Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A Usage and Troubleshooting Guide
Summary:
The following article provides information about the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar. You can reference each section to learn more about the features of the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar and how
to use it.
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(Figure.1 Experience the world’s slimmest and lightest soundbar. It offers exceptional audio clarity and easy magnetic attachment to select Dell monitors, ensuring a clutter-free desk. The Dell Slim Soundbar - SB521A)
The Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar uses two magnetic tabs to sit under a Dell flat panel monitor. A USB Type-A cable is used to connect to the monitor. The monitor USB upstream cable connects to your Desktop or Laptop.
(Figure.6 USB Type-A Connector)
Note: Ensure you are connecting the correct USB uplink cable between your monitor and your computer by checking your monitor manual.
Ensure that the USB upstream cable is connected from your computer to the Dell monitor to enable USB pass-through. This additional USB upstream cable connection is required if your computer is using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
Check if the USB cable from the soundbar is connected properly to the USB port on the Dell monitor.
Note: Dell monitors ship with the upstream cable included. (USB Type-C to Type-C or USB Type-A to Type-B) Check your monitor user guide to identify the upstream port of your particular monitor.
Soundbar is on but not functioning
Disconnect the soundbar and restart your computer. Reconnect the soundbar and check if it regains functionality.
Open Device Manager on your computer and check if the soundbar is listed under audio devices.
Test the USB port on the Dell monitor by connecting another USB device to it.
Test the soundbar by connecting it directly to your computer over USB.
If the soundbar works on the computer, you may have a defective USB port on the Dell monitor or a defective the USB upstream cable.
If the soundbar does not work, it may be faulty, and must be replaced. In either instance, check Contacting Dell for help.
No audio from soundbar
Ensure that the soundbar is the default playback device on Windows audio settings.
Try connecting the soundbar to different USB ports on the Dell monitor.
Adjust the volume levels on Windows and the application in use. Also, play an alternate audio file or online media is possible.
Clean or reconnect all cables again. Test the soundbar with a different audio source, such as from another computer.
Go to the Control Panel on your computer and click Sound. Check if the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A is displayed in the list of playback devices under the Playback tab of the Sound dialog box. If the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A is not the default device (indicated by a green tick beside the icon.) Right-click the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A and select Set Default > Default Device.
Reinstall the onboard drivers or the sound card drivers and restart the computer.
Distorted sound
Set all volume controls to their midpoints.
Decrease the volume of the audio application.
Test the soundbar using another audio source such as another computer.
Ensure that there are no magnetic devices or any objects obstructing the speakers on the soundbar.
Unbalanced sound output
Set the Windows audio balance controls of the left and right speakers to their midpoints.
Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.
Low volume
Set all Windows volume controls to their maximum.
Increase the volume of the audio application.
Test the soundbar using another audio source such as another computer.
Buzzing noise
Check if any other objects are attached to the soundbar.
Ensure that the soundbar is attached to the monitor. Check that there are no loose objects dangling from or touching the soundbar, or stuck near the magnet on the soundbar.
Try to reduce the volume using Windows volume controls.
Ensure that the cables do not interfere with the soundbar.
Soundbar cannot be mounted on the monitor
Confirm if the monitor model used supports the soundbar.
For more information about the supported monitor models, find the SB521A page at https://www.dell.com.
Check if the monitor’s soundbar slots are open and there is no Mylar cover obstructing the slots.
Learn how to use and troubleshoot problems with the soundbar you use on your monitor and your computer. You can find information about Troubleshooting steps, How-To guides, and relevant Support Videos for assistance.
For the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar User Guide, browse to the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar Online Manual Page. Touch or click View PDF to the right of the SB521A User Guide, which is in the Manuals and Documents section.