Final answer:
When facing low audio output from a desktop computer, checks should include ensuring the correct audio settings, checking speaker connections, testing speakers on another device, examining cables, and updating audio drivers. Speaker and listener positioning also affect sound quality due to the propagation of sound waves throughout a room.
Step-by-step explanation:
When experiencing low audio output from a desktop computer despite the external speakers being turned on with their volume up, several checks and troubleshooting steps should be taken.
- Verify the audio settings on the computer itself, ensuring that the system volume is correctly set and that the speakers are selected as the default playback device.
- Check the speaker connections to ensure that they are securely plugged into the correct audio output jack on the computer and that any power cables are connected.
- Test the speakers on another device to rule out the possibility that the speakers themselves are faulty.
- Inspect the audio cable for any signs of damage or wear that could affect sound quality.
- Look into driver issues; outdated or corrupted audio drivers can lead to poor performance or low output.
Additionally, as you are aware, the positioning of speakers and the listener can greatly affect the perceived sound quality due to how sound waves move around a room, as seen in the activity from the reference material. Sound waves can interfere with each other, leading to areas where they may cancel out (causing dull sound) or amplify each other (causing excessively loud sounds).