Front Audio not working properly

Stardweller

First, I have an Acer Predator Orion 5000. I have a problem with the audio on the front side. When I connect my headset on the front, people tell me I have weird background noises. Also, I hear a constant background humming (very silently, not affected by the sound volume of the pc) and I hear another sound when I move my mouse (wireless).

When I connect my audio devices on the backside of the pc, I have no such problems whatsoever.

It's a bit annoying not being able to use the front slots for audio! Is there anything I could do or is the hardware faulty? Is anyone else experiencing this or is it just my pc?

billsey

"I haven't heard from anyone else with that problem. Is there a mechanical issue where the headset isn't completely inserted in the jack? I have seen elsewhere issues where a thick plug will not seat completely giving weird effects. Often it's just a matter of trimming some of the extra thickness off.

Stardweller

Yes, the plug is completely inside and modifying it doesn't change anything except that when it's not completely inserted, I only hear the noise on one side.

I've had that problem with my laptop which has 2 line outs, and in one of them I used to have the same problem.

The plug here is indeed a bit tighter than the one on the front, but I tried with different headsets and the problem occurs with all of them.

The noise does persist when I turn off the sound, however when I use the mechanical volume adjuster on my headset, it does get quieter. When I move my mouse cursor it sounds different. So too when I move a slider in sound devices - it sounds as if the noise was coming from the motherboard?

This is the sound it makes - in the middle the change when I move the mouse: https://vocaroo.com/i/s0xbFtpAM8Bk

Of course, everybody hears this too when I talk on the mic. I have microphone boost at 20, because if it's disabled I'm really quiet. But the noise is there too, even with boost disabled, just quieter.

billsey

It sounds like typical 60 cycle hum to me, which is more likely coming from a power supply than the motherboard. Any chance there's a grounding problem (like an ungrounded outlet) or a power loop (devices connected to both sides in the breaker box that are also connected to each other)? What about other devices on the same circuit, especially anything with a motor like a fan...

Stardweller

Only a mouse, keyboard and speakers are connected on the backside, and two monitors DP and HDMI. The only fans are the ones that came in the PC.

billsey

Ah, but there should also be a power cord connected to the back of the computer. Is it plugged into a properly grounded outlet on the wall, or a properly grounded UPS or surge arrester? There are so very many ways noise can be introduced into the power circuit...