[SOLVED] A laptop speaker buzzes and then crackles loudly after using the laptop for some time, even when the speakers aren't used.

[Kansen]

Hello everyone!

I have an Acer Aspire 792g. For some time now, the bottom left speaker (the one underneath the laptop) starts making a quiet buzzing noise after I've been using the laptop for some time, even when the speakers aren't used, as in when the sound is muted, or I'm using the headphones. Interestingly enough, it seems that the warmer it is in the room, the sooner the buzzing will start, it can be anything between 10 minutes of watching youtube, up to 2 hours of playing video games, but eventually, it always starts. However, the bigger problem is the loud crackling noise that comes after some minutes of the buzzing going on. That noise is really loud, but always suddenly stops several seconds after I shut down whatever I've been presently using, be it Chrome or a video game, or any software. And the source is rather clear, the noise is definitely coming from the place where that speaker is. But for the record, I'll add that the laptop's cooling system has been inspected and cleaned, the fans are in excellent condition, and the temperatures are within range so it's not that for sure.

What could be the cause of the speaker making that noise? And more importantly, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of it? Franky, I don't need that speaker, I don't really need the speakers at all, because I'm almost exclusively using headphones. But I don't feel very comfortable opening the laptop myself. Maybe if the buzzing is related to the power supply to the speaker (as it kind of sounds electrical), then there is some kind of way to disable it remotely? Alternatively, would somehow unplugging the speaker work?

I'll be very grateful for any input!

Thanks in advance!
Cheers!

 

[hang-the-9]

First step, try replacing that speaker or swap it with the other one and see if the issue follows the speaker or the location. If you don't care if it works or not, then yes you can unplug it.

 

[Kansen]

First step, try replacing that speaker or swap it with the other one and see if the issue follows the speaker or the location. If you don't care if it works or not, then yes you can unplug it.

Thank you very much for your answer!

I've been trying some things and here's what I discovered.
Simply disabling speakers in the "sound" menu in the control panel actually stops the buzzing. I don't know if it cuts the power to the speakers entirely, or if it does something else, but with the speakers disabled - there's no noise!

BUT there's another problem. Whichever device I'm using to play the sounds, be it the internal speakers or plugged-in headphones, they all appear as the same piece of hardware in the "sound" menu. So if I disable the speakers, the headphones won't work either once I plug them in.

I've read that Realtek audio drivers menu has the option of splitting them into two separate positions, but unfortunately to do that I'd require the access to "advanced settings" in the Realtek menu, and my laptop doesn't support this.

Just to try it out, I tried switching from Realtek audio drivers to Microsoft audio drivers, and it worked, as in it did separate headphones from the speakers, and so I disabled the speakers, left the headphones working, and et voila, I have the sound in my headphones, while the disabled speakers cause no noise!

Unfortunately, the driver I'm presently using isn't that good. The sound is quieter, and on occasion, I hear some popping sound in my headphones, it just doesn't sound like everything is working as it should. Technically speaking I could leave it as is, because everything seems to be more or less working while the main problem has been eliminated. But if you'd happen to have any suggestions as to how to install a better audio driver, while keeping the speakers and headphones separated, I'd be very grateful, as I would be finally able to lay this issue to rest once and for all!

 

[hang-the-9]

The only audio drivers you would be using is the one for the hardware for your laptop. You can try newer or older versions if you want to see if anything else works. Or buy a small USB sound card and connect headphones to that, which may work for you depending on how often you carry the laptop around with you https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Alum...M883BK/ref=psdc_3015427011_t2_B06XBZ38ZJ?th=1 or better quality but larger https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Lab...keywords=usb+sound+card&qid=1593503746&sr=8-4

Another option, Bluetooth headphones or use yours if they are good quality with a Bluetooth adapter, which is what I use with my headphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLQ47MY/ref=emc_b_5_i

 

[Kansen]

The only audio drivers you would be using is the one for the hardware for your laptop. You can try newer or older versions if you want to see if anything else works. Or buy a small USB sound card and connect headphones to that, which may work for you depending on how often you carry the laptop around with you https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Alum...M883BK/ref=psdc_3015427011_t2_B06XBZ38ZJ?th=1 or better quality but larger https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Lab...keywords=usb+sound+card&qid=1593503746&sr=8-4

Another option, Bluetooth headphones or use yours if they are good quality with a Bluetooth adapter, which is what I use with my headphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLQ47MY/ref=emc_b_5_i

Thank you very much!
I'll look into the options you mention.
Cheers!