Subwoofer humming or buzzing noise can be annoying and it can also damage your speakers if it is left unchecked. So, What is 60hz subwoofer hum?
60hz Subwoofer hum is a low-frequency sound that may be produced by subwoofers sometimes. This sound is usually caused by ground loop error, electrical interference from other devices, or by the subwoofer itself.
In this article, you will discuss why your subwoofer makes humming or buzzing noises at high/low volume and how to fix it.
Why does your Subwoofer make a humming or buzzing noises at high volume?
If your Subwoofer is making humming or buzzing noises at high volume, it is important to identify the cause so that you can fix it.
Here are several causes of the Subwoofer making humming or buzzing noises at high volume.
1. Ground loop problem
One of the most common causes is the ground loop error, where the Subwoofer is not properly grounded and can cause humming or buzzing noises.
A ground loop error is caused when there is a difference in the ground potential between two devices. This can happen when you have two devices plugged into different outlets that are on different circuits.
When there is a difference in the ground potential, it can cause a current to flow through the ground wire which can create a humming noise.
This can happen when the subwoofer is connected to an amplifier or receiver that isn’t properly grounded or the Subwoofer is not plugged into a surge protector or the grounding wire is not connected to the Subwoofer.
The devices we use in our homes are all powered by electricity. This electricity flows through wires and is grounded to the earth so that it can be safe.
If there is a break in the grounding wire or if the ground connection is not good, then the electricity can take a different path and cause an error.
Ground loop error can happen when many devices try to gain control of the ground from one device or are connected to the same power strip.
This problem can also occur if there is a break in the circuit between the Subwoofer and the amplifier.
A break in the circuit is an interruption of the flow of electricity. This can happen if there is a loose connection, a damaged wire, or a blown fuse.
If there is a break in the circuit, the electricity will not be able to flow properly and this can cause noise.
Solution
There are a few ways to fix the ground loop problem.
1) Plug the Subwoofer into a surge protector.
2) Connect the grounding wire to the Subwoofer.
3) Change the direction of the subwoofer plug.
4) Chane the power outlet of the subwoofer or other devices.
5) Use a ground loop isolator.
2. Disrupted cables or cables with poor shielding
Another common cause of the noise is disrupted cables or cables with poor shielding.
A good cable should have proper shielding to protect the signal from interference.
On the other hand, a bad cable will have poor shielding and can cause the signal to be disrupted. It will also cause a ground loop error that will lead to noise.
Besides, if you use an extension cable for a long period, it can cause the same issue.
Solution
1) Use high-quality cables with proper shielding.
2) Replace the cables if they are damaged or have poor shielding.
3. Other electronics plugged into the same power outlet
Another common reason is electrical interference due to other devices plugged into the same power outlet.
Those devices will disrupt the signal and cause a hum or buzz.
They can cause electrical interference by being improperly grounded, by having bad cables, or by being plugged into a power outlet that is not properly grounded.
Solution
1) Unplug the other devices from the same power outlet.
2) Use a different power outlet.
4. Volume or bass turned up too high
One simple cause is if the volume or bass is turned up too high, it can result in putting a lot of pressure on the Subwoofer, causing humming or buzzing noises.
Solution
Turn down the volume or bass
5. Damaged or defective Subwoofer
A defective Subwoofer may also lead to humming noises.
If the Subwoofer is damaged, it may not be able to properly dissipate the heat that is generated when playing at a high volume.
This can cause the Subwoofer to overheat and make buzzing noises.
Solution
Make sure that all of the components are in good working condition.
If the Subwoofer is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
6. Faulty amplifiers
A damaged or faulty Subwoofer may also result in buzzing noises. This is because if the amplifier is damaged, it may not be able to properly amplify the signal.
Solution
If the amplifier is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Troubleshooting a subwoofer humming or buzzing noise
There are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot this problem.
- Check the cables and make sure they are properly connected.
- Make sure that all of the connections are tight.
- Try a different power outlet.
- Check the volume or bass and make sure it is not turned up too high.
- Ensure that all of the settings are correct.
- Make sure that you are playing high-quality audio.
- Make sure the subwoofer is not properly grounded.
- Inspect the Subwoofer for any damage.
- If the Subwoofer is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
- Check the amplifier and make sure it is not damaged.
