Buzzing/Humming Sound - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey All -
I ran a quick search and didn't find this problem. I wanted to document it for posterity.
My phone makes a buzzing sound. I've seen it in every ROM I've tried so far (seems to be a hardware problem).
The sound is faint, is unaffected by media volume, and goes away when wifi is turned off. The phone appears to shut off the sound hardware when sound hasn't been played for a while in order to save battery. This makes the buzzing stop. But if a notification comes in, or there is a quiet part of a song, you can totally hear it.
It exists regardless of the ROM I have installed.
The sound is like what you'd hear in an older computer with something called crosstalk. Back in the day, (and to an extent still), various components in the hardware would generate EMI and would affect the sound quality in sound cards. For example, I had an Adlib card that would buzz a little every time the hard drive would read/write to disk.
This sounds just like that.
Anyway... just vote in the poll/comment if you're having this problem. Please post to the thread if you have a solution. I'm not expecting much though. I'm pretty sure I'd basically need a new phone for this to go away.

I get a very slight buzzing in my phones, completely unaffected by wifi. Only happens with my CX300 in-ears, any open earphones i havn't heard any noticable buzzing (though have no tried any type of headphones yet). Using Voodoo sound, lowering the amplifier dB gain and putting the media volume up reduces it a touch.
I grabbed a pair of iphone earphones and the nexus s earphones to test it with some more types, no noticeable buzzing. Also, both their sound quality is appalling in comparison to cheap sennheisers.

Yeah, that's different than me. It sounds like your CX300s might be dying.
I've got some Klipsch S4i ear buds and Bose QC3s that both have the same problem. Its loud and clear enough though that I'm sure I could hear it with cheaper headphones.
I can turn the volume all the way to zero and still hear it. When I turn it up, it doesn't make it louder though, which is "nice".
I've been all over the voodoo sound settings and nothing helps.

That's a shame, your phone probably suffers a noticeable case of leakage between the components. Could this possibly be classified as a defect and be fixed/replaced under warranty?
Also, my CX300s have no hiss on a higher quality dac and it was noticeably louder on my old nokia. I guess they're just more sensitive, they are only 16 ohm after all. No drama for me

It might qualify as a defect. I'd have to bug Samsung I guess. I could see Samsung just telling me to deal with it. It doesn't make a lot of business sense to replace a $500 phone because the headphones hiss when wifi is enabled.
It would sure make me a lot happier about buying Samsung stuff in the future though.
That's really weird about your headphones. Unless the audio quality on the CX300s is far superior over the iphone/nexus s ones, I would expect them all to behave the same way. Even then, it would be very subtle. Maybe the Nexus S doesn't ground the headphone jack very well for your headphones?

You could give them a call/email and see how it works out, but you'll probably be left without a phone for a few weeks if you send it so probably not worth it for you either.
Definitely far superior in comparison, but not nearly superior earphones Possibly a grounding issue, could even be just an unlucky set of Sennheisers that i got and have always been like this. They are out and about anyway, take a good beating and have been rock solid. Hopefully soon i'll be getting a decent pair of headphones for home use, funds allowing.

My laptop does the same thing, I'm thinking it is just interference with the headphones and your phone. might also be a lose wire or something in the phone or headphones :/

I know that this is old tread, but I had the same problem and solution might help someone.
In my case, the source of the buzz was charger (poor power supply filtering in cheap switching sources). I bought some cheap car charger/dock, and whenever I plugged my phone into it I would get lots of buzzing noise. Of course, I used it every time when in car, so I did not notice correlation for a while.
Using better charger solved my problem.
If by any chance you are charging your phone while you listening to music and getting lots of buzz, try disconnecting power cable to phone and see if there is noticeable difference. If there is, you found your problem.

Thanks for letting us know grejigl. Although not the source of my particular (non) issue, i can see it helping out someone else down the road.

I'm running on battery power when it happens to me. I'm pretty sure its caused by something related to WiFi because as soon as I shut WiFi off, the buzzing is gone.

