How to Stop Speakers From Vibrating on the Walls

by Tony Myles
Add internal dampening materials to a speaker to reduce the vibrations it creates.


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Audio signals traveling out of speakers can vibrate the walls they touch or are close to. The sound waves fed through the speaker travel in every direction; however, these signals can be dampened and redirected through the type of casing that surrounds the internal speaker hardware. Experiment with the external variables, such as placing fabric in between the wall and the speaker, or lower the output volume of your theater system to reduce the vibration effects.


Diagnose which speaker is creating the vibration by experimenting with the balance and fade setting of your audio system. Test each speaker separately by adjusting the sound to only come out of one speaker at a time, and determine how many components are contributing to the problem.


Identify any external factors that may be contributing the speakers vibrating the wall, such as a poorly mounted fixture. Hold your hand on the speaker and determine if the vibrating stops. Tighten any loose screws or bolts, and exchange any faulty assemblies for better hardware.


Look for any loose boards in the speaker casing that may be vibrating when audio plays through the system. Use super glue or wood glue to repair these loose connections.


Change the placement of the speaker to gauge if it affects the wall vibrations. Move a wall-mounted speaker into an entertainment center, or distance it from the wall a few extra inches. Elevate speakers that sit on the floor onto a stand or isolation pad that fits it.


Add dampening materials inside the speaker by removing the grill that covers the unit and gently pulling it off. Measure the inside of the speaker with a tape measure, and cut pieces of Styrofoam to match the dimensions. Place pieces in strategic locations, such as behind the internal speaker cone and on the sides. Test if this has made a difference, or glue a piece of Styrofoam to the external back of the speaker.


Add a layer of dampening material to your walls, such as hanging a piece of fabric down from the ceiling or creating a new layer of drywall that is separated by plywood and insulation.

Things Needed

  • Wall mount fixture
  • Replacement screws, bolts or washers
  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Super glue or wood glue
  • Styrofoam
  • Tape measure


  • Lower the bass in your sound system and diagnose any difference on wall vibrations.

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Photo Credits

  • Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
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