How to Test Wireless Surround Sound Speakers' Frequencies

If you are installing wireless surround sound speakers in your listening or home entertainment room, you will need to ensure that the wireless frequency used to deliver sound from the controller/amplifier unit to the speakers is synced correctly. If the speakers and wireless controller unit in the receiver or amplifier are not set or placed correctly, then the signal won't be received and the speakers will not produce any sound. Fortunately, testing and setting up the connections between wireless speakers and the controller is not very difficult, and this simple how-to guide will show you what you need to do. Let's get started.

Step 1 - Check Connection from Controller Unit to Audio Source

If you are having problems with no sound from your wireless speakers, the first thing you should check is the connection from your wireless speaker controller unit to the audio source. So, make sure the controller is properly plugged into the receiver or amplifier and that the speaker channel is enabled on the source.

Step 2 - Install New Batteries or Check Power Source for Speakers

If your wireless speakers are powered by batteries, try replacing them with new ones. If the units have individual power supplies, check the connections and make sure that they are all plugged into an electrical power outlet.

Step 3 - Check Placement Distances

Refer to the operating instructions that came with your wireless speaker system and check the maximum placement distance of the wireless speakers from the controller unit. If you place the speakers too far away from the controller unit, the signal may not be able to reach the speakers and no sound will be produced. Even if the speakers are not too far away from the controller unit, moving them closer may fix the problem. There are times that steel, thick concrete walls or other obstructions may reduce the effective range of wireless frequencies in a home.

Step 4 - Check if Controller Support Alternate Frequencies

Most newer wireless speaker systems support multiple wireless frequencies, and the controller unit will automatically scan for available frequency channels. Better wireless speaker systems also have a mechanism for manually choosing a frequency range as well. If your speakers support this option, try selecting a different channel. Sometimes, other devices in your home may be causing interference with the system, and simply changing the frequency range will cause your speakers to work.

Step 5 - Check Wireless Internet or Other Wireless Devices

If you have other wireless devices in your home (i.e. wireless Internet connection, wireless phones or home automation equipment), try adjusting the frequency settings on those devices. Most modern wireless devices provide some way of changing the wireless frequency used by the device. So, if you can't change the wireless frequency on the speaker system, begin with the wireless settings on your network or Internet router or access point. Unless the speaker system is defective, this will almost always fix your wireless frequency problems.