A humming or buzzing sound emanating from a sound card can be caused by several factors.
First, it is important to check the connections between the sound card and any other devices it is connected to. Loose connections, frayed cables, and any other physical imperfections can lead to interference and noise in the sound. Make sure all wires and ports are properly connected and secured.
Another common cause of humming or buzzing is ground loop interference. This can occur when more than one device is connected to the same power source and their “ground” wires are connected, allowing current to transfer through them, leading to electrical noise. To reduce this, make sure all your devices are plugged into separate power outlets, or else use a power strip with multiple outlets and plug each device into its own outlet.
It is also important to make sure your sound card has adequate cooling. If the sound card is overheating, it may produce a buzzing or humming sound. If there is no ventilation for the sound card, you can add a case fan to help keep it cool. Additionally, if you are using onboard sound (i.e., from the motherboard’s integrated sound chip) then check to make sure the card is properly seated in the slot and that it is not being overloaded with power.
Finally, you can try updating the sound card’s drivers or firmware. Outdated drivers can lead to interference and noise, so make sure you have the most up-to-date version of your sound card’s drivers installed.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consider getting a new sound card. Many sound cards are now relatively inexpensive, and upgrading your sound card will solve your issue entirely.