Source
r/ValveIndex•
killane

Base Station Whine

Question/Support

Hi, I recently got my Valve Index after previously having a Samsung Odyssey and noticed immediately upon setup that the base stations have a distinct whine to them. Is that normal? I bought an extra, so I have three, two of them have a 1.8kHz frequency sound and the other has dual sounds at 1.9kHz and 7.2kHz. All sounds are at about -50dbFS according to the frequency analyzer I used.

My wife is very sensitive to sounds, so I haven't been able to even use it more than one song in Beat Saber since I got it three weeks ago, as it's like a dentist drill to her.

Is this noise normal/expected, and if so, what would be a good material to wrap them in to attenuate the sound?

Posted Feb 9, 2021, 4:12 AM UTC

38
scirc•

The base stations make noise while on since they have a motor which spins up a laser. This is normal, and should be expected. However, the base stations don't always need to stay on; they only need to be active while you're actively playing VR. You can turn on base station power management to put the base stations to sleep when you close VR.

Do not wrap your base stations in anything. The lighthouses emit infrared light which the headset and controllers use to track; covering the front surface will drastically reduce/completely break tracking accuracy.

3
killaneOP•

Thank you. I wasn't planning to cover the front. I've got them sleeping when not in use now and I've ordered some high range sound filters for my wife.

1
TypingLobster•

You can change the basestation channels in the SteamVR settings – that doesn't mean that they'll be completely quiet, but the frequencies will change, and I found some less noticeable than others.

3
killaneOP•

I'll try changing channels, thanks

2
apoppin•

A loud whine isn't normal. Sometimes one or both of mine get "stuck" and they get loud. I cycle them on and off and it usually returns to normal.

I wouldn't wrap the base stations in anything ... but maybe your wife will accept earplugs or (better) buy her a nice set of wireless closed headphones or even earbuds so she can listen to TV or music while you play.

2
Ahris22•

You can control it somewhat by changing the bluetooth channel in the SteamVR options, this will change the frequency of the noise. The positioning and sound dampening also matters but you won't be able to completely remove it.

For sound dampening most soft surfaces will help, like curtains etc. the noise is amplified by hard sound reflective surfaces, especially wall corners.

2
killaneOP•

Thanks, I'll try changing channels and put a sound proofing tile behind it.

3
RedChief•

The noise is expected and it bugs me too when I leave them on. There's a discussion somewhere where someone created a chart with the sound level based on what channel the light house is set to.

1