Summary of 'Hissing' Noise in Inspirons (600m, 1100, 8500, etc.)

Question

Hello, Today, I just came across the hissing noise via the headphone jack in my 600m that many, many people have had issues with. I thought, given the quantity of messages, that I would try to summarize things. Bottom Line: Dell should really make this issue a high priority item for resolution. An updated driver from Sigmetal would be the best resolution so that we can all remain on a Dell supported driver. Dell's superior and usually great customer service can be shown by acknowledging and working diligently to come up with a solution. In the meantime, First, the hissing issue is NOT the popping/crackling issue that has occurred with Inspirons. The popping/ticking noise locked thread in this forum will NOT help in this issue. The pimarily culprit of the hissing noise is when you plug headphones into the headphone jack. Even when there is no audio file playing, a constant hiss can be heard through the headphones. Volume up and down does not change the hiss -- just a full out mute makes it go away. This is obviously not acceptable to many audio listeners. The problem occurs with the current Dell supported Audio Driver -- the Sigmatel AC97, v.6.14.01.3794, A06 A workaround (that is not supported by Dell) has been found to dramatically reduce the hissing by using a totally different branded driver from RealTek http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/dlac97-2.aspx?lineid=5&famid=12&series=8&Software=True To install the workaround, you should first uninstall the Sigmatel driver using the Device Manager -- as well as Remove the Sigmatel Audio program from the Add/Remove Group. Restart the Computer. You will probably get an add new device prompt -- which you can ignore. Then run the RealTek installer. Reboot again. There is still minor hissing even with the workaround, but this can be controlled by turning the master volume to a fairly low level and raising the WAV volume. Also, muting the Line-In may help as well. Dell really needs to work with Sigmatel to produce an updated driver to fix this problem so that we can all get back to the supported driver and halt this workaround process. I hope this helps. Did I miss anything? - Joel

jk79 · Answer

I have a 5150 with the hissing headphone jack. The Dell drivers are poor. Rather than download the Ritek drivers I used the Intel AC97 drivers included with XP, not quite as functional as the Dell/SigmaTel drivers, but a definate reduction in the hiss. I did not notice an appreciable difference in fidelity as some members may have experienced with other 3rd party drivers.

rp_guy · Answer

what type of functionality is lost using intel drivers?

micronix · Answer

jim, thanks so much for setting up a thread for this HORRIBLE problem. I have been trying to live with it, but now I hear hissing when I'm just doing daily things. Do you think Dell will pay my medical bills?

I hope they establish a fix for this soon. really really really super dooper annoying.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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