how do i connect external speaker using 3.5mm cable

[catsears]

have same problem - have hp pavilion desktop - have  ports on back for usb, hdmi, and then 3 3.5mm ports - 1-blue, 1-green, 1-pink.  on my element monitor 32in, there is a 3.5 (no color) audio OUT, power, vga, hdmi ports. thats it.

so -need ext speakers, not expensive, no gaming just for music/tv/movies etc, not to for a room just on my desk.  looking at logitech, but dont know anything abt them.  PLEASE HELP with selection that will be compat with my desktop PC, I'm desperate to get asap. specific suggestions pelase, spent 3 days with others, no solutions, do I need just speakers connect by the 3.5mm on monitor and pc, or do I need to go with a hdmi cable on both? WHAT? dont understand....THANKS SO MUCH

[Jerry_57 · Accepted solution]

Hi @catsears,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Yes — based on the ports you listed, the green 3.5 mm port on the back of your HP Pavilion desktop is the correct audio-out jack for standard powered desktop speakers. The blue port is typically audio in, and the pink port is typically microphone in. The HP guidance also notes that basic stereo speakers usually connect to the lime green port on the PC. If your monitor is connected via HDMI, audio can also go through HDMI to the monitor, but for simple desk speakers, using the PC’s green 3.5 mm jack is the straightforward option.

What to buy:

For your use case (desk use, music/TV/movies, not gaming, not for a large room), look for:
 

• Powered 2.0 desktop speakers
   
• A 3.5 mm stereo plug
   
• Their own power source (AC power or USB-powered)

HP’s sound troubleshooting guidance says modern desktop speakers are usually powered speakers, and those commonly connect with a 3.5 mm stereo cable to the green audio-out port. Monitor speakers can work for close-up use, but they are often smaller and may not be loud enough for richer sound.
 

How to connect them:

1. Plug the speakers’ 3.5 mm audio plug into the green port on your HP desktop.
    
2. Plug in the speaker power if required.
    
3. Turn the speaker volume up.
    
4. In Windows, check that Speakers is selected as the default playback device.
    
5. If your monitor is currently receiving audio over HDMI and you hear no sound from the new speakers, switch Windows audio output to Speakers instead of HDMI audio. HP also notes that HDMI audio may need to be manually set or changed in Windows audio settings.

I hope this will help.

 

Take care and have a good day.

[TheOldMan]

Thanks to @Jerry_57  for making those details while I was researching.

Most any external speaker that uses the 3.5mm jack should work. Depending on the quality of sound you require,  Logitech is a well know brand that makes numerous accessories for PC's.  They should comply with the audio standards. Many newer external speakers may be compatible with additional interfaces.  Since you mention -  3.5mm ports - 1-blue, 1-green, 1-pink

Here is an explanation for each

Green	Headphones, earphones, etc	To listen to music or any audio
Pink	Microphones, Headphones, or earphones with a microphone	To record the audio that you want
Blue	Home-Theater, Amplifier, Speaker, etc	To listen to the audio or music

[catsears]

thanks for your reply! sounds simple.  the logitech Z150 is the pc set I'm considering.  are they compatible? or is there another logitech/other not expensive, that will be more compatible with my hp/monitor setup?

thanks for your input, first person to actually spell  it out for an oldster like me.  look forward to reply.

[TheOldMan]

I looked at the Logitech Z150.  It looks like they should work with the audio jacks provided on the rear of the PC.  If you need additional help, please feel free to ask.

It might be helpful to provide the PC model number, also.

[catsears]

HP Pavilion Desktop PC TP01-3000i (4M0K0AV

[catsears]

PERFECT, THANKS ALL

[catsears]

hi, well speakers connected fine, sound was a little "tinny" but livable, now I have a humming/buzz in the speakers, dont know whats causing or how to remove. its annoying, cat hears it too, and noticed if I dont turn speakers off, and nothing is on (i.e. music, tv etc) it will buzz.

any fixing or should they be returned?  thanks!