How to Fix or Eliminate Subwoofer Hum
Subwoofers are a popular addition to many home theater systems, providing powerful bass that can enhance your listening experience. However, one common problem that many people encounter with their subwoofers is a hum or buzz that can be distracting and frustrating. In this article, we’ll offer some tips and tricks for fixing or eliminating subwoofer hum.
- Check Your Power Source
One of the most common causes of subwoofer hum is a grounding issue. This can happen if your subwoofer and other components are plugged into different electrical outlets or power strips that aren’t properly grounded. To fix this issue, try plugging all your components into the same power source, or use a power conditioner to ensure proper grounding.
- Check Your Cables
Another common cause of subwoofer hum is a loose or damaged cable. Check all your connections to make sure they’re secure and not frayed or damaged in any way. If you’re using an RCA cable to connect your subwoofer, try using a different cable to see if that fixes the hum.
- Adjust Your Subwoofer Settings
Sometimes, subwoofer hum can be caused by settings on the subwoofer itself. Check the volume and crossover settings on your subwoofer to make sure they’re not too high. If they are, this can cause distortion and humming. Also, make sure your subwoofer is set to the correct phase.
- Move Your Subwoofer
Sometimes, subwoofer hum is caused by interference from other electronics or appliances in your home. Try moving your subwoofer to a different location to see if this fixes the problem. If you have other electronics nearby, try moving them as well.
- Use a Ground Loop Isolator
If you’ve tried all the above tips and still can’t eliminate subwoofer hum, a ground loop isolator may be your best option. This device separates the audio signal from the ground and can eliminate any humming or buzzing caused by ground loops.
In conclusion, subwoofer hum can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually fixable with some simple troubleshooting. From checking your power source and cables to adjusting your settings and moving your subwoofer, there are several steps you can take to eliminate subwoofer hum. If all else fails, a ground loop isolator may be your best option.