Related

What is that sound?!

While in a call I can hear a noise like a buzzing what is it? I notice if my speakers and any thing electronic is next to it makes the same buzzing noise for instance if my phone is next to it.
I'm not exactly sure why they do it, but all GSM phones do this when the radio starts going nuts, like getting a call etc.
Sprint and Verizon not so much.
It's normal though. So expect it to happen all the time.
so annoying lol
There are better quality speakers available which have shielding preventing such interference/feedback. There isn't really any way to tell though unless you've already bought them (which doesn't help).
I'm lucky my logitech Z10 speakers have never exhibited such problems.
jivemaster said:
There are better quality speakers available which have shielding preventing such interference/feedback. There isn't really any way to tell though unless you've already bought them (which doesn't help).
I'm lucky my logitech Z10 speakers have never exhibited such problems.
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Click to collapse
well thanks that would help my speaker problem. Not the phone though
Well every phone will do it, so it's not really a "phone problem". It comes with the technology. But getting shielded speakers will at least remove the "annoying" aspect.
It sounds like you're saying that you hear the noise coming out of the phone's own speakers? That's not normal, even on a GSM phone.
The clicking/buzzing on other speakers, like your clockradio or whatever are normal, but if the phone itself is acting up, it's defective, or you have it near something that's causing a lot of interference.

[Q] Headphone Jack - Hiss / Static?

