How to Fix Pitched Noise From Speakers (Answered)

As an audiophile, hearing unwanted noises coming from your speaker system can be frustrating. One of the most common issues is a high-pitched whine or buzz, which may ruin your listening experience. Try a few basic remedies before investing in expensive components or a soundproof chamber. You might be able to get rid of that unpleasant pitched noise from your speakers without much trouble or expense.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some possible reasons of pitched noise as well as how to fix pitched noise from speakers

What Causes Pitched Noise from Speakers?

Pitched noise, often known as humming or buzzing, can occur in speakers for a variety of causes. Electrical interference is a common source, and it is caused by nearby devices such as light bulbs, motors, or power supply.

To determine if electrical interference is the issue, turn off any electronics near your speakers one by one until the noise disappears. If it does go away, you’ll need to relocate the devices further from the speakers or upgrade to shielded speaker wires.

1. Faulty Components: Defective or failing parts like a damaged tweeter or loose solder joint can also emit pitched noises. Inspect your speaker cones, ports, and wiring for any visible damage or tears and test individual components if possible. Replacing damaged parts may fix the problem.

2. Equalization Settings: Improper equalization or “EQ” settings on your audio source can accentuate certain frequency ranges, causing a pitched sound. Adjust the bass, midrange, and treble levels to their neutral or default positions.

3. Signal Distortion: An overloaded signal from a high-volume source like a power amplifier can lead to pitched noise due to distortion. Reduce the volume levels in increments to find an output that eliminates the noise while still achieving sufficient volume.

How to Fix Pitched Noise from Speakers?

To fix pitched noise coming from your speakers, you’ll need to systematically check your audio source and connecting cables.

Checking the Audio Source

Ensure your audio source, like a turntable, CD player or streaming device, is properly grounded and not causing interference.

If using multiple sources, disconnect all but one to isolate the issue. Check that all cables connecting the source to your amplifier or receiver are securely plugged in at both ends and not damaged.

Faulty or unshielded cables can sometimes transmit unwanted noise.

Inspecting Speaker Cables

Double check that the speaker cables connecting your amplifier to the speakers themselves are also properly connected and undamaged.

Cables that are pinched, frayed or not meant for audio use can convey unwanted sounds. Try disconnecting one speaker at a time to determine if the noise is coming from a particular speaker or the amplifier.

If the noise disappears when a speaker is unplugged, it may indicate a fault in that speaker unit.

You should be able to eliminate undesired pitched noises from your sound system by carefully testing the security of your audio sources, amplifier, and speaker connections, as well as using appropriately shielded audio cables in excellent working order. 

Adjusting Volume, Bass, and Treble Settings

Adjusting the volume, bass, and treble settings on your speakers can help fix pitched or distorted noises.

Volume

The volume control has a direct impact on the overall loudness of the sound output of your speaker.

When the volume is adjusted too high, the audio stream can clip, resulting in a pitched, screaming noise.

Reduce the volume to a reasonable setting, and the noise should go away.

To discover the maximum clear level for your setup and listening area, start at a low volume and progressively increase.

Bass

The bass control adjusts the low frequency sounds in your audio. If the bass is turned up too high, it can make the speaker cones vibrate and produce a booming, buzzing noise.

Turn the bass down to reduce this effect. On the other hand, weak bass response can make audio seem unbalanced and tinny. Adjust the bass to a level that provides full, rich lows without causing unwanted noise.

Treble

The treble control impacts the high frequency sounds in your audio. When treble is too high, it can amplify high-pitched noises and cause a shrill, piercing effect. Turn the treble down to soften overly bright highs.

However, lack of treble makes audio sound dull and muffled. Adjust the treble to a point that brings out the detail and clarity in high frequencies without harshness.

Making incremental changes and testing the results at various volume levels will help you find the optimal settings for clear, full-range sound from your speakers minus any unwanted noises.

Be sure to make the adjustments for bass and treble in small increments, as these tone controls can significantly impact your listening experience.

Updating Audio Drivers and Software

Updating your audio drivers and software is one of the first steps to try in order to fix pitched noises coming from your speakers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues with audio playback and connectivity.

