How to Install a Dell Speaker Bar (8 Steps)
By David Lipscomb
Using an external speaker adds life to business presentations and multimedia content such as games and movies. Dell soundbar-style speakers offer an unobtrusive way to add audio to your Dell monitor if it does not have internal speakers. These devices install directly to the monitor and connect to the audio output of the computer. Soundbar models range from the AY511 with virtual surround sound to the budget-oriented AX510. Mount the speaker underneath the monitor to reduce clutter.
Step 1
Turn the Dell monitor around and look for the soundbar clips on the lower part of the device.
Step 2
Click the Dell soundbar in place on the rear of the monitor.
Step 3
Slide one end of the included 3.5mm audio cable into the matching port on the rear of the soundbar.
Step 4
Plug the other end of the 3.5mm cable into the "Audio Out" jack on the rear of the computer. This jack is often clustered with headphone and microphone jacks. Use the headphone output jack when connecting the soundbar to a laptop, if the computer does not have a jack labeled "Line," "Line Out" or "Audio Out."
Step 5
Connect the AC power dongle to the matching port on the rear of the soundbar. Slide the other end of the dongle to the corresponding adapter on the AC power plug. If you are using a compatible Dell monitor, slide the soundbar's power dongle into the matching port on the base of the monitor.
Step 6
Plug the adapter into the wall. Press the "Power" button on the soundbar to activate the device. There should be a green or blue indicator light that shows the device has power.
Step 7
Plug a set of headphones into one of the headphone jacks on the left side of the soundbar, if desired.
Step 8
Adjust the volume of the soundbar via the volume knob on the front or side of the device.
References
Tips
- You may have to adjust the volume on the computer as well as the soundbar if you are limited to using the headphone output. Check this first if you see that the device has power, but you hear nothing from the speaker.
- If you plug in the soundbar to a power strip, ensure the strip itself is turned on. Look for a colored light indicating the device has power.
- Many power strips have switched outlets. If you are using one for the soundbar, ensure the switched outlets are on by pressing the appropriate button on the strip and looking for the power indicator light.
Writer Bio
David Lipscomb is a professional writer and public relations practitioner. Lipscomb brings more than a decade of experience in the consumer electronics and advertising industries. Lipscomb holds a degree in public relations from Webster University.