Sony Support

Article ID : 00277920 / Last Modified : 08/11/2022Print

LinkBuds (WF-L900): Sound quality is poor, sound volume is too low or there isn't enough bass

    If you're experiencing poor sound quality, low sound volume or lack of bass when using your LinkBuds (WF-L900), please follow the steps below to troubleshoot the issue: 

    1. Make sure that the ear fitting supporters are properly attached to the headphones, and the headphones are properly fitted in your ears.
      Note:  If the ear fitting supporters are not properly attached, the Wide Area Tap function may not work properly and cause audio distortion. Align the protruding part of the headphones with the cutout on the fitting supporter (A). Make sure to insert the fitting supporter completely, as shown in the illustration below.

      image attaching the ear fitting supporter
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the way the ear fitting supporters were attached or the way the headphones were being worn.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    2. Change the Equalizer settings in the Sony | Headphones Connect app.

      The bass sound you hear through your LinkBuds headphones is not as pronounced compared to canal-type headphones. This characteristic makes the sound clearer and unmuffled. If you'd like to increase the bass sound, change the Equalizer settings:

      1. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, then connect the playback device with the LinkBuds through Bluetooth.
      2. On the Sound tab, tap the (down arrow) button on the bottom right side of the Equalizer setting.
      3. Change the Equalizer setting at your preference. Either of the following changes can increase the bass sound:
        • Swipe left or right to select Bass Boost in the Equalizer menu item.
        • In the desired Equalizer menu item, select (Settings) and increase the CLEAR BASS value.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue is resolved by changing the Equalizer settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    3. Check to see if the issue is resolved by changing the maximum volume settings on the connected device.
      Note:  Depending on the connected device, the maximum volume may be limited to a certain amount.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the connected device's volume settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    4. Clean the headphones.

      Since the sound output holes are not waterproof, the sound may become muffled or completely inaudible if water remains in the sound output holes. If this happens, position the sound output holes facing downward, then shake the headphones several times to get the water out. For details about cleaning the headphones, refer to the How to care for headphones article.

      The issue is resolved
      Cleaning the headphones has resolved the issue. Regular cleaning is recommended to make the most of your headphones.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    5. Change the Bluetooth profile.

      If the Bluetooth profile is set to HFP or HSP, the sound volume may be lower compared with A2DP. If the connected device has these settings, change the Bluetooth profile to A2DP. Here's how to change these settings on a Windows 10 computer:

      1. On the right side of the computer screen, right-click the Speaker icon.
      2. Select Open Sound settings, and then select Sound Control Panel.
      3. Select the Playback tab to show the device list.
      4. Select Headphones labeled with LinkBuds Stereo, then click Set as Default Device.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the Bluetooth profile settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    6. Reset the headphones.

      Visit the Help Guide or view the video below explaining how to reset the LinkBuds:

      The issue is resolved
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    7. Initialise the headphones.

      Note:  Initialisation returns the headphones to the factory settings and all Bluetooth pairing information is deleted.

      Visit the Help Guide or view the video below explaining how to initialise the LinkBuds:

      The issue is resolved
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    8. Try another playback device to check if the same issue occurs.
      The issue does not occur when using another device
      The playback device you first used may be malfunctioning.
      The issue also occurs when using another device
      The headphones may be malfunctioning and service may be required.