Altec Lansing Troubleshoot Your MX5021 Speakers for Optimal Performance

SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE PROBLEM	SOLUTION
No sound from	Power isn’t turned on.	Verify that the subwoofer’s AC power cord is plugged into both the wall
one or more		outlet and subwoofer.
speakers.
		Verify that the Power button has been pressed and that a blue EQ LED
		is illuminated.
	Volume is set too low.	Turn the rotary knob to the right to raise the system master volume.
		Check volume level on the video gaming system or alternate audio source
		device, and set at mid-level.
	Audio cable isn’t connected to audio source.	Connect audio cable from the audio source. Check plug connections on both
		the subwoofer and audio source. Make sure these signal cables are inserted
		firmly into the correct jacks.
	Audio cable is connected to wrong output on audio	Make sure that a cable connects the output jacks on the audio source to the
	source.	input jacks on the MX5021’s subwoofer.
	Problem with audio source device.	Test the speakers with another audio source.
Crackling sound	Bad connection.	Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to the “line-out” or
from speakers.		“audio-out” jacks on your audio source device.
	Problem with your audio source device.	Test the speakers using another audio source (e.g., VCR, DVD, portable CD
		player, cassette player or FM radio).
Sound is	Volume level set too high.	Decrease the volume level on your MX5021’s wired controller or the volume
distorted.		level on your audio source (if possible.)
	Sound source is distorted.	Try a different sound source like a music CD.
Radio	Too close to a radio tower.	Move your speakers to see if the interference goes away. If not, you may be
interference.		able to purchase a shielded stereo cable from your local electronics shop.
No sound	Subwoofer volume set too low.	Adjust the bass level on the wired controller or remote.
from subwoofer.
	Sound source has little low-frequency content.	Try a game, movie or song—anything with more prominent bass tones.
Low hum	The AC in your house is at 60 cycles per second, which	Some low hum may be detected when your speaker system is powered on
from subwoofer.	is within the audio frequency of the subwoofer.	without an audio source playing, or when the volume is set at an extremely
		low level.
Loud hum	Bad connection.	If you are using a surge protector with your MX5021 speaker system,
from subwoofer.		disconnect and plug the power adapter directly into an AC wall outlet.
		Move your cables. Check to ensure they are making a clear connection.
	Volume on your audio source device set too high.	Disconnect your stereo cable from the audio source. If the loud hum goes
		away, lower the volume on the audio source.
Not enough bass	Bass setting is too low.	Adjust the bass level on the wired controller or remote.
from subwoofer.
	Bad connection.	Verify that all cables are connected properly and are making a
		clear connection.
Too much bass	Bass setting is too high.	Decrease the bass level on the wired controller or remote.
from subwoofer.
Distorted	Subwoofer too close to monitor/TV.	Because the subwoofer IS NOT magnetically shielded, it may cause distortion
monitor/TV.		if it is placed too close to your monitor/TV. Move the subwoofer so it’s at least
		2 feet from your monitor/TV.

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