Advanced sound setup - Step-By-Step (For Windows 98 & XP) Make sure your volume isn't muted   Control panel sound   Check Left / Right Stereo Channels   Check Low-Frequency Response   Turn Special Effects Off   Set Treble and Bass   Stop Distortion   For PC Audiophiles Only   Set your volume	Distortion     To start, HERE's a link to a page that will help you eliminate common distortions, such as 'hissing', humming and others: Hissing? The microphone could be enabled. Mute it. Open Windows Sound Control Panel   If you don't see the Microphone control in the Windows Mixer, follow the steps shown on the right. Click options, then properties. Then, select "Microphone" The Shakti coils are very responsive, and get substantial magnetic outputs from low electrical inputs (supplied by your sound card). This is good for use with the signals, but it also introduces an issue - distortion from high amplitudes (or having the volume too high). This can happen if you set your volume, adjusting both the master volume control and 'wave out' balance, so that the master volume control is at the maximum. The best way to avoid this is to make your volume adjustments with both of the sliders set to the mid-range of volume. If you can't get the right volume this way, try to leave the 'wave out' volume higher than the master volume.   The above picture shows the volume control and the Wave Balance both set at the maximum setting. EITHER of them set to the max can add distortion, but if you must push one of the to the top, do it with the Wave Balance, not the Volume Control. .