Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Most gaming-soundbar failures come from a wrong input, an incomplete TV-to-soundbar audio path, an unsupported audio format, a damaged cable, wireless interference, or a microphone mode that the particular model does not support. Start with power, mute, volume, and input selection; then trace the cable path and test one connection at a time. This order usually identifies whether the fault is the soundbar, the console or PC, the TV, or the connection between them.
Do not assume that every HDMI socket carries audio in both directions. HDMI ARC/eARC works only through compatible ports with the required TV settings enabled, while optical, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth each have their own input-selection and format limitations. Microphone behavior is even more model-specific, so use the soundbar’s manual for the final compatibility check.
Quick diagnosis by symptom
| Symptom | Most likely areas to check first | Best confirmation test |
|---|---|---|
| No sound at all | Power, mute, volume, selected input, TV audio output, ARC/CEC settings, and cable path | Play audio from a second device through the same soundbar input |
| Crackling, hissing, or dropouts | Loose or damaged cable, wireless interference, extreme volume levels, or a temporary HDMI handshake fault | Reseat both cable ends, try another suitable cable, or move and re-pair a Bluetooth source |
| Microphone missing or unclear | Unsupported connection mode, mute control, operating-system permissions, or overlapping noise suppression | Switch to a microphone-supported mode and test with enhancement features disabled |
A test that works on another source narrows the problem; it does not prove that every other component is healthy. Continue through the relevant branch below before replacing hardware.
1. Check power, mute, volume, and input
Before changing settings, verify that the soundbar and the TV, console, or PC are powered on. Check the soundbar’s display or status light for a mute indicator. Raise the source volume and the soundbar volume separately; either can be at zero while the other appears normal. If the TV has its own mute control, clear that as well.
#1 Best Overall
- Superior Display, Swift Connectivity: Elevate your viewing experience to unparalleled clarity with 8K@60Hz, and enjoy smoother visuals and reduced lag with support for 4K@120Hz and 4K@60Hz.
- Quick and Seamless Video Transfer: With the latest HDMI technology, stream or transfer videos without interruptions, and witness the power of up to 48 Gbps in bandwidth, ensuring consistently clear content.
- Lasts Longer, Performs Stronger: This cable is designed to withstand up to 1,000 bends throughout its lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and continuous peace of mind.
- One Cable, Many Solutions: Whether you're connecting tablets, laptops, HDMI devices, projectors, or desktop screens, this cable effortlessly connects them all.
- What You Get: HDMI Cable (6 ft, 8K), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use the soundbar remote or control panel to select the input that matches the physical connection. Typical labels are HDMI ARC or eARC, optical, USB, Bluetooth, and AUX. Optical and AUX connections commonly require manual input selection rather than automatic detection. Menu names differ by manufacturer and model, so use the label shown in your manual or on the soundbar display.
- If the soundbar shows Bluetooth while the cable is plugged into optical, change the input to optical.
- If a USB cable is connected for a computer, select USB rather than HDMI or Bluetooth.
- If a console is connected directly to the bar, select the HDMI input occupied by that console, not the TV’s ARC input.
2. Trace the complete audio path
Draw the actual route on paper: console or PC, TV, soundbar, and each cable between them. A common gaming arrangement sends video from the console or PC to the TV and returns TV audio to the soundbar. In that arrangement, the return cable must use the TV socket labeled ARC or eARC and the soundbar socket labeled ARC or eARC. A regular HDMI socket may carry video but cannot return TV audio to the bar.
Enable HDMI-CEC as well as ARC/eARC when the manufacturer requires it. CEC has different names across brands, and ARC settings may be disabled by default. In the TV’s sound menu, choose the external soundbar or receiver as the audio output instead of TV speakers. Roku’s support guidance specifically notes that ARC-related settings can be disabled and that a standard HDMI port may transmit video without sending audio back.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #2
- 4K HDMI UHD Transmission, Stunning Audio & Visual for Home Theater & Gaming： Enhanced with gold-plated connectors for high-speed, interference-free signal transmission. Supports 4K*2K UHD resolution (3840×2160), delivering crystal-clear imagery and full HD stereo sound—perfect for immersive home theater movie nights, gaming marathons and big-screen TV viewing
- High-Speed Bandwidth, Instant Transmission for Real-Time Playback： Fully compliant with High-Speed HDMI cable 2.0 standard for max-speed data transfer. Blazing-fast transmission of audio, video and image files with zero buffering, ideal for 4K streaming, real-time gaming and seamless laptop-to-projector presentations. Plug-and-play design, no driver installation needed for effortless one-step connection
- HDMI 2.0 Standard Compliant, Universal Compatibility for All A/V Devices： Built to fully comply with official HDMI 2.0 standards after rigorous professional quality testing. Featuring broad backward compatibility with HDMI 1.4/1.3/1.2 generations, this cable effortlessly pairs with smart TVs, game consoles, Blu-ray players, projectors, laptops and set-top boxes. Enjoy stable plug-and-play connectivity across every piece of your home audio-visual gear.