Update Audio Drivers

Audio drivers act as a translator between your audio software/hardware and your operating system. Updating your audio drivers is an easy first step that can often resolve pitched noise problems.

1. Go to the website of your audio device manufacturer and locate the support or download section. Popular brands include Realtek, IDT, Conexant, and VIA.
2. Find and download the latest driver for your specific audio device model. This is usually listed by the model number on your device or motherboard.
3. Uninstall your current audio drivers. Then install the latest driver version you downloaded.
4. Restart your computer. The new audio drivers will now be active. Test your speakers to see if the pitched noises have been resolved.

Update Additional Audio Software

If updating your audio drivers does not fix the problem, you may need to also update additional audio software or firmware on your system. This could include:

• BIOS or UEFI firmware: The software that controls low-level operations in your motherboard. Update through your manufacturer’s website.
• Sound processing software: Such as Realtek HD Audio Manager or IDT Audio Control Panel. Also update through the relevant manufacturer’s website.
• Windows updates: Make sure your version of Windows is fully up to date, including any optional audio and driver updates.

Updating these additional software and firmware components can help ensure maximum compatibility and optimal performance of your audio devices.

Perform these updates and then re-test your speakers. The pitched noises should now hopefully be eliminated. If problems persist, you may need to try other solutions or contact technical support.

When to Consider Replacing Speakers or an Amplifier

If your speakers are emitting a pitched noise or whine, it may indicate a problem with the speakers themselves or the amplifier powering them.

Several issues could be the culprit, and it may be time to consider replacement if troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.

Faulty Speaker Cones or Coils

The speaker cones, also known as diaphragms, vibrate to produce sound. If the cone is damaged or torn, it can result in a buzzing or rattling noise.

The voice coils that move the cones can also become faulty over time and with heavy use, causing a whining sound. Replacing the individual speakers is often the only way to fix these hardware issues.

Amplifier Problems

An underpowered or failing amplifier may also emit a high-pitched noise. As amplifiers age, their components can start to break down, causing distortion.

An amplifier that is not providing enough power to properly drive the speakers can also lead to whining or buzzing. Upgrading to a higher-wattage amp or replacing an old amplifier may clear up the noise in this case.

Interference

Electrical interference from nearby devices can sometimes be picked up by speakers and amplifiers.

Make sure any electronics like fluorescent lights, fans, or phone chargers are kept away from your audio equipment. Properly grounding all components may also help reduce buzzing and whining from interference.

When All Else Fails

If you have tried isolating the problem to the best of your ability, updated firmware, moved electronics away, and the noise persists, it may simply be time to consider replacement.

Speakers, amplifiers, and their components do degrade over time. Upgrading to newer, higher-quality equipment will often provide the best listening experience if troubleshooting does not solve the pitched noise issues.

Overall, there are several possibilities for the source of whining or buzzing speakers. Carefully evaluating the age and condition of your audio equipment, as well as potential interference factors, can help determine if replacement may ultimately be needed for the best solution.

With regular use and aging, speakers and amplifiers will not last indefinitely, though with proper care and maintenance, their lifespan can be prolonged.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the top queries that people concern about the pitched noise issues and how to fix pitched noise from speakers.

Question: What Causes Pitched Noise in Speakers and How to Address It?

Answer: Discover the root causes of pitched noise in speakers and professional techniques to rectify the issue.

Question: Is Speaker Interference Common, and How Can I Minimize It?

Answer: Understand the prevalence of speaker interference and learn expert strategies for minimizing this disruptive noise.

Question: Are There Quick Fixes for Speaker Distortion Issues?

Answer: Explore efficient, DIY methods to swiftly tackle speaker distortion problems and restore high-quality audio.

Question: How Important Is Speaker Maintenance in Preventing Pitched Noise?

Answer: Discover the importance of frequent speaker maintenance in minimizing pitched noise and guaranteeing top performance.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve learnt the troubleshooting steps of how to fix pitched noise from speakers, you should now be able to remedy the problem and enjoy clear, high-quality sound again.

While the process may require patience, systematically working through each potential solution will help determine the root cause and get your audio system back to peak performance.

Once the issues have been resolved, you’ll likely gain a deeper appreciation for high-fidelity sound and a better understanding of how to prevent similar problems going forward.