I hate bluetooth with a passion. I am a earbud/headset guy.
I noticed when I first got my Skyrocket that there was always a background hiss, like the sound you get out of speakers when it is not shielded good enough.
Any other owners try this? Use the stock headset or iphone earbuds then simply launch an App enough to get it to play a simple sound... do you here a slight hiss for a few seconds after the sound plays?
Also try calling someone using the headset and listen for background noise. I just got a replacement Skyrocket in and it is making the same noise. If I use the speakerphone or Bluetooth it is fine.
My last phone the I had was an Infuse. It is still in my possession and I retested. The hiss is there but it is so quiet I almost could not hear it.
Please let me know if you notice this, it is driving me crazy!
I posted about this shortly after release. Mine does it VERY noticeably, only in the car, only while charging. All 5 skyrockets have done it.
I have found No fix
Redbeard80 said:
I hate bluetooth with a passion. I am a earbud/headset guy.
I noticed when I first got my Skyrocket that there was always a background hiss, like the sound you get out of speakers when it is not shielded good enough.
Any other owners try this? Use the stock headset or iphone earbuds then simply launch an App enough to get it to play a simple sound... do you here a slight hiss for a few seconds after the sound plays?
Also try calling someone using the headset and listen for background noise. I just got a replacement Skyrocket in and it is making the same noise. If I use the speakerphone or Bluetooth it is fine.
My last phone the I had was an Infuse. It is still in my possession and I retested. The hiss is there but it is so quiet I almost could not hear it.
Please let me know if you notice this, it is driving me crazy!
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
00mred00 said:
I posted about this shortly after release. Mine does it VERY noticeably, only in the car, only while charging. All 5 skyrockets have done it.
I have found No fix
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Click to collapse
I can hear it regardless of what the phone is doing. Charging doesn't seem to make a difference as far as I can tell.
Thanks for the feedback in any case. I really... really like the phone other than that.
Its much worse when charging. Search YouTube for "skyrocket feedback'
Oddly enough I can't get it to do it under other scenarios
Redbeard80 said:
I can hear it regardless of what the phone is doing. Charging doesn't seem to make a difference as far as I can tell.
Thanks for the feedback in any case. I really... really like the phone other than that.
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Redbeard80 said:
I hate bluetooth with a passion. I am a earbud/headset guy.
I noticed when I first got my Skyrocket that there was always a background hiss, like the sound you get out of speakers when it is not shielded good enough.
Any other owners try this? Use the stock headset or iphone earbuds then simply launch an App enough to get it to play a simple sound... do you here a slight hiss for a few seconds after the sound plays?
Also try calling someone using the headset and listen for background noise. I just got a replacement Skyrocket in and it is making the same noise. If I use the speakerphone or Bluetooth it is fine.
My last phone the I had was an Infuse. It is still in my possession and I retested. The hiss is there but it is so quiet I almost could not hear it.
Please let me know if you notice this, it is driving me crazy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are within your 30 days buyers remorse or have insurance, get it switched out. I believe its a defective issue. I had that happen on my white SGS2SR and I returned it for a new one in box and it no longer has that issue.
s0cal said:
If you are within your 30 days buyers remorse or have insurance, get it switched out. I believe its a defective issue. I had that happen on my white SGS2SR and I returned it for a new one in box and it no longer has that issue.
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Click to collapse
I called ATT up and complained. They sent me another skyrocket that is brand new in the box. It also makes the same noise.
I am more curious to hear if anyone else can hear the noise as I have described it.
Skyrocket Hiss
I'm right there with you. Never noticed it until today because thinking back, I haven't used the headphones yet. I was trying to listen to Pandora and noticed a hiss and crackle. It's gotta be interference because i notice it picks up a little when the screen is on. But It happens whenever there's sound that has or is playing. I notice it during quiet parts of videos or songs and when you unlock the phone it hisses for a second (with the unlock sound) and then shuts down until you go to play anything with audio. I can't handle it. Is this on all skyrockets for certain? Software fix? I'm not paying as much as I did for this to be a problem. I know it sounds picky but it really does bother me during use.
I am not sure myself. I can tell you that I had 3 brand new skyrockets lined up and they all made the exact same noises. I ended up selling the one I did not returnes and got a open box Galaxy Nexus from Expansys. I has it's own issues (like the screen) but the audio jack has no problems.
if you have root try installing voodoo control it helps with audio playback
Redbeard80 said:
I am not sure myself. I can tell you that I had 3 brand new skyrockets lined up and they all made the exact same noises. I ended up selling the one I did not returnes and got a open box Galaxy Nexus from Expansys. I has it's own issues (like the screen) but the audio jack has no problems.