- Premium Crafted Material, Ultra Durable for Daily Home Use & Frequent Use： Exclusive SR joint design at both ends to prevent joint cracking at the source. Rigorously lab-tested to withstand over 15,000 bends without performance loss, built to endure daily plug-and-unplug, messy entertainment area setups and regular home use—ensuring long-lasting durability against daily wear and tear hdmi cable
- 100% Component Inspected, Uncompromising Quality for Long-Term A/V Enjoyment： Every single component of the cable undergoes multiple rigorous lab tests for performance and sturdiness. Only flawlessly tested parts are selected for assembly, guaranteeing top-tier product performance and extended service life with strict quality control—reliable for years of home theater, gaming and everyday big-screen use hdmi
Connection paths and their limits
| Connection | What must be true | Audio-return behavior | Microphone note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Both devices need compatible ARC/eARC sockets; TV audio output and any required CEC setting must be enabled | Returns TV audio to the soundbar through the labeled ports | Model-specific; do not assume the mic works over HDMI |
| Optical | Both devices need optical sockets and the TV must be set to its optical output | One-way TV/source audio; it is not HDMI ARC | Model-specific and often unavailable |
| USB | The soundbar must support USB audio and the source must expose it as an audio device | Direct source connection, not TV audio return | Some gaming bars support their built-in mic only in USB mode |
| Bluetooth | The source and bar must support compatible Bluetooth audio profiles and be paired | Wireless direct connection; no HDMI video routing | Microphone support depends on the model and Bluetooth implementation |
| AUX | Use the correct analog output and select AUX on the bar | One-way analog audio | Many models do not expose a built-in mic in AUX mode |
| Direct HDMI input on the bar | The console or PC must be connected to the intended HDMI input, with the bar’s output connected to the TV | The bar plays the direct source; this is different from ARC TV return | Check the model manual for microphone support |
3. Fix an HDMI ARC or eARC setup
- Turn off the TV, soundbar, and gaming source.
- Locate the TV’s port marked ARC or eARC. Connect it to the soundbar port with the same designation. Do not use an unmarked HDMI port for the return connection.
- Turn on the TV and open its sound settings. Select the external audio system or soundbar as the output device.
- Enable ARC or eARC and the TV’s HDMI-CEC control feature if the menus provide separate switches. Manufacturers use different names for CEC.
- Select HDMI ARC/eARC on the soundbar. If the bar has several HDMI sockets, use the one identified as the TV or ARC connection rather than a numbered source input.
- Play a known stereo video or game sound. If there is still no output, continue to the format check and cable test instead of repeatedly toggling inputs.
If the TV has no ARC/eARC port, it cannot send audio back over an ordinary HDMI connection. Use an optical path if both devices support it, or connect the source directly to a soundbar input that can pass video to the TV. The exact routing depends on the bar’s model.
When the console or PC is connected directly to the soundbar
Some bars accept a console or PC on an HDMI input, play the audio locally, and pass the picture through to the TV. In this layout, select the occupied HDMI source on the bar and connect the bar’s HDMI output to the TV. Do not select the TV’s ARC input as though it were the console input. If the picture appears but sound is absent, verify the source’s audio output device and the bar’s selected source separately.
4. Check the audio format only when the path calls for it
A connected system can remain silent or sound distorted when the source sends a format that the TV, optical link, or soundbar does not accept. TCL’s troubleshooting guidance for its ARC and optical scenarios recommends trying PCM and notes that optical capabilities vary by model. Treat PCM as a diagnostic setting for that specific path, not as a universal instruction to disable surround sound.
