Irratating buzzing noise in headphones

[RiddickJhb]

Hey guys, i got an issue. I currently have a Asus P8P67 Deluxe Rev.3 mobo and i'm using the onboard audio on the board to run my Zalman 5.1 headphones. For the last while i've noticed this irratating buzzing noise that is extremely irratating during gaming in games such as the new Duke Nukem. But strangely enough when playing a movie or music there is no (noticiable) interference. So in my infiniate wisdom i thought it's the earphones that is old and it's time for new ones. So i got me the Rococat Kave's and boom, i'm still stuck with the same buzzing noise now only clearer and even more prominent.

Do you have guy any idea what can be causing this and how i can fix it? I've tried installing the latest audio drivers from Asus's website and still no luck.

[Slimshaedy]

Dam this doesn't make me feel any better! I have the same issue dude! I have Zalman 5.1 headphones,the usb version with a built in sound card. Now I wouldn't call my sound a buzzing noise its more a scratched cd,it gets stuck and jumps on the same piece of audio. But then I went to sound properties and instead of using the 5.1 speakers option I tried the digital output,the mobo uses the same soundd river for this but is only in stereo. This took away the jumping,although every now and then I hear little jumps in the audio but then stops. I can live with it tho:) I'm beginning to think the problem lies withthe mobo and not the earphones

[RiddickJhb]

Yeah, i think there's interference coming from somewhere in the case. Freaking frustrating especially the fact i biught new ear phones just to hear the noise more clearly!

On some of the forums it is said that buying a decent sound card eliminates this. But sheesh then it's another plus/minus R1000 i have to spend which is getting a bit much.

[Slimshaedy]

No ways I would never!! Its pretty decent onboard sound. I can't imagine wat the problem could be. Sorry dude! Did you try setting your default playback device to digital like I did with mine? Also try disabling your mobos drivers in device manager,and use the headphones drivers. And also visa versa. That at least eliminates interference. which Zalman headphones did you get? The usb one or the straight forward 5.1 one?

[RiddickJhb]

I had Zalman 5.1's but got me the new Roccat Kave's ( I wanted to upgrade).

Can you run me exactly through what you did so i can try and eliminate various possibilities? Remember i'm not the most technical guy working with pc's. I know a little bit about a little bit

[Hman]

Try muting and unmuting line-in, mic, aux etc. in sound properties, also try moving the sliders for them from max to min.

I had a buzzing on my previous system, playing around with those sorted the problem.

[RiddickJhb]

Even when I mute all sound on the control panel you can still hear the droning, buzzing noise. I'm looking for the nearest bridge so i can jump off it!

[KALSTER]

Does the noise stay when you turn off your monitor?

[RiddickJhb]

I just tried it and the noise remains even with the monitor off.

[KALSTER]

Then, if the other advice doesn't work, I'd build your pc outside of the box and see if it still remains. There might be a point where the surfaces aren't touching properly. Maybe at the cover plate at the back or something. Alternatively, one of your components might be causing it, which might mean extensively testing with other hardware. A sucky situation this.

[Slimshaedy]

So it buzzes even when you mute?? Now that's odd! Go to your volume control in your taskbar. Right click it,click playback devices. It should say speakers,digital,digital(optical) etc. Try each one of those options and see if it changes anything

[Slimshaedy]

+1 Kalster! Riddick as kalster just said this sounds like a hardware fault to me,so I doubt anything you change in windows will affect the buzzing. Does it buzz as soon as you plug it in,and carry on buzzing?

[Synthesis]

For the last while i've noticed this irratating buzzing noise that is extremely irratating...

Dude, stop listening to techno

[THE_STIG]

Mmmm, it sounds as if you are experiencing a ground loop. It is usually caused by a bad connection somewhere that causes an unwanted connection to ground. I would want to have a look at the connections on the front panel audio or just try disconnecting the front USB and audio and see if that helps .

[RiddickJhb]

Hey guys, thanx for all the help and to you Synthesis . By the time i wrote my post my head felt like the aftermath of a long night before.

I took my machine into Asus and they sparred with it all day. They replaced the board and the same problem persists. Any other tips i could try before looking for the nearest bridge to drive off from?

[THE_STIG]

Try running the board outside of the case, as I said it could be creating a ground loop

[Synthesis]

Ok, so you've been through these:
1. Different headphones
2. Different location
3. Software settings
4. Different board
5. Different, or no case
6. Front panel and back panel audio

The only common factor I see still if you've been using the same power supply. It's a long shot and would've been my last guess but you're running out of options. If possible, try another PSU.
From the start it did sound like a ground / earth problem. Common to sensitive audio equipment. I've had this a lot when a case is shorting. Same as just sticking the earphone-jack against the case and you get that awful sound.

Then just for peace sake, have you got something else to plug the earphones into, phone, hifi, Ipod ??? I assume that works with no problems.

[RiddickJhb]

The earphones work great. I tested them on my old C2D machine so i think it's safe to say they are ok.

How could it be possible that the case is causing the issue?

[Prime]

Are you using an earthed power cable?

[RiddickJhb]

For the psu or headphones?

[Synthesis]

for the Computer. Is your power cable 3-pin plug ?
But Asus said they tested it at their premises with another board as well. So your houses earth isn't the problem. The PSU maybe. Not the case. The p-o-w-e-r s-u-p-p-l-y

[RiddickJhb]

Well i'm revisiting him tomorrow so i hope he has some way of testing the psu to determine if the problem stems from there.

Since i've upgraded it's just been headache upon headache.

[Synthesis]

keep us updated. I wont be able to sleep until I know what it is.

[RiddickJhb]

Thx mate i will. If i should have to go fight with the people from Coolermaster, where would i start?

[Synthesis]

We'll talk about it when it comes to that. Didn't realize you're using coolermaster. It's not Antec, but there's nothing wrong with the brand. Chances are, if it turns out to be the PSU, I can almost be certain if you stick it in another PC it's won't give the same problem. Just one of those inexplicable incompatible issues you have to accept.