USB Soundbar (AC511) Static/Crackling Sounds

Question

I have a USB Soundbar (AC511) connected to my Inspiron 3647. Since I got them four years ago, the soundbar would make crackling noises about once every several months. Restarting my computer always stopped it. Recently, the soundbar started crackling every so often any time I get on the computer and restarting doesn't help. The audio itself always works fine.

I tried unplugging/replugging in the soundbar, and switching from the Realtek High Definition Audio driver to the High Definition Audio driver as suggested in another thread, but neither helped.

Is there anything else I can try? (The soundbar is out of warranty. I've been unemployed for about a year so can't afford to have it fixed or to buy a new one at this moment.)

fireberd · Answer

First, if you haven't done it reinstall Realtek. The Windows installed "High Definition Audio" driver is a generic, basic function, driver and does not have all the features of the regular hardware driver (Realtek in this case).

Second, with a USB connected sound device, it gets digital data from the PC and converts it to analog internally (has its own sound card). Thus the PC's sound card is not even used.

Per your description it appears the regular PC sound is OK, so it points to a problem in the sound bar.

If you are connecting the USB cable to a monitor, try connecting the USB cable direct to the PC and/or to a different USB port and see if this helps.

LostSneaker · Answer

Thank you for your suggestions!

I tried connecting to a different USB port and also uninstalled/reinstalled Realtek. Still getting the crackling sound once in a while. So I assume that means the soundbar is broken and I need to buy a new one eventually?

speedstep · Answer

The solution is to get an analog sound bar and attach to the Green port for sound out. The crackling is due to bus bandwidth issues on the USB controller.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-AX210-Stereo-Speaker-System/dp/B009NGI3J2/

AJ376 · Answer

i am sorry for telling you but it works only with usb cable so how to connect it to the analog cable or if you try to say that the soundbar is problematic.

All i want is to solve this without spending money for second bar.

thank you for your time.

PhilipnD · Answer

And the answer is to disconnect the soundbar from the monitor and move it to the desk and just in front of the monitor....  can still be connected via monitor USB.

Inspiron Desktops

USB Soundbar (AC511) Static/Crackling Sounds

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