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Click to collapse
Man that's a bummer. I'm not sure I can give up LTE now that I've had a taste. I'm going in this weekend to the store and will test every phone they have to see if it's maybe a specific batch problem. I have a couple more weeks of my 30 day comfort zone. This phone is just perfect for me apart from that one flaw. Unfortunately I do try to use it for music so I'm having trouble getting over the fact. How do you like the nexus? I was holding out for that when my captivate fell apart.
The noise while charging is normally not a phone issue and will likely happen with a lot of devices. It's the grounding issue with the CAR chargers and the Headphone Aux in.
I been in Car audio for many many years and have competed in IASCA SQ comps. One of the biggest offenses is 'alternator whine'. Isolating any alternator whine from the sound system was always the factor of proper grounding and wiring. If you run your amp power cable, RCA signal cables and speaker cables to where they crossed the powers cable, you're bound to get the noise.
It all depends on the car, the wiring, the grounding etc etc.
My Galaxy s I has an EXCELLENT audio codec/dac and on it's own is a great player. But in my car as soon as I plug in power and use aux, it's unbearable.
Even though the Skyrocket suffers from poor audio on it's own, the whine while plugged into a car's 12v socket is not Skyrockets fault.
Pull your car into your drive way and use a 120v regular charger and then plug the aux into the car, turn on the car.... you won't hear the whine/noise.
All very good info....but out of our 6 android devices and two iPhones....the skyrockets are the only two that do it.
n19htmare said:
The noise while charging is normally not a phone issue and will likely happen with a lot of devices. It's the grounding issue with the CAR chargers and the Headphone Aux in.
I been in Car audio for many many years and have competed in IASCA SQ comps. One of the biggest offenses is 'alternator whine'. Isolating any alternator whine from the sound system was always the factor of proper grounding and wiring. If you run your amp power cable, RCA signal cables and speaker cables to where they crossed the powers cable, you're bound to get the noise.
It all depends on the car, the wiring, the grounding etc etc.
My Galaxy s I has an EXCELLENT audio codec/dac and on it's own is a great player. But in my car as soon as I plug in power and use aux, it's unbearable.
Even though the Skyrocket suffers from poor audio on it's own, the whine while plugged into a car's 12v socket is not Skyrockets fault.
Pull your car into your drive way and use a 120v regular charger and then plug the aux into the car, turn on the car.... you won't hear the whine/noise.
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Wow, bad screen and bad audio...
n19htmare said:
The noise while charging is normally not a phone issue and will likely happen with a lot of devices. It's the grounding issue with the CAR chargers and the Headphone Aux in.
<snip>
Pull your car into your drive way and use a 120v regular charger and then plug the aux into the car, turn on the car.... you won't hear the whine/noise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issues I have had are not while charging, only when using headphones.
TrCeaAstTer said:
Man that's a bummer. I'm not sure I can give up LTE now that I've had a taste. I'm going in this weekend to the store and will test every phone they have to see if it's maybe a specific batch problem. I have a couple more weeks of my 30 day comfort zone. This phone is just perfect for me apart from that one flaw. Unfortunately I do try to use it for music so I'm having trouble getting over the fact. How do you like the nexus? I was holding out for that when my captivate fell apart.
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Click to collapse
I realllly like the Nexus. ICS is great for the most part and it is nice to be able to flash roms that are straight from google.
Also the phone feels a bit more solid and a little heavier (GSM version) than the Skyrocket in a good way. I do have the grey screen issues at low light levels that other people complain about but at >40% brightness it is pretty much a non issue.
Mine does it too, but it doesn't particularly bother me. I think it might even be a software issue, as the hiss cuts out a few seconds after a sound plays.
Frogacuda said:
Mine does it too, but it doesn't particularly bother me. I think it might even be a software issue, as the hiss cuts out a few seconds after a sound plays.
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Click to collapse
Isn't that the strangest part!? I think I could get over the fuzz when music is playing, just gotta turn the volume up a bit. But the killer for me was when I tried using the headset during a phone call and it was a lot more noticeable then I dunno I'm just still so in love with everything else about the phone that I've been reluctant to take it back.
I have this hope where maybe we all got the same batch and they're all a bit defective. I'm waiting until as close to my 30 day mark as possible to ask for another one and then we'll see. If it's still a problem then I think I'll just make due and hope it is a software problem.
Okay so new solution! Wait for the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD and see if IT has an audio hiss lol. I mean seriously how many models are they gonna push out before it's over. I'd be so mad if i got the original GSII.

