Audio Problem

On my new Latitude E6400, the speakers are not working. The audio works fine with headphones, but when using the built in speakers the audio is so low that it can just barely be heard if at all with the speakers pressed against my ear.

What could be the possible problem?

 

- Did you try restarting your computer without having the headphones plug-in?
- Try to uninstall the IDT sound card drivers and download from Dell the latest version, restart your computer and install the newly downloaded drivers.

If both failed above, and volume is really high, then the speaker connector inside the laptop might not well be well connected. The connector is under the keyboard your right (when looking at the laptop as if you are using it).

(NOTE: the above picture shows the wrong plug. The plug you want to make sure it's well plug-in, is the one on the picture above that has 2 visible wires, white and red. The end plug is white connected to a beige slot.

To access it, you need to remove the keyboard:
1- http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late6400/en/sm/html/ledcvr.htm#wp1179991
2- http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late6400/en/sm/html/keyboard.htm#wp1179980

WARNING: Make sure you ground yourself before opening the inside of your laptop. Grounding meaning to discharge yourself. To do this, you may want to to touch a metal pipe that reaches the ground soil. Alternatively, you can wash your hands (as water conduct electricity), however the place you wash your hand must have metal pipes all the way and touch the ground.

If you are not willing to do this, or it doesn't fix your problem, contact Dell Tech Support.
If your laptop is new, lik eyou recently got it, you better ask for Dell instead.

 

Thanks, I've done both 1 and 2. This is new, so I the best course of action seems to be to send to dell to have it fixed. They pay for shipping right?

 

Actually I removed the keyboard, but it appears the connector that has the three black and the white and red with the white connector tip is plugged in properly to the beige plug. On the top right there is a black connector there that is made up of two wires that is not connected to anything.

 

And there doesn't appear to be anywhere to plug that connector in.

 

Before doing something with Dell, try this:
Play music out of the laptop speakers at high volume, and open the IDT control panel, now enable/disable SRS, and go to the "Equilization" section and change one of the bars. See if that "wakes up" the sound card and provide you proper sound level.

If not:
Yea that's the plug. Yea, it seams to that be a system problem.
If your laptop is bran new under the 20 days, they should build you a new one if you say your problem at Costumer service.
Else it's a Tech Support for repair. If you have Dell Next Buisness Day On site serve, than Dell certified (contracted company), visit you at the buisness day you want and at the time you want starting the next day to replace the part (should be the palm rest as the speakers are attached to it). Everything is done in front of you, and any damage performed by the technician, even scratches are covered by Dell. If you don't have this service, I suggest to get it, as it ensures that you always have your laptop in hand, even when a replacement is sent (and you can swap HDD between system to keep your data, and avoid re-install of all your things, if the HDD is not the affected part). Shipping is paid on both direction for everything.

If you don't have this service, than sadly you need to send it to Dell for repair. I don't know if shipping is paid by them when sending it. I think they send you a prepaid box or something to put your system in. It might take a week for repair, and not a next day thing.

 

I agree with trying the IDT settings. I found mine acting weird at some point too, default was set too headphones and it thought i had them connected or something. With the newer driver the IDT control panel functions much better but i still have it switched off, mostly because i dont like all kinds of funny effects on my music, i have a very decent set of speakers connected and i like too listen too music the way it was mastered

 

Errrr... you have no idea how much onboard sound card destroy your sound. All these technologies like SRS are just trying to fix using software the destroyed music.
To enjoy real sound you need to digital transfer your sound to a high end amplifier that cost more than a car, and attach it to a pair speakers that also the price of a car each.

Or attach the system to electrostatic Headphones which cost (5000$+ I think). And of course if you listen to these, for a week you will battle on how all your speakers sucks (I had the experience at an audio shop... :/)

 

dude i know! That's why i never use my onboard sound. I always have an e-mu 1616m interface hooked up paired with genelec 8020 monitor speakers....i have a small production/recording setup at home

 

I ended up needing the laptop for a few weeks, but sent it in and just got it back and it's fixed. Unfortuantely there is one fairly large and noticeable scratch on the outside cover now. Is there a way I can get rid of this? Will Dell replace the lid now?