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7 Subwoofer Making Noise When Turned On Issues To Know

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A subwoofer making noise when turned on can be quite annoying and distracting. This issue can be caused by a number of different factors, including faulty wiring, a blown fuse, or even an electrical issue.

Whatever the cause may be, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible in order to return your system to its optimal performance.

When turned on, subwoofers can make noises like popping or humming for a variety of reasons. Start troubleshooting this problem by trying out different power supply cables and connection cables, such as speaker wires, audio cables, power strips, and ground loops.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different reasons why your subwoofer hum may be making noise when turned on and how you can troubleshoot the issue. We’ll also provide some tips on how you can prevent this issue from happening in the future.

By understanding the cause and taking the proper steps, you can get your subwoofer back in working order and enjoy your listening experience again.

Table of Contents Show

What is a Subwoofer?

A subwoofer, a type of loudspeaker, is specifically designed to reproduce bass or low-pitched audio frequencies.

Subwoofers are usually used in conjunction with a pair of standard loudspeakers or full-range speakers. They are typically installed in a car, home theatre system, professional music venue, or other audio application.

Subwoofers are designed to augment the sound produced by full-range speakers, providing an increased level of low-frequency sound and a more powerful, full-bodied sound.

The larger size of the subwoofer allows it to deliver more low-frequency sound and high sound waves than a full-range speaker, resulting in a more powerful and immersive audio experience.

The Importance of Subwoofers in Your Stereo System

Subwoofers are an essential component of many audio systems, particularly those designed for reproducing music with a significant bass presence, such as electronic, hip-hop, and dance music.

Subwoofers are specifically designed to reproduce the lower frequencies of sound, typically below 100 Hz, which are not effectively produced by other speakers in the system. There are several reasons why subwoofers are important in audio systems:

#1. Improved sound quality

By reproducing the lower frequencies of sound, subwoofers can significantly improve the overall sound quality of an audio system. With a subwoofer, the bass frequencies are not only more audible but also more defined and accurate.

#2. Enhanced listening experience

Many types of music, particularly electronic, hip-hop, and dance music, are designed to have a significant bass output. A subwoofer motor enables you to fully experience the intended sound of the music, making for a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience.

#3. Reduced strain on other speakers

Without a subwoofer, other speakers in the audio system may be forced to try to produce low-frequency sounds, which can lead to distortion, reduced clarity, and even damage to the speakers.

#4. Increased dynamic range

Amplifier Subwoofer woofers can also increase the dynamic range of an audio system by allowing it to reproduce both the high and very low frequencies of music at higher volumes without distortion.

Do Subwoofers Make Noise?

Subwoofers are a common feature in many modern home audio systems, and for a good reason. They are designed to provide deep, powerful bass tones that fill out the sound of music and movies. But do these devices actually make noise?

The answer is yes and no. A subwoofer is designed to direct low-frequency sounds that are below the range of human hearing, so in that sense, the device itself is not producing any loud sound effects.

However, the subwoofer can create vibrations in the air, which can cause a loud noise to be heard by the listener. This is especially noticeable if the subwoofer is placed near a wall or other surface that amplifies the vibrations.

When the passive subwoofer hum turns on, it can make a humming or buzzing noise even if the head unit is not sending any audio signals. An AC ground adapter can be used to eliminate the hum by providing a proper ground connection between the subwoofer and the power outlet.

Common problem: Subwoofer Making Noise When Turned On

If you’re experiencing a problem where your subwoofer is making noise when turned on, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some of the most common causes and possible solutions:

#1. Ground loop subwoofer hum

Ground loops are a common cause of humming or buzzing noises in powered subwoofers. Ground loops happen when there are two different ground points in an audio system, which can cause electrical interference.

To fix this, you can try using a ground loop isolator, which is a device that blocks the interference. An audio isolation transformer can be used to fix this issue.

#2. Electromagnetic interference signals

Other devices in your home or office, such as microwaves, fluorescent lights, or Wi-Fi routers, can cause interference with your subwoofer. Try moving the subwoofer to a different location or turning off other devices to see if the loud noise goes away. Interference may cause static noise and a hum loop.

#3. Loose connections or damaged audio cables

A loose connection can cause static or humming noises in your subwoofer. Check that all the cables are properly connected and that none of them is damaged. If a cable is damaged, replace it.