Rank #3
- 【Crystal-Clear Visuals: Experience Unmatched 8K Clarity】 Elevate your home entertainment with our 8K HDMI cable 15ft . Supporting 48Gbps High Speed, indulge in seamless transitions between 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz resolutions for crystal-clear visuals. Experience the vibrancy of Dynamic HDR, immersive 3D visuals, and HDCP2.2 & 2.3 compliance for an unparalleled viewing experience
- 【Gaming Excellence: Elevate Your Gaming with Next-Level Performance】 Our enhanced 8K long HDMI cable amplifies gaming experiences. Featuring an advanced audio return channel (eARC), enjoy superior high-definition audio compared to standard 4K cables. Bid farewell to picture freezes and tears with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, ensuring smoother gameplay. This 15 ft HDMI cable is your ultimate choice for exceptional gaming performance across all compatible devices
- 【Seamless Compatibility: Versatile Connections Across Devices】 Backward compatible from HDMI versions 2.1 to 1.1, our 8K HDMI 2.1 cable 15 ft seamlessly connects laptops, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, monitors, Series X/S, CX C9 B9, AMD, Nvidia RTX 3080/3090, and various HDMI output devices. Immerse yourself in the latest high-bitrate audio formats including DTS Master, DTS:X, Atoms, and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) across various setups, from 4K/8K UHD TVs to projectors and A/V Receivers
- 【Durable Performance: Sleek & Durable Copper Build for Longevity】 Crafted with advanced copper wire technology, our HDMI 15ft cable ensures greater bandwidth and durability. Experience minimal signal attenuation, superior interference resistance, and increased carrying capacity compared to traditional wires. It's the ideal choice for pre-built HDMI 2.1 cables, ensuring long-term performance without future cable replacement costs during home upgrades
- 【Lifetime Support & Precision: Quality Assurance and Bidirectional Transmission】 At Highwings, quality and customer support are top priorities. Enjoy lifetime support with our 8K long HDMI cable 15 ft. Our customer service team is available within 13 hours to assist with any cable-related issues. Remember, our cables support bidirectional transmission and are designed for optimal performance, ensuring the perfect picture on your chosen display device
- Open the TV or console audio-output menu.
- Record the current setting so you can restore it.
- For a model whose support instructions call for it, select PCM or stereo.
- Test a known source, then restore a supported surround or bitstream option if the manual confirms that the equipment accepts it.
If PCM works but a surround format does not, the issue is compatibility or signal routing rather than a dead speaker. Check the specifications for every device in the chain before choosing a permanent format.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
5. Stop crackling, hissing, and intermittent dropouts
For HDMI, optical, and AUX connections
- Power off the equipment and reseat both ends of the cable firmly.
- Inspect connectors for bent contacts, looseness, fraying, crushed sections, or visible kinks.
- Try another suitable cable. Samsung and TCL both advise cable substitution when an ARC connection fails or when cable damage is suspected.
- Keep analog AUX cables away from power adapters and poorly shielded chargers where possible.
- Set the source and soundbar to moderate levels. A source at maximum volume feeding a bar already near maximum can expose clipping or distortion; lowering one side and raising the other moderately can identify that condition.
A replacement HDMI cable is useful as an isolation test when the existing cable is damaged or ARC will not establish, but a new cable cannot correct an incompatible port or disabled setting. Confirm the cable specification required by your devices before buying one.
For Bluetooth
- Move the source closer to the soundbar and remove obstacles where practical.
- Temporarily move Wi-Fi routers, wireless controllers, USB 3 devices, and other transmitters away from the soundbar and source.
- Forget the soundbar in the source’s Bluetooth menu, restart both devices, and pair them again.
- Test with another Bluetooth source. If only one phone, PC, or console crackles, investigate that source’s radio environment or driver rather than replacing the bar immediately.
Power-cycle a temporary handshake fault
TCL recommends turning off the soundbar and TV or source, unplugging both for 30 seconds, reconnecting them, and powering them back on. This is a power cycle, not a factory reset: it should not erase stored pairings or user settings. Follow the product manual if it specifies a different reset procedure.
Rank #4
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for verification
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz)
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【HDMI 2.1-48Gbps Bandwidth】Unleash the full potential of your devices with lightning-fast data transfer rates, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your high-definition needs
- 【Next-Level Resolution Support】Dive into the future with support for mind-blowing resolutions, including 10K 8K@60Hz, 12-bit; 5K@120Hz/90Hz, 12-bit; 4K@144Hz/120Hz, 12-bit; and 2K@240Hz/165Hz
6. Fix microphone problems without assuming every model behaves the same
First establish whether the soundbar’s microphone is meant to work in the connection mode you selected. The limitation is model-specific. In its ROG Gjallar support FAQ, ASUS Republic of Gamers states: The built-in microphones are available only when the soundbar is operating in USB or Bluetooth mode and are not supported in HDMI, Optical (SPDIF), or AUX mode.
That statement applies to ROG Gjallar; it is not a rule for every gaming soundbar.
Microphone checklist
- Confirm that the soundbar has a built-in microphone and that it is not muted by a physical button, remote control, or software switch.
- Switch to a connection mode that the model supports for microphone input. For ROG Gjallar, test USB or Bluetooth rather than HDMI, optical, or AUX.
- On a PC, open the operating system’s input-device list and select the soundbar microphone instead of a webcam or headset mic.
- Check application permissions for the game, chat client, and operating system.