Is it safe to...

I was wondering if anyone charges or tethers their phone by the USB port on the dock. And if u have any issues doing so. I tried and I can hear an odd whiny buzz sound from the connection. It would be nice to do as long as I am not going to fry it. So if you have been doing this without problems for awhile plz drop a line about ur experience.
I am tethering my EVO 4G to charge the battery. Haven't noticed any buzzing. Using WiFi Tether for the Internet.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
The sound is extremely quiet. I have to put my ear close to hear it clearly.
zedorda said:
The sound is extremely quiet. I have to put my ear close to hear it clearly.
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If that's the case I wouldn't worry too much. If it was loud enough to be heard from a distance, or over ambient noise then I would take a closer look at it. Electronics does make all sorts of noises (think of the old flyback transformers in televisions before they became all solid-state), especially if considerable current is going through it. Also flyback transformers are still used but on a smaller scale in switching power supplies. They generally operate in the 15-22kHz range. I bet you're a very young person since most people by time they hit their mid-20's lose the high-end of their hearing due to normal aging (faster if they listen to loud music/attend concerts like I did).

Audio Issues on Tablet - Help

Does anyone have white noise/static feedback issues with the audio? Its easier to notice when I use in-ear earbuds, but if I place my ears next to the speakers I can hear it as well. I'm not sure how to describe it but it doesn't distort the noise, its almost like a layer or white noise.
It only happens when the tablet is in use, someways to easily make it occur is by pressing apps/status bar/unlock screen but after a few seconds it goes away. However when I'm listening to music the white noise is always there, especially noticeable in soft/low instrumental music. Is this normal, does this happen to anyone else?
I already sent in one of my tablets for repairs only to have it sent back saying it was fixed when it wasn't. Then I had to send it back again for a replacement, and now this new tablet has the same issue. After all this I'm not sure if this is just normal or am i just that unlucky.
Please can anyone tell me if they have any noticeable audio issues so i know if i need to return this tablet again.
I had an issue before that the speaker would crackle in YouTube. But I think that was a software issue. Whatever you described does not sound normal to me. I don't notice any kind of white noise during normal use.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Ray_jai said:
Does anyone have white noise/static feedback issues with the audio?
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Click to collapse
No. Not from the speakers, over BT, or via a 3.5MM connection. And I have a pretty decent set of headphones that would definitely pick-up any distortion. The fact your experiencing it with all audio out makes it seem like s/w. It's not unusual to hear reports of the occasional 3.5MM jack being bad but most of the other audio related h/w is part of the circuit board. Try doing a factory reset. If it's gone after that it's something s/w or app related.
BarryH_GEG said:
No. Not from the speakers, over BT, or via a 3.5MM connection. And I have a pretty decent set of headphones that would definitely pick-up any distortion. The fact your experiencing it with all audio out makes it seem like s/w. It's not unusual to hear reports of the occasional 3.5MM jack being bad but most of the other audio related h/w is part of the circuit board. Try doing a factory reset. If it's gone after that it's something s/w or app related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a factory reset and it the audio issue is still visible. :/ does this mean i need to exchange my tablet again?
Ray_jai said:
I did a factory reset and it the audio issue is still visible. :/ does this mean i need to exchange my tablet again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. It sounds like a h/w problem.
Can you guys try these two tests below and see if you hear it? Wear earbuds, preferably in-ear earbuds as it seems to pick it up a lot clearer, and be in a silent room when doing this.
Method 1
Turn the tablet on and have it on the unlock screen, wear the earbuds and make sure not to do anything, it should be silent. Proceed to unlock the screen and see if you hear any audible white noise in the background, after a few seconds you should hear a very low but audible click. After that click the white noise disappears.
Method 2
Have the tablet unlocked, and have your earbuds on. Make sure you don't do anything for a few seconds due to the nature of this test. After that proceed to expand the notification bar (lower right corner). After it expands see if you hear any audible white noise, after a few seconds there should be a click and the white noise disappears.
Those methods are the best and easiest way to explain how I replicated the noise. I've come to believe this is a hardware issue and a design flaw in the tablet because all the note 10.1 floor models at my local best buys also have this issue.
Ray_jai said:
Does anyone have white noise/static feedback issues with the audio? Its easier to notice when I use in-ear earbuds, but if I place my ears next to the speakers I can hear it as well. I'm not sure how to describe it but it doesn't distort the noise, its almost like a layer or white noise.
It only happens when the tablet is in use, someways to easily make it occur is by pressing apps/status bar/unlock screen but after a few seconds it goes away. However when I'm listening to music the white noise is always there, especially noticeable in soft/low instrumental music. Is this normal, does this happen to anyone else?
I already sent in one of my tablets for repairs only to have it sent back saying it was fixed when it wasn't. Then I had to send it back again for a replacement, and now this new tablet has the same issue. After all this I'm not sure if this is just normal or am i just that unlucky.
Please can anyone tell me if they have any noticeable audio issues so i know if i need to return this tablet again.
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Click to collapse
YES! I posted something about this, with STATIC in the title, but received no responses. I get a squeaky kind of static, most evident with earbuds. I'm using Shure and they're awesome, so I don't think it's them. I'm going to try another pair, just to isolate the issue. But I hear it during videos and music. During videos, if there's no sound at a particular point in the video, I don't hear it, but as soon as someone speaks, it's there right along with the audio, in sync with it.
It's REALLY annoying, as it makes listening to soft, quiet music as I fall asleep pretty impossible.
loribuono said:
YES! I posted something about this, with STATIC in the title, but received no responses. I get a squeaky kind of static, most evident with earbuds. I'm using Shure and they're awesome, so I don't think it's them. I'm going to try another pair, just to isolate the issue. But I hear it during videos and music. During videos, if there's no sound at a particular point in the video, I don't hear it, but as soon as someone speaks, it's there right along with the audio, in sync with it.
It's REALLY annoying, as it makes listening to soft, quiet music as I fall asleep pretty impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad someone else hears this, can you try the 2 methods I listed in the post before yours? I want to see if the white noise is the same one I'm hearing.

