Microsoft KB Archive/92401

= Noise (Hissing) During Playback of Sound Files =

Article ID: 92401

Article Last Modified on 11/14/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0
 * Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0a
 * Microsoft Windows Sound System 2.0

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This article was previously published under Q92401



SUMMARY
When using the software included with the Microsoft Windows Sound System, you may hear noise during the playback of sound files (*.WAV, *.MID, *.RMI, *.VOC, *.SND, *.AIF). This noise is best described as an audible &quot;hiss&quot; and can be caused by the following situations:


 * 1) The Windows Sound System board has been installed next to a video board or the power supply.
 * 2) The Windows Sound System volume has been set low while the volume of an external device (that is, speakers or amplifier) has been set high.



MORE INFORMATION
The Windows Sound System board may pick up and amplify interference from other boards that are not functioning correctly. Interference from the computers power supply can also cause noise during the playback of sound files. The Windows Sound System board should be installed as far away from the power supply and other boards as possible.

Another cause of audible hissing is an inconsistency in the volume control of the Windows Sound System and amplified external devices. For example, if the Windows Sound System volume control is set low, while the volume control of external speakers is set high, the speakers will amplify the low sound being produced by the sound card. This will result in distortion or hissing during playback.

The Windows Sound System volume control should match that of any external devices (that is, if Sound System's volume control is set at 50 percent, any external device's volume control should also be set at 50 percent).

Keywords: KB92401

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