- If the amplifier is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
How to fix the subwoofer humming or buzzing at high volume?
There are a few things that you can do to fix the subwoofer humming or buzzing at high volume.
Before you proceed, don’t try to fix a subwoofer or electric device on your own if you aren’t experienced with electrical devices to keep yourself from hurting.
Let’s start.
1. Plug the subwoofer into a surge protector
Make sure that you plug the subwoofer into a surge protector. This will help to protect the subwoofer from any sudden power surges that could damage the subwoofer.
2. Check if the volume or bass is turned up too high
If the volume or bass is turned up too high, it can cause the subwoofer to hum. So, you should make sure that the volume and bass are turned down to a comfortable level.
3. Secure the subwoofer’s connections
Make sure that all of the subwoofer’s connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can cause interference and may be the cause of the subwoofer humming.
4. Fix disrupted cables
If your subwoofer is picking up interference from nearby electronics or disrupted cables, you can try a few things to fix this.
First, make sure that all of your subwoofer’s cables are securely connected and free from any damage.
Then, locate and identify the source of the buzzing noise. If you have more than one cable plugged into the subwoofer, it’s possible that the issue is with one of the cables.
To test the cables, you should change them one at a time. Then, inspect this cable’s connection to make sure it’s not the source of the problem.
The next thing you can try is upgrading the cables.
5. Disconnect other electronics from the same power outlet
If you have other electronics plugged into the same power outlet as the subwoofer, try disconnecting them. This will help to rule out any interference from other devices.
Disconnect one at a time
If you have more than one device plugged into the power strip, try removing them one at a time. Then, test to see if the subwoofer is still humming.
Give a space between two plugs
If the devices are plugged too close together, this can cause interference. So, you should try to space them out as much as possible.
Use an audio isolation transformer
If you still can’t fix the issue, you may need to connect an audio isolation transformer. This will help to isolate the subwoofer from any electrical interference.
6. Use a different power strip
If you are using a surge protector or power strip, try plugging the subwoofer into a different power strip. This will help to rule out any issues with the surge protector or power strip.
If the subwoofer is still humming, you may need to replace the power cord. Old or damaged power cords can sometimes cause interference. Try using a different power cord and see if that makes a difference.
7. Use a different power outlet
Try plugging the subwoofer into a different power outlet. This will help to rule out any issues with the power outlet.
In addition, you can try connecting your subwoofer to a different outlet that uses a power strip with built-in noise filters.
8. Move the subwoofer away from any other electronic devices
The next thing that you should try is to move the subwoofer away from any other electronic devices. If the subwoofer is close to a TV, computer, or another piece of audio equipment, it may be picking up interference from that device.
Try moving the subwoofer to a different location in the room and see if that helps.
You can also try is moving the offending electronics away from your subwoofer.
9. Use high-quality cables with proper shielding
If you’re using lower-quality cables, they may be more susceptible to interference. You should try using higher-quality cables with proper shielding. This will help to reduce the amount of interference that the cables pick up.
10. Fix ground loop error
In most cases, a subwoofer hum can be caused by a ground loop. So, you may need for the ground loop error or connect the grounding wire to the subwoofer.
You can fix a ground loop error in different ways. To fix this, you’ll need to break the ground loop by connecting the subwoofer’s ground wire to a different ground point, or by using a ground loop isolator.
You can take some simple steps to fix the issue before you do those difficult tasks or call a professional such as changing the orientation of the subwoofer’s plug and plugging the subwoofer or other devices into a different outlet.
Change the orientation of the subwoofer’s plug
This is a pretty common solution that works for many people. All you have to do is reverse the polarity of the subwoofer’s power cord.
You can do this by simply changing the orientation of the plug so that it is inserted into the outlet in the opposite way.
This will change the flow of current and might just be enough to reduce or eliminate the ground loop error causing the humming sound.
Though it’s easy to do with a 2-pronged cable, it can’t be done with a 3-pronged cable.
Plug the subwoofer into a different outlet
If you are using an extension cord for the subwoofer, try plugging it into a different outlet.
It’s possible that the current from the outlet is causing the ground loop error. By changing the outlet of your subwoofer, you can see if that solves the problem.
Plug other devices into different outlets
If you have other devices plugged into the same outlet as the subwoofer, try plugging them into a different outlet.
