crackle and pop from headet and speaker

[Pandora]

Hi all,

I am hoping someone can help me with this horrible crackling from my speakers.

I have updated the speaker drivers - Sigmatel.  Updated DirectX.  I am using Windows XP SP3 which is up to date with all the latest patched from Microsoft.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this crackling sound, please?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Pandora <S>

[guncrasher]

Rollback the drivers see if the problem goes away.   Could be the drivers themselves.


Semp

[Delirium]

It is likely one of the 3 things;

1. The soundcard or the drivers for the soundcard; Soundblaster cards (particularly the X-Fi cards) are well known for this.

2. A bad wire from the soundcard to the audio device (speaker/headphones), there is a chance it could be grounding itself.

3. Interference from some outside source.

[nrshida]

Did the onset coincide with the installation of your new drivers?

Why do you say speaker and headset? Do you mean the headphone part of your headset or you have separate speakers?

[Pandora]

Many thanks for all your replies!

Hi Guncrasher and Semp.

I rolled back the drivers, no change.
I reinstalled the drivers I got from the manufacturer with the PC, no change.
I reinstalled the lastest drivers for the sound card directly from Dell support, no change.

Hi Delirium,

Replying to your points:
1. Thanks for the info ..
2. The problem occurs on my headset and my desktop speakers, which pretty much means it's the soundcard.
3. I am not ruling out and will investigate further, as I also have an annoying buzzing noise on my phone.

Hi Nrshida,

Covered in point 2 above.

I think I'll try and rule out external interferance, and if it's still a problem I'll replace the sound card.

Thanks again,
Pandora

[Bizman]

Do you use a grounded wall outlet for your computer? If not, your computer may try to ground somewhere else. Turning the plug 180 degrees may help.

Are all your peripherals behind the same fuse? If not, that makes a grounding issue.

If your computer has both a separate sound card and an integrated one, try removing the detachable one and check if the integrated one gives the same noise.

[nrshida]

Yup. In keeping with checking the simplest / most likely things first I would play a constant sound and check all of your external wiring if I were you, especially around plugs and connectors. If there are any volume controls built into the wire check those two as dirty pots make noise too.

[Chalenge]

Keep in mind also that audio anomalies are the first sign of a failing power supply. Dell hasnt always (I would say almost never) shown the greatest wisdom when choosing power supplies for their systems.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Most likely an easy fix for the problem is to use USB headphones. External speakers would require an USB soundcard then though.

USB will have some effect on your performance but with current hardware it's not noticeable. At least haven't been for me. Always run fps maxed.

[DREDIOCK]

It is likely one of the 3 things;



2. A bad wire from the soundcard to the audio device (speaker/headphones), there is a chance it could be grounding itself.

Was my first thought. And to suggest checking the connection to make sure your plugged in all the way. Especially if you've been moving your box around or hang the wires up and accidently tug on them once in a while

[Pandora]

Ordered a new sound card today!

Asus Xonar DG 5.1 PCI Sound Card with built in Headphone Amp

http://gamingdialog.com/2011/11/21/asus-xonar-dg-pci-5-1-channel-sound-card-review-best-gaming-sound-card-for-your-budget/
If it's as good as the reviews say ....

Thanks all for your replies and help!

Pandora <S>