PA & Sound Systems · Guide

Why Do My Speakers Hum or Buzz?

Hum is usually a grounding or cable problem. Check cables and power first, then isolate the source.

A message nobody hears is a message you never sent.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Unplug sources one by one to find the cause.
  • Use balanced cables on long runs.
  • Plug audio gear into the same power strip.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-07Updated 2026-10-072 min read
On this page01. What to look for before you buy02. Best prices in stock today03. Buying for a business? We supply in bulk04. Why buy from Qyvea05. FAQ
Why Do My Speakers Hum or Buzz?
Quick answer

A steady low hum usually comes from a ground loop (equipment plugged into different power points), a poor or unbalanced cable, or mains interference from lighting dimmers and chargers. Work through it in order: unplug sources one by one to find the culprit, use balanced cables over long runs, plug all audio gear into the same power strip, and keep audio cables away from power cables.

Real products, live prices, in stock now
See the actual productsLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all amplifiers →

Key takeaways

  • Unplug sources one by one to find the cause.
  • Use balanced cables on long runs.
  • Plug audio gear into the same power strip.
  • Keep audio cables away from mains cables.

01What to look for before you buy

  1. 01
    Find the sourceUnplug each input; if the hum stops, that device or cable is the cause.
  2. 02
    Check cablesReplace damaged or very long unbalanced cables.
  3. 03
    Same power pointPlug audio gear into one power strip to avoid ground loops.
  4. 04
    Separate cablesKeep audio cables away from power cables and dimmers.
  5. 05
    Check the amplifierA faulty power supply can hum; have it tested if the hum stays.
  6. 06
    Use isolationA ground-loop isolator or DI box can fix stubborn cases.

02Best prices in stock today

Today's deals on amplifiersLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all amplifiers →
Amplifiers and mixer amplifiersLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all amplifiers →
Ceiling, wall and column speakersLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all speakers →

Prices update live from the Qyvea store. Tap any product to see full specs, stock and delivery options, or ask us on WhatsApp for a recommendation.

03Buying for a business? We supply in bulk

One supplier for your whole business

  • Bulk and repeat orders: send your list on WhatsApp and get a written quotation, usually within 2 hours
  • Printable quotations straight from the online store for your approval process
  • Thousands of products: IT, phones, appliances, security, solar and networking from one supplier
  • Delivery across Kenya, plus installation and setup by Qyvea technicians where needed
  • After-sales support: warranty claims handled with you, and maintenance for installed systems

Get a business quote →

04Why buy from Qyvea

Why Kenyans buy from Qyvea

  • Genuine branded products sold with the manufacturer's warranty (typically 6–24 months, varies by product)
  • 7-day returns and exchanges; damaged or wrong item? Report it within 48 hours for a free replacement or full refund
  • Pay with M-Pesa, bank transfer or card; refunds go back the same way
  • Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000, and delivery across Kenya
  • Delivered to your door, dispatched once payment is confirmed, rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews (bought from us? leave a review)
  • Talk to a person on WhatsApp 0113 301 244, usually within 30 minutes

Full details: return & refund policy.

05Frequently asked questions

Is the hum dangerous?

Hum itself is not, but a tingle or shock from equipment is a safety issue: stop and have the wiring and earthing checked.

Why does it hum only when the phone is charging?

Cheap chargers add noise. Use the original charger or unplug while playing.

Can long speaker cables cause hum?

Speaker cables rarely do; long unbalanced signal cables are more often the cause.

When should I call a technician?

If the hum remains after you have isolated each device, or if there is any shock.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

Related articles

PA & Sound Systems · Buying Guide
What Is the Best Amplifier for Ceiling Speakers?
Power, inputs and speaker type: what to check before you buy.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
PA & Sound Systems · Guide
Do I Need a Mixer, an Amplifier or Both?
A mixer blends and controls the sources; an amplifier makes the signal strong enough to drive the speakers.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
PA & Sound Systems · Guide
Why Does My Microphone Screech and How Do I Stop It?
Feedback means a microphone is hearing its own speaker. Move the speakers, lower the gain and aim the microphone away.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
← PreviousWhich Pioneer Audio Products Are Sold in Kenya?Next →Why Does My Microphone Screech and How Do I Stop It?

Buying for a business?

Send us your list. We'll quote, deliver across Kenya and set everything up.

Chat with us — 30 min response