Picking up other things on computer speakers? How did it happen?

[CornField]

So, I'm sitting here at the computer while working this morning and I can faintly hear someone talking. I go check on the kids, but it isn't them. I go back to my computer and I hear it again. After several minutes of this, I turn my speakers all the way up... now I can hear it and WOW!

I'm picking up some sort of extremely racist guy. At first I thought it was a phone conversation, but I don't think so. There are these racist songs that play for a few moments (like really terrible comedy spots), then there is silence for a few moments. Then a guy will come on like he is announcing over a store's PA system -- really hateful stuff. Then silence... then more music... then silence... then more music... then silence... then the guy...

UGH!!

How am I picking this up through my computer speakers and HOW DO I GET RID OF IT?!?

I've re-booted... I've changed electrical outlets... I've repositioned stuff on my desk. What else can I do?

[Az]

1. Replace your speaker cables

Get some shielded speaker cables. They can act like antenna if they are unshielded.

[CornField]

5. Thanks!

I'll call hubby and see if he has any at work or can pick some up on his way home.

It just really weirded me out. I've had this basic system for a year now and never had anything like this happen. I guess there's a first time for everything.

Thanks again.

[whistle]

2. Talk back to them

[SheepyMcSheepster]

3. my first guess would be

you are picking up a radio station via the wiring.

[htuttle]

4. Wrap your speaker wires in tinfoil

Hell, I don't know. Maybe you have a wacky sound card that's picking it up.

:shrug:

[Alpharetta]

6. I get that too

Sometimes my PC speakers buzz when my cellphone rings.

I wonder if some moron in your vicinity is running a pirate radio station.

Or it might just be the PA system at your local police department's auto maintenance garage. Depends on where you live. :)

[Magleetis]

7. I have the same problem sometimes

It is probably a radio station and there could be several causes. Shielded cables might fix it. Also check to make sure that your AC power is properly grounded. It could also be the inputs on your speakers. Some pro and home audio gear is particularly susceptible to this problem due to poor shielding and design. I have had to install capacitors on the inputs of many pro audio consoles to stop this problem in church audio systems that I have installed.

[B3Nut]

8. If they're regular computer speakers...

the line from the CPU to the speakers will be a shielded stereo cable with an 1/8" stereo plug. Most likely you've got oxidation on the plug itself...unplug and re-plug the speaker plug several times and give it a twist as well, this will scrub the oxidation off the contact surfaces and make a fresh connection.

Sounds like someone's operating an unlicensed pirate station near you and your computer speaker's built-in amplifier is picking it up due to the bad signal ground.

Todd in Beerbratistan <- lifelong audiophile and electronics tinkerer