This will help to isolate the problem and see if it is indeed the subwoofer that is causing the buzzing sound.
Use a ground loop isolator or noise filter
If you are still getting a ground loop error, even after trying the previous three solutions, you might need to get a noise filter or a ground loop isolator.
A noise filter will go between the outlet and the subwoofer’s power cord. It will help to filter out any noise or interference that might be coming through the power cord and causing the humming sound.
To use the ground loop isolator, you’ll need to connect the subwoofer’s ground wire to the ground loop isolator.
Then, connect the other end of the ground loop isolator to the ground point. This will break the ground loop and should stop the subwoofer hum.
Connect the subwoofer’s ground wire to a different ground point
If you’re connecting your subwoofer to an amplifier or receiver that isn’t properly grounded, you will need to connect the subwoofer’s ground wire to a different ground point.
You can do this by connecting the wire to a metal grounding stake or rod that’s driven into the ground, or by connecting it to a cold water pipe.
11. Use acoustic isolation pads
If you’re still having issues with the subwoofer humming, you can try using acoustic isolation pads.
These pads will help to reduce the number of vibrations that the subwoofer produces.
12. Repair or replace the amplifier if it is damaged.
If you have an amplifier, make sure that it is in good working condition. If the amplifier is damaged, it can cause the subwoofer to hum. In this case, you should take the subwoofer to a professional for repair.
13. Repair the faulty subwoofer
Make sure that all components of the subwoofer are in good working condition. If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having issues, it’s possible that one of your subwoofer’s components is damaged.
In this case, you should take the subwoofer to a professional for repair.
14. Try different subwoofers
If it’s not repairable, you need to get a new subwoofer. Make sure that you get a high-quality subwoofer.
Other possible causes and solutions
Incorrect Speaker Placement
If your speakers are not placed properly, they can cause the Subwoofer to make humming noises at high volume.
Solution
The best way to place your speakers is to put them in the corners of the room. This will help to distribute the sound evenly and prevent the Subwoofer from making noises at a high volume.
Poorly designed Subwoofer
A poorly designed Subwoofer may also cause buzzing noises as it may not have proper ventilation. This can cause the Subwoofer to overheat and make noises.
Solution
If the Subwoofer is old or poorly designed, it will need to be replaced.
Incorrect Amplifier settings
If you have the wrong settings on your amplifier, it can cause the Subwoofer to make noises at high volume.
Solution
Ensure that you have the correct settings for your amplifier.
Badly recorded or mastered Audio
If the audio that you are playing is badly recorded or mastered, it can cause noise.
Solution
Make sure that you are playing high-quality audio to avoid this problem.
You can also read my other article on what to do if your subwoofer is loud without input.
Why does your subwoofer hum or buzz at low volume?
The causes of a subwoofer making humming or buzzing noises at low volume are similar to those of a subwoofer making humming or buzzing noises at high volume. But, the only difference is the frequency and type of noise. The causes are ground loop problems, disrupted cables, other devices connected to the same power outlet, faulty subwoofers, or bad amplifiers.
To fix this issue, first, you have to identify the causes and then solve them accordingly such as fixing the ground loop error, replacing the damaged cable, changing the power outlet of the sub and electronics, or fixing the subwoofer’s components.
Check my other article to know about the subwoofer making loud noises.
Can subwoofer RCA cables cause hum?
There are a few things that can cause hum in a sound system, and one of them is using the wrong type of subwoofer RCA cables. If you’re using standard RCA cables, they can pick up interference from other electronic devices and cause a humming sound.
To avoid this, make sure you use shielded RCA cables specifically designed for subwoofers. These will block out interference and produce a cleaner, clearer sound.
Conclusion
A subwoofer may make a humming or buzzing noise at a high volume due to a number of causes including ground loop error, volume or bass turned up too high, disrupted cables with poor shielding, and many electronics plugged into the same power outlet, or defective subwoofer.
However, you can stop the humming or buzzing noise by fixing underlying causes such as fixing the ground loop problem, replacing the damaged cable, changing the power outlet of the subwoofer and other devices, or repairing the subwoofer’s components. If none of these works, you may need to buy a new subwoofer.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Sound Gears Realm. I like to try different sound gears and home theatre systems. I like to share with you my experience with these devices, especially subwoofers so that you can get help to solve any problem.