Tips for Diagnosing A Malfunctioning Sound System
A faulty sound system can be distressing. Notwithstanding the irritating noise that it might churn out, chances are you might not be able to know what part of the system has malfunctioned. This is due to the complexity that the whole sound system may present. However, you can utilize the tips below in order to diagnose a malfunctioning sound system:
The first issue that you should check is if the sound system is actually plugged in. Frequently, people panic while in actual sense, the system hasn’t even been plugged in. The second approach that you should take is checking if all the different parts of the system are plugged in the correct ports.
In addition to this, check if the right cables are leading to the right channels. Furthermore, check if the connection is correct and appropriate, follow the cables through and ensure this. At times, people panic and become overwhelmed, especially if the sound system is for a significant show. Consequently, they might up connecting the system in the wrong way.
Cross Check various channels of the sound system:
The sound system is made of various channels. These may include speakers, console, an input connector, microphone, stage box, amps, and among others depending on the type of system. Therefore, you can check if all of them are working just to ensure that a malfunctioning channel is not the culprit.
This demands a lot of dividing and reconnecting. Consequently, in order to pinpoint the problem, it’s imperative that you disconnect a channel and try and connect to another one. You can unplug the input connector from the console and connect it to another channel. If it’s working, you may disconnect the microphone and connect to another channel. You can carry out this exercise of substituting and alternating them until you are able to identify the faulty channel and remove it from the system.
Using a Modern Diagnostic Tool:
The audio world has evolved over the past few years and sound engineers have now come up with a troubleshooting diagnostic tool. This portable sound diagnostic tool consists of a monitor and a signal generator.
The monitor is used to listen to various sound signals in the channels of the system. Moreover, it can be able to listen to various line signals and microphone in the system since it includes a circuit that is sensitive to sound output. Additionally, the generator is used to generate various audio signals using different levels. Consequently, you can be able to monitor the entire sound system and diagnose the channel that is malfunctioning.
Checking the speakers:
The speakers are one of the main components of any sound system. However, they are also extremely sensitive. A speaker consists of a magnetic field and a magnet. Therefore, they generate sound by ensuring that the magnet moves against the coil of the magnetic field. Consequently, if the sound system plays the music louder than the type of speaker can sustain, then it becomes damaged. In addition to this, check if the cones or the surrounds of the speakers are torn or broken and replace them.
A speaker that produces a crackling or popping sound may indicate that there’s a horrible connection. Additionally, check if the amplifier, speaker cables, and wires are functioning well. At times the wires and cables may end up being damaged or frayed due to where they are placed. If this is the case ensure that you replace them promptly.
The speaker may also produce clipping sounds. This may indicate that there’s a distortion to the signal that is emanating from the amplifier to the speaker. This issue is normally caused by various waveforms representing the voices or instruments in the music. Consequently, if the signal is sent to the speakers above the required amplifier levels, then the sound is produced. Therefore, you should reduce the levels to the desired levels.