Loud buzz, maybe software, maybe hardware

So, I am a bit confused.

My computer recently finally got updated. I have had problems with some python packages, because I did change how the system interacts with pip. I wanted to download some more specialized python tools.

Anyway, the problem is a loud “BRRZZT” noise. It plays anytime there is an audio running. Computer normally starts with a ‘swish’ sound in boot. Now it goes brrzt. Watch a video, ‘brrzt’.

cat /sys/module/snd_hda_intel/parameters/power_save shows as a 1. So I tried changing that, but still brrzt.

Nothing has physically happened to the laptop, or I would be thinking speaker got damaged/loose wire.

It’s literally sitting there. I used it a couple hours ago. Fine. Now brrzt. I can’t remember the term for those internal microphones computers used to have. They could do really generic vague sounds. That’s what this sound reminds me of.

Hence I think it is software, but honestly the update went through last night and it was working… Maybe… maybe I hadn’t reset the computer until now.

Headphones work normally.

Pulling em out, plugging in nothing. I mention this, because the first time it went ‘Brrzt’ when I plugged them in. Note the nose doesn’t stop quickly. It’s a good two or three seconds.

It’s more annoying atm, as it is VERY loud and I don’t want to damage the speakers, which were working fine a couple hours ago. Newer laptop, maybe six months old?

ArchWiki - PipeWire - Noticeable audio delay or audible pop/crack when starting playback

ArchWiki - PulseAudio/Troubleshooting - Pops when starting and stopping playback

Hey thanks!

It’s pipewire, running wireplumber.

I ran wireplumber, trying to resolve the issue, but it hung. I actually wondered if I was using it wrong, before trying to run wpctl status. That also hangs and freezes the terminal.

So it looks like it’s related to wireplumber somehow.

Gonna reset my computer and disable the internet. Maybe that will help

E: Restarting helped me get past the instructed steps, but nothing changed. Will restart again now that I reset the daemons and conf.d

E2: Note: The noise is considerably longer than a single pop or crack. lasts 1-2 seconds solid.

Check if a similar issue has been reported upstream - Issues · PipeWire · GitLab
If not, open a new issue report and include data from pw-dump

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Is the soundcard being completely deactivated when not in use (like it is in standby, hibernate)? This can cause a nasty buzz; in my case mains frequency with harmonics, maybe like you describe. When I was using the mixer, I had to unplug the audio lead when I put it to bed, or turn the mixer off, to avoid this.

A “noisy” power supply won’t help matters either, in this respect.

Check the power saving settings! Just a guess on my part, but worth looking in to. I suspect some default might have changed with the update?

Doesn’t seem to be an issue with a straight connection to the amp, in my case.

I will look into them.

Actually it stopped making the noises this morning. So less than 24 hours.

Power supply kinda feels like a good fit. Mine is a bit finicky. I will dig into it and see if I can find a culprit!

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