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Article Number: 000201651

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. ...

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. What is in the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar box?
  2. Slim Soundbar Features
  3. Setting up your Slim Soundbar
  4. Supported Displays
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Additional Information

Front View SB521A Slim Soundbar

(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)

 

What is in the Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar box

 

What's in the box

(Figure.2 Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar Box Contents)

1 Slim Soundbar 2 Security Loop Cable
3 Documents    
 


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Slim Soundbar Features

 

Front View

Front View

(Figure.3 Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar Front View)

End View

End View

(Figure.4 Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar End View)

Product Features

Rear View

(Figure.5 Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar Rear View Product Features)

1 Magnetic Tabs x2 2 Slim Soundbar
3 USB Type-A Cable    
 


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Setting up your Slim Soundbar

 

Compatibility

Operating Systems:

  • Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11
  • Mac Operating System (personal computer)
  • Chrome Operating System
  • Linux
  • Thin Operating System

Plug and Play.

Connecting the Slim Soundbar

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.

Soundbar Installed under Monitor

(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.


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Supported Displays

 

The SB521A soundbar can be installed on the following monitors:

Speaker Monitor Model
SB521A
  • Dell 22 Monitor - P2222H
  • Dell 22 USB-C Monitor - P2223HC
  • Dell 22 Monitor - P2225H
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2422H
  • Dell 24 USB-C Monitor - P2422HE
  • Dell 24 monitor - P2422HA
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2423
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2423D
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2423DE
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2425H
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2425HE
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2425
  • Dell 24 Monitor - P2425E
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2721Q
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2722H
  • Dell 27 USB-C Monitor - P2722HE
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2723D
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2723DE
  • Dell 27 4K Monitor - P2723QE
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2725H
  • Dell 27 Monitor - P2725HE
  • Dell 32 Monitor - P3221D
  • Dell 32 USB-C Monitor - P3223DE
  • Dell 32 Monitor - P3223QE
  • Dell 34 Curved Monitor - P3421W
  • Dell 34 Monitor - P3424WE
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor - U2421E
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2422H
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2422HE
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2422HX
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2424H
  • Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2424HE
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2722D
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2722DE
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2722DX
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2723QE
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2723QX
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2724D
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2724DE
  • Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor - U3023E
  • Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor - U3223QE
 
 


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Troubleshooting

 

Problems Possible solutions
The soundbar does not turn on
  • 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.
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
 


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Additional Information

 

 

Dell SB521A Slim Soundbar Support Site

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.


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Article Properties

Affected Product
Dell P2222H, Dell P2422H, Dell P2422HE, Dell P2721Q, Dell P2722H, Dell P2722HE, Dell P3221D, Dell P3222QE, Dell P3421W, Dell Slim Soundbar - SB521A, Dell U2421E, Dell U2422H, Dell U2422HE, Dell U2422HX, Dell U2722D, Dell U2722DE, Dell P2223HC , Dell P2225H, Dell P2422HA, Dell P2423, Dell P2423D, Dell P2423DE, Dell P2425, Dell P2425E, Dell P2425H, Dell P2425HE, Dell P2723D, Dell P2723DE, Dell P2723QE, Dell P2725H, Dell P2725HE, Dell P3223DE, Dell P3424WE, Dell U2424H, Dell U2424HE, Dell U2723QE, Dell U2723QX, Dell U2724D, Dell U2724DE, Dell U3023E, Dell U3223QE ...
Last Published Date

18 Apr 2024

Version

12

Article Type

How To

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