Is my laptop destroying my audio devices?

Discussion in 'General Audio Discussion' started by Darsus, Nov 11, 2015.

  1. Darsus

    Darsus Insatiable bowels - Member

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    Hey guys! I have quite an odd problem, but hope you might now the answer.

    First, I had a problem with my HD215 headphones, because one driver started sounding a bit quieter, then it happened with my speakers, then it happened with my superlux headphones, then I found out that the output on the onboard card is weaker on one side, so I thought it's a soundcard problem, so I bought an interface (Focusrite iTrack, used tho). Devices kept sounding quieter on one side (it's not same on every device, on some is left on some is right), then it turned out when I checked it after some time that one of the output chanels is weaker on my interface too! It's not about settings, balance on left and right is always 100%, i tested some of these devices on other computers, and the result is the same!

    Could it be that electricity (i don't know, I'm not into it) from my laptop is ruining my devices? And how can I check it and fix it, if so?

    Thank you!
     
  2. UltraShock

    UltraShock New

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    what kind of headphones are they? it's extremely unlikely something in the computer would damage a single audio channel on both a usb interface as well as the onboard card, but anything's possible)

    you're saying it's the same problem that's happening whether you're using onboard audio or an interface? how are you determining one channel is weaker? and are you testing with different recordings?
     
  3. Darsus

    Darsus Insatiable bowels - Member

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    It sounds extremely unlikely, but it also sounds extremely unlikely to me that everything I've plugged into this laptop ended up messed, tho coincidences are possible.

    I have the same problem with literally everything. Yes, the onboard card, the external interface, headphones, speakers, even when I plug anything of those into other laptops.

    It's driving me crazy because I can't afford buying pair of expensive headphones/studio monitors (as planned) and ruining them.

    I will give my interface on service and go to the laptop service to check if laptop can be tested somehow.
     
  4. cizx

    cizx Friend

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    Have you had your ears checked?
     
  5. Darsus

    Darsus Insatiable bowels - Member

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    Yes I have, the problem is not in my ears.

    I checked the equipement with other people too, and they noticed the same problems.
     
  6. Darsus

    Darsus Insatiable bowels - Member

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    Little update, I gave my audio interface on service, and everything is fine. They compared it with two other and used meters. Will reinstall windows and buy better cables and new adapter. I obviously didn't have luck with some equipement and that scared the s*it out of me.
     
    Last edited: Dec 1, 2015
  7. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Oh audio, how settings can ruin everything...
     
  8. proflitoto

    proflitoto New

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    Well this is a good excuse to get a separate dac/amp that you plug into the computer's USB port, eliminating any need to use the headphone out. They sound better any way.
     

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