# computer speaker problem - massive static **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 13, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868 "2008-08-13T17:26:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mazinger\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/1 "2008-08-13T17:26:29Z")
I have a Compaq laptop nx6110 connected to a toshiba USB hub/docking station (it looks like a mini-tower). I have harman/kardon speakers (though I don’t know the model) connecting to the hub. Oh, and I’m running XP professional. I replaced the speakers at the hub with my ipod head phones and I still have this static noise. I looked at the device manager and the only thing with an X through it was some net adapter which I enabled. I reloaded the sound driver through [HP.com](http://HP.com). I’ve restarted many times and I still have static. What’s wrong? Is it the hub? The cords are all in place with no fraying. Any advice? ETA: oh, and when I remove the hub from my lap top the laptop’s sound seems fine, so I guess it’s the hub, but I didn’t think that could happen… ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/2 "2008-08-13T19:25:06Z")
Try plugging the speakers directly into the computer (both the port the hub is plugged into and a different one). I’ll bet it’s either the hub itself or one specific port on the hub that’s got a loose connection somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/3 "2008-08-13T21:14:22Z")
Do you have your cellphone nearby? Cheap-to-midrange speakers have notoriously low interference thresholds. ---
**Author:** ![mazinger\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/4 "2008-08-13T21:37:41Z")
You know, I think it’s the hub/docking station. The speakers work fine when they are plugged into the laptop itself. For some reason, with the hub plugged in, the speaker outlet on the laptop doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/5 "2008-08-13T21:53:42Z")
[QUOTE=mazinger\_z] You know, I think it’s the hub/docking station. The speakers work fine when they are plugged into the laptop itself. For some reason, with the hub plugged in, the speaker outlet on the laptop doesn’t work. [/QUOTE] There’s your answer. Try a different hub. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speaker-problem-massive-static/459868/6 "2008-08-13T22:33:37Z")
Some computers have a ‘digital audio out’ port that uses the same connector (3.5mm / 1/8") but is for use with digital speakers. Make sure you’re plugged into the right place.