# Please help me test my computer sound

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-test-my-computer-sound/938734>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [March 26, 2021, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-test-my-computer-sound/938734 "2021-03-26T01:08:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-test-my-computer-sound/938734/1 "2021-03-26T01:08:24Z")

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There is something wrong with my speakers, or there is something wrong with my sound card. To get equal volume balance out of the left/right channels I have to set the right channel much higher.

I’m not sure if it’s the speakers, or the sound card. The stereo plug and wiring to the mini-speakers is integrated so there is no easy way of swapping them. I thought by recording the sound and getting someone else to play it back would take the speakers out of the equation.

So. have a listen to the video below and let me know if the first tests with the right channel set higher sound ok, or whether the second tests with the channel levels equal sound ok. Thanks!

[https://youtu.be/C7IjqAg0INk](https://youtu.be/C7IjqAg0INk)

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**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-test-my-computer-sound/938734/2 "2021-03-26T01:17:23Z")

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To me the second test, with set equal sounds more balanced in volume. In the first test, the right sounds slightly louder. I listened through 3 times. Twice with my eyes closed.

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**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-test-my-computer-sound/938734/3 "2021-03-26T04:46:48Z")

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Is this a laptop or a PC?

Most PCs have more than one audio output (usually a front panel connector and a connector on the back).

If you have that option try the different plugs. Also, try them with different speakers (e.g. headphones and then the speakers).

Alternatively, computer audio on a PC is digital. If you have speakers that are run by USB try them. Your audio should detect what you are using when you plug it in.

Trying these should help you narrow down if it is your speakers or soundcard.