[Q] Quiet Hissing/Electrical buzzing from tablet?

Hey guys, does anyone else experience some quiet continuous popping and electrical sounds coming from inside the back of the tablet? If I put my ear on the back, it pretty much sounds like continuous popping and something like a laptop HDD running.
It's not that bad but gets noticeable in a quiet room especially on tegra apps, even dabbler.
I know it has a desktop GPU chip inside and I know this is common in desktop video cards but is this normal on this tablet?
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
I've got the same thing.
The tablet had fan cooling system inside I believe.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Hissing mechanical noise during load...
I too have noticed this on my lte unit first night use.
I might be talking about something else, although regarding the hissing noise similar to harddrive (i dont really get the popping noise, nowhere near loud PoP sounds)
I can relate this noise very similar experience ive had on my computer with low level (in anotherwords cheap) onboard sound card -chip. Board was made by intel for dell. Basically it did the very close, in moments when hdd&ram cooperated in that computer under high cpu load, this sound came from the computers speakers.
Im surprised shield brings me back to the times 5 years earlier, i could hear it just now. Its random, but nothing i would be concerned of. Theres no point of rma this since its more of us noticing, i guess all the shield tablets produce this electric-static noise, speakers are pretty neat so maybe it was harder to hide imperfection of nvidias sound solution?
More accurate to confirm would be to know other tablets that use the same sound processor vs above mention hissing mechanical sound.
I can only hear it at night though, and frankly, it is loud but it still keeps me happy. My old oem pc was worse, it hissed even by moving the mouse around, it was so bad you could count dpi with closed eyes! Now that's what i call disturbing :laugh:
ErickZ5 said:
I too have noticed this on my lte unit first night use.
I might be talking about something else, although regarding the hissing noise similar to harddrive (i dont really get the popping noise, nowhere near loud PoP sounds)
I can relate this noise very similar experience ive had on my computer with low level (in anotherwords cheap) onboard sound card -chip. Board was made by intel for dell. Basically it did the very close, in moments when hdd&ram cooperated in that computer under high cpu load, this sound came from the computers speakers.
Im surprised shield brings me back to the times 5 years earlier, i could hear it just now. Its random, but nothing i would be concerned of. Theres no point of rma this since its more of us noticing, i guess all the shield tablets produce this electric-static noise, speakers are pretty neat so maybe it was harder to hide imperfection of nvidias sound solution?
More accurate to confirm would be to know other tablets that use the same sound processor vs above mention hissing mechanical sound.
I can only hear it at night though, and frankly, it is loud but it still keeps me happy. My old oem pc was worse, it hissed even by moving the mouse around, it was so bad you could count dpi with closed eyes! Now that's what i call disturbing :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me it sounds more like a voltage conversion-related sound like many power adapters make (including the Shield's) when under load. My power strip will also produce that sound if you plug high-power devices straight into its USB ports (I wish I knew the amperage on those ports).
EDIT: I have heard this sound on occasion myself is what I mean by this, and it doesn't sound like old "speaker squeaking" I've observed on older computers. I HAVE heard it on some laptops.
Thanks a lot for the feedback guys, i just wanted to know if there's something wrong with my tablet or it's something everyone gets. Anyway, i've also noticed some hissing when scrolling in Chrome. Not sure if it's the speakers or internal components hissing but it's not that big of a deal.

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