Starting off, the first thing to note is that the issue is not guaranteed to be the speaker itself. Even though the noise is coming from the speaker, it does not necessarily mean that the speaker itself is causing the problem. To identify what is causing the problem, take the overhead approach by inspecting your system piece-by-piece, or even wire-by-wire.

Here are some simple troubleshooting steps to help you isolate the issue:

INPUT

✔ Disconnect audio source devices one at a time
✔ Replace audio cables individually

Noise may be caused by faulty audio sources, such as microphones or CD players, or by defective cables connecting input devices to the amplifier.

MIXER / AMPLIFIER

✔ Try plugging your audio source into a different input

A damaged input channel could be the issue. Check if the noise persists when using another input.

OUTPUT

✔ Disconnect speakers one at a time
✔ Replace speaker cables individually

The problem may stem from a faulty speaker or a defective cable connecting it to the amplifier.

EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE

✔ Use a Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) filter
✔ Isolate AC power on separate lines

Noise can be caused by RFI from nearby electrical devices. A filter helps block interference from external sources.

If you hear a humming or buzzing noise, ground loops could be the culprit. Powering your PA system and other devices (such as video or computer systems) from the same AC line can introduce interference into your PA system’s wiring.