#4. Faulty amplifier causing the humming noise

A faulty amplifier can also cause a humming noise in your subwoofer. To test if this is the case, unplug all the other devices from the amplifier and see if the noise persists. If it does, then the amplifier may need to be repaired or replaced.

#5. Speaker issues or defective subwoofer

If the subwoofer itself is damaged or faulty, it can cause noise when turned on. Check the speaker cone and surround for damage and make sure that it’s not being overdriven. If the speaker is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

How to identify and replace Faulty Subwoofer woofer Parts

If you suspect that your subwoofer woofer is faulty, here are some steps you can take to identify and replace the faulty parts:

#1. Check for physical damage

The first step is to inspect the woofer for any physical damage visually. Look for signs of tears or punctures in the cone or surround. If you find any damage, the woofer likely needs to be replaced.

#2. Test for continuity

You can use a multimeter to test the continuity of the voice coil. Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the voice coil speaker terminals. If there is no reading or the reading is significantly higher than the specified range, it indicates a problem with the voice coil.

#3. Check the spider and surround

If the woofer has no visible damage, check the spider and surround. Gently press down on the cone to check for any rubbing or resistance in the movement. If you feel resistance or hear any scraping or rubbing sounds, it could be due to a problem with the spider or surround.

#4. Replace the faulty parts

Once you have identified the faulty part, you can order a replacement from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier. You will need to remove the old woofer and replace it with the new one. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the replacement is done correctly.

Tips for Reducing Interference

A subwoofer making noise when turned on or a subwoofer making static noise is a normal thing to happen. If you want to reduce interference or produce enough sound waves, you should use enough power supply by using a power strip with your low-level sound system.

A subwoofer plugged into a subwoofer amplifier’s output jack can reduce annoying hum and rattling noise. Here are some tips for reducing interference on your subwoofer:

#1. Check your car stereo audio cable

Loose or damaged cables can cause interference on your subwoofer. Check that all your cables are properly connected and that none of them is damaged. Replace any damaged speaker wires that are connected to the subwoofer’s amplifier. Verify that you do not have a damaged output jack as well.

#2. Separate audio and power cables

Interference can be caused when audio cables are too close to power cables. Try to keep audio and power cables separated and avoid running them parallel to each other.

#3. Use high-quality cables for your speaker system

Low-quality cables can be more susceptible to interference than high-quality speaker cables. Invest in high-quality cables to minimize the risk of interference.

#4. Check your ground and power supply

A ground loop can cause interference on your subwoofer. Check that your audio system is properly grounded, and consider using a ground loop isolator if necessary.

#5. Reduce other electronic interference

Other electronic devices in your home or office can cause interference with your subwoofer. Try turning off other devices or moving your subwoofer to a different location to see if it reduces interference.

#6. Adjust your subwoofer’s settings

Your subwoofer’s settings can also affect interference. Try adjusting the crossover and gain settings to see if it reduces the interference.

Repairing vs. Replacing the Subwoofer

When your powered subwoofer is not functioning properly, you have two options: repairing or replacing it. The decision to repair or replace your subwoofer will depend on several factors, such as the age of the subwoofer, the severity of the problem, and the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new subwoofer.

If your subwoofer is relatively new and the problem is minor, repairing it may be the best option. A minor problem could be a loose cable or a blown fuse, which can be easily fixed by a professional or by yourself with some basic knowledge of audio systems. Repairing your subwoofer can be more cost-effective than replacing it, especially if the problem is minor.

What wall outlet is needed for a subwoofer to make a static noise?

An AC power outlet with a grounded three-prong plug is needed for a subwoofer to make static noise and better static electricity. For a two-prong ac plug, you can use a two-prong wall outlet.

If it’s not working, you can use an extension cord or switch outlets. Find a different power socket or change the power plug’s orientation to see if you can fix the issue.

Do I need a surge protector for subwoofers?

Yes, it is recommended that you use a surge protector with subwoofers to protect them from power surges or other electrical damage. This helps when your subwoofer makes noise when playing low-frequency music.

Last Updated on: March 9, 2023

Hi, my name is John Snow and I am a car lover. With two decades under my belt fixing and driving cars, I'm always on the hunt for fresh, cutting-edge methods to give my ride a performance boost. Driven by my zeal to decode car problems, I'm on a mission to equip vehicle owners with accurate and handy tips. By doing so, they can fix their rides while saving both time and cash.

By John Snow