If you notice your speaker is making popping or cracking noises when playing audio, there are a few potential causes to investigate. The good news is that speaker popping is often easy to resolve with some basic troubleshooting steps.
What causes speaker popping?
Here are some of the most common culprits behind popping speakers:
- Faulty audio cable connection
- Dirty volume pot/control knob
- Blown speaker
- Interference from cell phone or other devices
- Audio clipping from volume being set too high
- Damaged voice coil
Faulty audio cable
If the speaker popping only happens when an audio cable is connected, the most likely cause is a faulty cable. Audio cables can become worn over time, causing intermittent connections. Try connecting a different cable to see if that resolves the popping. Make sure both ends of the cable are fully inserted into the speaker and audio source.
Dirty volume knob
Speakers with analog volume knobs can accumulate dust and debris inside the knob over time. As you turn a dirty volume knob, that debris interferes with the connection, causing popping noises. Use compressed air or contact cleaner sprayed into the knob to clear out any debris.
Blown speaker
Speakers contain delicate electromagnets that can become damaged from age, overuse at high volumes, or exposure to moisture. If a speaker cone has ruptured or the voice coil is damaged, it may vibrate irregularly during playback causing popping sounds. Unfortunately blown speakers need to be repaired or replaced.
Interference from other devices
Sources of electromagnetic interference like cell phones, microwaves, or wireless routers located too closely can disrupt speaker operation. Try moving the speaker away from potential sources of interference. Speakers more than 15-20 feet from interference sources should not be impacted.
Audio clipping
Setting your audio source volume too high can cause clipping – distortion from tones being cut off above the maximum threshold. Clipping can make popping sounds when played through speakers. Make sure to lower the volume on your audio source like phone or computer to around 75% maximum before it connects to the speaker.
Damaged voice coil
The voice coil in the speaker converts electrical audio signals into magnetic pulses that vibrate the cone to produce sound. If the voice coil has become bent or damaged, it can cause both popping noises and reduced sound quality. Inspect the voice coil if accessible, but typically replacement is required for permanent damage.
How to troubleshoot speaker popping
Here are systematic troubleshooting steps to isolate the cause:
- Check all connected cables and sockets for any loose connections and make sure cables are not damaged. Replace cables if necessary.
- Try connecting the speaker to a different audio source device than what you typically use.
- Connect a different set of speakers or headphones to your existing audio source device.
- Adjust volume on audio source to 75% max before it reaches the speaker.
- Inspect volume knobs and controls for dust/debris and clean if present.
- Move cell phones and other potential interference sources away from speaker.
- Play audio known to be free of pops and clicks like a pure test tone.
- Gently press on the speaker cone while playing audio to check for voice coil issues.
By systematically testing different hardware combinations and isolating the audio playback chain, you can determine if the root cause lies with the speaker itself, the connecting wires, or the audio source volume/content.
How to fix speaker popping
Check and replace cables
If popping only occurs when using a certain cable, replace the faulty cable with a new high-quality speaker wire or audio auxiliary cable. For speakers with removable cables, first try swapping the cable orientations to see if that changes anything. If the popping persists, purchasing a replacement cable should resolve any connection issues between the speaker and audio source.
Clean controls and knobs
Use compressed air or contact cleaner sprayed into volume knobs, buttons, and controls to clean out any built-up dust causing intermittent connections. Rotate the knobs and press the buttons while cleaning to dislodge debris. Let the cleaner fully dry before reconnecting power and audio sources.
Update audio source and driver software
Outdated firmware and software can sometimes contribute to speaker popping and audio glitches. Update to the latest versions of audio drivers, apps, operating systems, and firmware on your connected devices like phones, computers, TVs, and Bluetooth transmitters to prevent incompatibility issues.
Reduce interference
If cell phones or wireless devices are causing interference, position your speaker at least 15-20 feet away. Avoid placing near cordless landline phones, baby monitors, microwaves, wireless access points, and other electronics that emit radio frequency signals. Use wired network connections instead of Wi-Fi where possible.
Adjust audio source volume
Lowering the volume on your audio source device before it reaches the speaker can help eliminate distortion and clipping that cause popping sounds. Leave adequate headroom below maximum volume for dynamic peaks in music and audio playback.
Inspect and replace damaged components
For persistent popping even after cable changes and cleaning, the speaker itself may need repair. Connect with a speaker repair technician to inspect the voice coil, fix the speaker cone, replace capacitors, or re-solder loose wiring connections. If diagnosis determines unrepairable damage, replacement of the speaker unit may be required.
Preventing future speaker pops
Here are some tips to keep your speakers popping-free for the long term:
- Use speaker cables that match your speaker impedance
- Avoid running speaker wires near AC power cords
- Power speakers off when not in use
- Use surge protectors, avoid under/over voltage to equipment
- Place speakers away from potential interference
- Set audio source volume to 75% maximum
- Keep volume lower at night to limit disturbances
- Inspect cables, wires, and connections periodically
- Clean controls and knobs every few months
- Have speakers professionally serviced every 2-3 years
When to call a professional
If you’ve tried all the DIY troubleshooting tips with no success resolving persistent speaker popping noises, it’s best to call in a professional. An experienced technician can conduct diagnostics to isolate whether the issue stems from the speaker components themselves or connected wiring problems. They will have the tools, testing equipment, and expertise to resolve the speaker popping issue and advise if repairs or replacement are needed.
Speaker damage from age, moisture, wrong voltage, or prolonged high volume use may require professional service or replacement parts. Leave complex repairs like speaker recone kits, voice coil replacement, or re-soldering components to qualified service technicians to ensure quality results. Using professional services can refurbish speakers and restore them to optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my speaker pop when muted?
A speaker can pop even when muted if there is interference caused by a cell phone, cordless phone, or other transmitting device nearby. Try moving the speaker away or turning off potential sources of interference.
Why does my speaker pop when the volume is low?
Dirty volume controls and potentiometers can cause popping even at low volumes as debris interferes with electrical contacts. Use contact cleaner to spray out volume knobs and switches.
Why does my speaker pop when turned on?
As components power up, thermal expansion and contraction can cause popping sounds. This is normal for solid state devices. If popping persists or occurs after several minutes, troubleshoot connections.
Why does my speaker pop randomly?
Intermittent popping can stem from loose wiring that makes and breaks contact. Check solder joints and points where wires connect to the speaker voice coil. Even small amounts of debris lodged in controls can cause random pops when dislodged.
Why does my speaker pop when plugged in?
Plugging in an audio cable often creates small pops from contact noise or power sequences. Make sure to power equipment on in the proper order – audio sources before speakers to avoid loud thumps. Allow 15 seconds after plugging in before powering on.
Why does my speaker pop when the bass hits?
Low frequency bass requires high cone excursion, so a damaged speaker surround or voice coil may cause popping on deep bass notes. Inspect the woofer for damage and test with bass heavy music to isolate the problem driver.
How do I stop my computer speakers from popping?
Try lowering the system volume, updating your audio drivers, moving cellphones away, and checking the 3.5mm cable connections. If still popping, invest in higher quality USB powered computer speakers with interference rejection.
Conclusion
Occasional popping sounds from speakers can be annoying but are usually easy to resolve. Following proper troubleshooting techniques to isolate the root cause is key. Common fixes like replacing faulty cables, cleaning dirty controls, reducing interference, and inspecting components will typically get your speakers popping-free once again.
Prevention is ideal to maximize your speaker lifespan by avoiding over-driving volume, protecting them from moisture, keeping wires and signals away from interference, and having them periodically serviced. With quality care and maintenance, you can enjoy many years of crisp, clear audio free of pesky popping sounds.