Hatrack River Forum: static thru speakers

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Posted by RivalOfTheRose (Member # 11535) on :

some computer specs:

windows xp media edition
stock network card
seasound soloist pci soundcard

weird problem:

I noticed while listening to music with Winamp, that I hear what sounds like radio static through my speakers, but only while I have an internet browser open (firefox and IE). The problem continues when winamp is closed, but the browser is still open. It also only happens when have normal stereo speakers engaged, not monitors. Sometimes, this isn't an issue at all. I am guessing this could be a driver problem?

I have a separate partition for my recording OS and studio software, so this OS is just for normal computer stuff.

Thank you for any help, and let me know if you need more info.

Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :

Do you have a cell phone or other device that picks up or puts out signals nearby the speakers?

Posted by RivalOfTheRose (Member # 11535) on :

I thought of that, and removed the cell from the area, but still had the problem. The two weirdest parts:

1 - only when browsing internet
2 - only through stereo, not monitors.

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

Hrm. Have you tracked CPU or memory usage? Does either spike when you open your browser? I'd actually lean towards a power issue, potentially.

Another question: have you tried moving either your soundcard or your NIC to different PCI slots? It's possible you're running into some interference, although that's likely only if the computer is rather old.

Posted by DSH (Member # 741) on :

Since this happens only while browsing the internet, could the interference be coming from your modem? Try moving it away from your speakers and their wiring.

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

It never even occurred to me that people still might have an internal modem.

Posted by DSH (Member # 741) on :

I was thinking an external cable or DSL modem sitting next to a speaker (or near speaker wiring).

eta: Yes, some people still have an internal modem. We live out in the middle of giant corn fields, far away from cable, DSL, Fios... even cell phone signals! [Big Grin]