- Temporarily disable overlapping communication-app or driver noise suppression and enhancement features, then record a short test.
- For ROG Gjallar, ASUS notes that lowering AI Noise Reduction can produce more natural voice capture. Adjust it gradually and compare recordings.
If the microphone is absent or poor on another model, consult that model’s manual for supported modes, mute controls, software, firmware, and microphone placement. The available support information does not establish a single cross-brand firmware fix.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →7. Isolate the defective component
Once the basic controls and path settings are correct, change only one variable at a time. This prevents a successful change from being mistaken for a different repair.
Best Value
- IN THE BOX: HDMI cable (A Male to A Male) for connecting 2 HDMI-enabled devices; 3 feet long in Black
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and computers to TVs, displays, A/V receivers, and more
- SUPPORTS 4K VIDEO: Supports 4K video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48-bit/px color depth, as well as bandwidth up to 18Gbps, Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- EASY CONNECTION: Share an Internet connection among multiple devices (no need for a separate Ethernet cable)
- BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE: Works with earlier versions to allow for use with a wide range of HDMI-enabled devices
- Connect a second known-good source to the same soundbar input. For example, use another Bluetooth device, an optical source, or a different HDMI source that the bar supports.
- If the second source works, test the original console or PC on another audio device. Then inspect its output-device selection, audio format, and cable.
- If neither source works on one input, try another supported input on the soundbar. A working optical input with a silent ARC input points toward ARC settings, ports, or cable routing.
- If the bar remains silent with multiple known-good sources and connections, contact the manufacturer’s support or service channel. Record the inputs tested, settings used, and whether the bar displays a signal.
A working alternate source is evidence that narrows the fault to the original source, TV configuration, or cable path; it is not proof that every other component is defect-free.
8. Use symptom-specific decision paths
No sound through TV audio
- Confirm the bar is powered, unmuted, and set to HDMI ARC/eARC or optical, whichever is physically connected.
- Confirm the cable is in the TV’s ARC/eARC port and the matching soundbar port.
- Select the external soundbar in the TV’s audio-output menu and enable ARC/CEC as required.
- Try PCM if the device’s support instructions identify it as a compatible diagnostic format.
- Power-cycle both devices for 30 seconds and test another suitable cable.
No sound from a console or PC
- Determine whether the source goes to the TV first or directly to the soundbar.
- For a direct connection, select the occupied HDMI input on the bar.
- For a TV-first connection, keep the bar on ARC/eARC and verify the TV’s external-audio output.
- Check the console or PC’s selected playback device and audio format.
- Test the source on another audio device to separate source settings from soundbar faults.
Sound works but crackles during games
- Reseat and inspect every cable.
- Try another suitable cable and moderate both volume controls.
- For Bluetooth, shorten the distance, reduce interference, and re-pair.
- Power-cycle the source, TV, and bar.
- Test a different source or game. A problem limited to one source can indicate its output, driver, or wireless environment.
Chat partners cannot hear you
- Confirm that the selected mode supports the bar’s microphone.
- Unmute the hardware and the chat application.
- Select the soundbar microphone in the operating system and grant application permission.
- Disable duplicate noise suppression or enhancement layers and make a short recording.
- If the model’s manual does not list microphone support for that connection, use a supported mode or a separate microphone.
9. What not to do
- Do not plug an ARC cable into an ordinary HDMI port and expect TV audio return.
- Do not assume a cable replacement will fix a disabled ARC setting, an unsupported format, or a faulty source.
- Do not apply the ROG Gjallar microphone limitation to every soundbar.
- Do not factory-reset the bar before trying a simple power cycle and recording your current settings.
- Do not conclude that a working alternate source proves the TV, console, or cable is completely healthy; it only narrows the possibilities.
10. Final pre-service checklist
- Soundbar and source are powered and unmuted.
- Source volume and soundbar volume are both audible.
- The selected input matches the physical cable or pairing.
- ARC/eARC uses the labeled ports, with external audio output and required CEC enabled.
- Optical, AUX, USB, or Bluetooth is selected manually when necessary.
- The chosen audio format is supported by every device in the path.
- Cables are fully seated, undamaged, and tested with a known-good substitute when appropriate.
- Bluetooth devices are close enough, re-paired, and away from likely interference.
- The system has been power-cycled for 30 seconds.
- Microphone mode, mute state, operating-system input selection, permissions, and enhancement settings have been checked.
- A second source or alternate connection has been tested before service is requested.
If these checks leave the soundbar silent, persistently distorted, or without a microphone on a mode the manual says should support it, provide the manufacturer with the exact model, firmware or software version, connection diagram, inputs tested, and the results of the alternate-source test. That information lets support distinguish a configuration fault from a component failure.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
