Using Ferrite Chokes

Do you experience crackling or popping from your powered speakers?

Are you experiencing a high frequency hum from your powered speakers?

Do you have other wireless devices around causing interference?

What are Ferrite Chokes?

Ferrite beads, often called Ferrite chokes or Ferrite rings, are passive electronic components that help suppress radio frequency interference (RFI) on a power supply line. They can be a very useful tool in your sound bar or powered monitor set up and should take you less then 5 minutes to install!

When to use Ferrite Chokes:

Use ferrite chokes if your powered speaker is experiencing a high frequency hum, popping noises, intermittent (or constant) static, or if you are concerned with wireless interference from your existing wireless devices.

Choosing the correct Ferrite Choke:

You will need to choose the size of the ferrite choke based upon the diameter/thickness of the power cable. The power cable will be looped around the ferrite choke, which means that you will be getting a ferrite choke that is larger than the diameter of the power cable.

For example, if you intend to use ferrite chokes with the Klipsch Surround 3 speaker, which has an approximate diameter of 3mm, then you will need a ferrite choke that is 8-10mm.

If you purchase a ferrite choke that is too big, you can loop the cable around it to achieve a tighter fit.

How to use Ferrite Chokes:

While the ferrite choke can be installed at any point on the power cable, we recommend installing them approximately 2-4 inches from the source (where the power cable connects to the speaker).

Bend the power cable into a loop along the ferrite choke. If you want, you can loop the end of the wire back so that it’s three times as thick and pointing in its original direction

Clamp the ferrite choke over the looped cable. The cable should be firm within the ferrite choke to ensure optimal reduction of interference.

Gently pull both sides of the power cable to ensure a secure fit.

NOTE: The ferrite choke will still work even if it is loose, but it may not work as well as it could. Keeping it in place and tight against the wire is the best way to consistently reduce interference.

Here is an example of a ferrite choke used properly installed on a Surround 3 speaker: