Sound problem - Electrical noise through the speakers?

[glitch77]

I have a Soundblaster Awe64 ISA in my MAME cab currectly, and I am geting lots of electrical noise on the output. The hiss is terrible, if you turn the volume on the speakers up over 30% or so, the noise is very noticable in the most noisy games.

Its not the speakers or amp themselves, makes no weird noise if hooked to a CD player or whatnot, only the soundcard is being goofy.

Any thoughs?

Thanks!

[rdagger]

There are many possible causes:
1.  Poorly made soundcard.
2.  Appliance in house such as refrigerator generating noise on the electric lines.
3.  Computer not shielded properly.
4.  Fan or fluorescent light to close to speakers.

Solutions:
1. Try another soundcard.
2. Try turning off breakers in the house one by one.
3. Make sure computer is enclosed in a metal case.

Sometimes using better quality speaker wire helps.  You can also try using baluns to block line noise; especially if you have an oscilloscope.

[JustMichael]

I have a dumb question, have you tried turning up the volume that the soundcard puts out?

[StephenH]

Try the following:

1) Try adjusting the sound volume settings in Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Volume Control

2) The set of speakers could be bad

3) You have something else nearby causing interference

4) The cable linking the computer to the speakers could be bad

5) Try plugging the speakers into a different outlet