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Question

constant sound from speaker

by May 6, 2015 4:08AM PDT

Hello,
I just received my M-audio BX5A deluxe monitor from repair, where they had to fit a new power transformer.
The problem is that since I plugged it in, the speaker emits a constant high pitched low volume sound which is rather annoying.
I tried to find the source of the sound and I realized that it is somehow connected to the two screws that connect the transformer with the back of the speaker. Every time I turn the screws a bit the sound stops and after a while it starts again. Actually at first it happened with the one screw, then after opening the speaker and closing it again, it moved (!) to the other speaker.
Comparing the 2 speakers I realized that they had to add a small part, not sure how to call it in English but it is a small ring that prevents the screws from screwing in completely (I think it is called a "washer").
Any ideas on what I should do to fix it?
-the repair was not done by M-Audio but from a freelance technician and I could give it back to the guy but I am trying to avoid the whole process...-

Discussion is locked

14 Posts
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Answer
Why not clip the lead to the speaker?
by Forum moderator May 6, 2015 4:10AM PDT

And use something like a normal PC audio speaker set?

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what do you mean
by kizonis May 6, 2015 4:26AM PDT

by "clip the lead to the speaker"?

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That disables the noise maker.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 6, 2015 5:08AM PDT

Since it's a PC we have for decades had other solutions. I didn't duplicate that here. Just how to kill the noise.
Bob

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in case you didnt understand
by kizonis May 6, 2015 6:30AM PDT

M-Audio BX5A Deluxe studio monitors (speakers).

or i just do not understand what you are talking about...

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I had it stuck in my head it was a "monitor."
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 6, 2015 6:43AM PDT
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thing is...
by kizonis May 6, 2015 7:19AM PDT

they ARE NOT CONNECTED TO ANY SOURCE. the sound comes as soon as I turn it on, without having connected it to my computer, a sub10$ card or a 1000$ card!

why are you making this so hard for me...(sigh)

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My top line mistake.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 6, 2015 7:42AM PDT

And trying very hard to avoid tossing them back at the tech or the trash. You noted the sound moved from one speaker to the other which is why I thought it could be from the source.

As the speakers fail on their own, they are broke. Time to decide what to do with them.
Bob

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Maybe that's the problem.
by Oldartq May 6, 2015 11:53AM PDT

Maybe you need something at the input connected and was the volume set at very low level? You have a very unusual amplifier speakers system here.

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the speaker wire
by James Denison May 6, 2015 2:26PM PDT

is picking up some interference. Move your cellphone, any home radio phone, move speakers and wire further from the wifi antenna of computer and/or router, etc. If all else fails try some aluminum foil or paint with aluminum paint on the speaker wire to shield it. If these are mounted on the monitor, move them away from it, see if that helps, if permanently mounted, does it happen when the monitor is off and the computer is on, or all the time?

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thank you for the responses
by kizonis May 6, 2015 8:29PM PDT

I did make one mistake in the original post: the problem moved from the one screw to the other, not to the other speaker.
So this changes a lot.

I actually found out that the sound comes from the power transformer itself, which is weird because it is a brand new one. i opened the speaker, turned it on and realized that it makes this sound, but when I push it with my hand it stops. so it is something mechanical.

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NOW THAT WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 6, 2015 11:15PM PDT

I like to use silicone to re-mount vibrating components. Figure about 5 bucks or less for a small tube of silicon glue/sealant then place a bead under that transformer and button it back up. Give it a day to cure.
Bob

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Answer
why do they call them "monitors"?
by May 6, 2015 2:30PM PDT
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monitors are a kind of speakers
by kizonis May 6, 2015 8:35PM PDT

that are supposed to reproduce the sound for reference purposes, thus not making any favors for listening pleasure. this is the equipment that studios prefer to use for production purposes etc.
"normal" speakers tend to reproduce frequencies that are easier and more pleasuring to the ear.

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thanks for the explanation
by James Denison May 6, 2015 11:49PM PDT

wife says I'm going deaf anyway, so... Wink

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