Airport Express Speaker output very quiet with 60-cycle hum

Question

Level 1

0 points

Airport Express Speaker output very quiet with 60-cycle hum

I've previously hooked up my Airport Express to my stereo system via AirTunes, and it worked fine. But I just moved and set up my home network with my Airport Express connected to the stereo with the mini-stereo adapter. But now, when I play music over AirTunes, I can hear the music very faintly, but it's about the same volume as a 60-cycle electrical interference hum, and definitely not listenable. So I know the music is streaming and the AirPort is receiving, but I'm wondering if it's an electrical problem with the AirPort or output jack, or is there some software or hardware fit I can do myself. I've plugged in & out the cord, it works with an iPod, it's connected to a non-Phono jack of the stereo (AUX port), and I've reset the AirPort Express unit. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

PowerBook G4 1.67 gHz, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Sep 9, 2008 3:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,274 points

Sep 9, 2008 8:25 PM in response to AOSmith

Hello AOSmith. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!

To rule out your stereo or audio cable, try substituting a pair of stereo headphones plugged directly into the AX's audio port. Do you still hear the hum? If so, then the problem is either with the AX itself or the power source is not properly shielded. Try connecting the AX to a known good power strip; one that has surge protection and/or noise cancelling capability would be ideal, and then, plug this into the outlet that you had the AXn connected to. Did this help? If not, then unfortunately, the problem may be with either the AX's audio and/or power circuit.

Reply

Answer 2

rdalem

Level 1

50 points

Sep 10, 2008 4:56 AM in response to Tesserax

One other thing to check: in iTunes Preferences, under Advanced, General- make sure that all those check boxes are set the way you want, especially the "Disable iTunes volume...." Sometimes the Volume slider in the iTunes window (upper Left, next to Playback buttons) gets turned off by Soundflower (used by Audio Hijack). Check System Prefs also for audio settings.

Hope this helps.

rdalem

Reply

Answer 3

rdalem

Level 1

50 points

Sep 10, 2008 8:02 AM in response to AOSmith

Is the green light of the AX on or is it blinking yellow? Just wondering if you did a hard reset and need to get the AX working again with wireless router, Extreme, or other source..... Fire up Airport Utility to check status on all devices for starters.

If all network settings are OK, check my previous post concerning iTunes settings.

rdalem

Reply

Answer 4

AOSmith Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 10, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks for all the suggestions. Power light green, solid. Same problem withn headphones plugged in. No change when AX plugged into different outlet/power strips. No changes in iTunes setting or system volume preferences fix the problem. I'm thinking this is a hardware issue.

Reply

Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

158,274 points

Sep 10, 2008 8:58 PM in response to AOSmith

Yes, unfortunately, it is sounding like (no pun intended) that it may be a hardware issue with the AX.

Reply

Answer 6

gofiger

Level 1

0 points

Sep 11, 2008 6:12 PM in response to rdalem

I have similar problem. Trying to run iTunes through AX via Toslink digital optic with mini stereo jack. I get ONE speaker ONLY with very low volume. AX is brand new replacement for what I thought was defective original. Stereo works right for other inputs. iTunes settings seem to be right. When I plug headphones directly into AX I hear one side only. I don't know what that means! Tech support had no idea except to send me a new AX which didn't solve it. I've tried two optic cables and jacks. Got any ideas?

Reply

Answer 7

rdalem

Level 1

50 points

Sep 16, 2008 12:39 AM in response to gofiger

A possibility: GOTO Sys Prefs for Sound and check the Balance slider under Output.

Reply