• Registered: 2015-01-24
  • Posts: 14

Topic: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Hi, I have a very frustrating problem and I'm hoping someone here can help.

I have an HDSP 9632 in my desktop PC. It has been running fine for a few years but now I am experiencing a problem, just after moving house and everything being in storage for a little while.

When I shutdown my computer, there is a loud popping noise coming through my speakers (and therefore going through my amp). I have tried the following:

1. Changing 9632 drivers
2. Disabling all other audio devices in windows sound options
3. Disconnecting all other peripherals
4. Different cables/plug sockets
5. Different speakers

I have never had this problem before and it's always been fine shutting down my PC before my amp, but now I'm worried that the popping will damage them. I've seen some ideas in another thread but they seem like a workaround which isn't finding the source of the problem - http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=21493.

I've read that this could be caused by the computer power supply on its way out? I'm not having any other problems with my computer apart from this though, which suggests the PSU may be fine.

For a few years I've used an intelliplug with my PC (shuts down all other devices when computer is turned off) and it works well. I really don't want to have to turn my amp off every time before I turn my computer off just as a workaround...and the one time I forget I damage my amp/speakers.

I'd really appreciate any help. Apart from a fault on the PSU or soundcard I'm out of ideas.

Thanks,

Jeremy

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Only the headphone outputs of the 9632 include pop suppression. Are you sure you connected the speakers the same way as before moving? Otherwise there will be nothing you can do, sorry.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

3 Reply by jeremy (edited by jeremy 2015-01-25 21:44:46)

  • Registered: 2015-01-24
  • Posts: 14

Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Hi MC,

They're definitely connected the same way as before - using the line out RCAs. I have never had this problem before and have had the soundcard in my PC for around three years!

If I use the headphone socket, will it be lower quality than the RCA outputs?

The soundcard is driving a Roksan amplifier and Monitor Audio speakers so retaining the sound quality is essential smile

Thanks,

Jeremy

4 Reply by MC

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Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

The phones outs are 100% identical, just not balanced, and you did not use the line outs balanced anyway - so just try it.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2015-01-24
  • Posts: 14

Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Ha! No popping anymore! smile Why have I been using RCAs all these years!?

I just used some spare cables i had lying around...so the connections are as follows:

9632 6.5mm output ----> 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter ----> 3.5mm jack to RCA adapter ---> RCA ---> Amp

Like this:

http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a634/JezW1/IMAG0480_zpsioc6ffkn.jpg

Should I get something like this instead?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aptii-6-35mm-St … 5mm+to+rca

Is having a cheap 3.5mm cable, or extra links in the chain reducing the sound quality?

Thanks so much for your help!

  • Registered: 2015-01-24
  • Posts: 14

Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

One other question - Is it ok to have windows sound up to 100%? And the headphone output is currently set to -6db in the Hammerfall settings. This way I can have my amp really low, but I don't know if that would introduce distortion?

I never really turn an amp passed 60%, very rarely above 50%, but is it the same with soundcard output, or can it be at 100% output volume without a problem?

Thanks smile

7 Reply by MC

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Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Yes, I would avoid multiple cables as far as possible and recommend a single one like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-6-35mm- … pd_cp_ce_3

...but in better quality for around double the price. Have a look at the Duragadget ones

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DURAGADGETs-Con … gadget+RCA

and you know what I mean (they don't have one with 6.35mm it seems).

100% is no problem. -6 does not introduce distortion.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2015-01-24
  • Posts: 14

Re: Speakers popping when shutting down computer

Ok thanks, I'll get a new cable. It needs to have female RCAs on one side though, unless I get two of these?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indigo-Banana%C … +to+female

How about two of those above, plus this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/6-35mm-STEREO-J … .35+to+rca

Then I don't need to use the 6.35--->3.5 adapter like with the DURAGADGET. Also, I only need a small length and it's available in 0.3m. Or do you still reckon the duragadget plus the female RCA couplers?

Or maybe the first one I linked?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aptii-6-35mm-St … 5mm+to+rca

In terms of sound quality, let's say I'm listening to music on winamp/itunes, what are optimal settings?

ie.

Headphones: 0db or -6db?
Winamp: 100%
Windows sound: 100%
Amp: Probably about 20-30% depending on headphones being at 0db or 6db

or maybe:

Headphones: 0db or -6db?
Winamp: 80%
Windows sound: 80%
Amp: Probably about 30-40% depending on headphones being at 0db or 6db

What about with VLC when watching films, when the player can be turned up to 200%?

Thanks again for your help