FAQ & Troubleshooting

General Feedback

We welcome your input. If you should have any problems with your KRK monitors, we want to hear about it. You can either email us (please provide your phone number with your email) or contact our technical support department directly at 1-800-4GIBSON and press Option 1. We're constantly striving to better our already high quality. Your comments are appreciated.

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Product Troubleshooting

There is no power

  • Check to see if the power cord is plugged into both the IEC socket on the rear panel of the active speaker and into the AC mains. Verify that the AC mains are active by using an approved AC tester or simply connect a lamp with working light bulb. In some cases, the AC mains may be controlled by a light switch or power strip suppressor that may not be in the 'on' position.
  • Verify that the power switch on the active speaker is in the 'on' position.
  • Check to see if the AC mains voltage is matched to the correct operating voltage requirements. If the AC mains voltage is higher than the selected voltage it is possible that the fuse needs to be replaced. For example, if the AC mains voltage is 240VAC and the selected voltage on the active speaker is set incorrectly to '110-120VAC', than the fuse will break to protect the active speaker electronics.
  • Check to see if the power light is illuminated. The power light can often to be found on the front panel of the monitors and the rear panel of the subwoofers. The power light is part of the triangle contained in the 'KRK' logo. If the power light is not illuminatednot, turn the power switch OFF and check the A/C mains fuse(s). The fuse is located directly below the power receptacle. Please see the user guide that came with your monitor for more information. NEVER USE A LARGER AMPERAGE FUSE THAN IS SPECIFIED!
  • After the fuse has been checked and replaced, turn the power switch back on. The power light should illuminate.
  • Check to see if a fuse change was needed and upon powering the monitor back up the fuse(s) blow again, the monitor needs to be returned to the dealer where you purchased it, or to KRK for servicing.

There is no sound

  • Repeat steps in the previous troubleshooting section above before continuing to the next steps.
  • Check to see if all other audio devices using the same AC outlet are still operating.
  • Check to see if the audio source cable is plugged into both the source output and the monitor input.
  • Check to see if the System Gain pot is turned up fully clockwise. The System Gain pot on (monitor models E8B, VXT and ROKIT2 series should be set to + 6 dB). For all other models not mentioned please consult the user manual that came with the product.
  • Check to see if the signal source (E.g. mixing console, work station, CD player, etc.) is turned up to a level that can properly send a signal to the monitors.
  • Check to see if one of the monitors is working. Exchange the audio input cable from the non-working monitor to the working unit. This will determine whether it's really the monitor, a faulty cable, or some other glitch in the audio chain.
  • If the monitor is still not responding, it should be returned to the dealer where you purchased it, or to KRK for servicing.

Monitor suddenly stops working

  • Turn the monitor level down or off.
  • Repeat steps in the troubleshooting sections above before continuing to the next steps.
  • Carefully check to see if the amplifier's back plate is hot! If the monitor has been running at highest power output for an extended period of time, it could be that the unit has become overheated and the protection circuitry has shut the system down momentarily. The monitor provides maximum circuitry protection against AC power surges, amplifier overdrive, and overheating of the amplifiers. Turn the monitor off then wait 30 minutes to allow the back plate to cool down. Turn the power switch back on.
  • Increase the volume to check for normal operation.
  • If the monitor is still not responding, it should be returned to the dealer where you purchased it, or to KRK for servicing.

Sound quality changes

  • Repeat steps in the previous troubleshooting section above before continuing to the next steps.
  • It is possible that the change in sound quality is due to changes in the room or listening position. Low frequencies (bass response) can be increased or reduced by changes such as furniture and/or large equipment placement. Try moving the speakers or listening area a different position or return the room back to where the sound quality was acceptable.
  • Disconnect the signal cable at the input of the monitor and adjust the System Gain or volume control to the minimum setting. With power on, place your ear close to each driver (tweeter/woofer) and listen for noise (i.e., a slight hiss or hum) while slowing increasing the System Gain setting from the minimum setting. It is important that the System Gain is slowly adjusted from minimum setting to avoid any spike in sound levels while the ear is close to the driver (tweeter & woofer). If there's absolutely no sound whatever, it could be that one or more of the drivers (woofer or tweeter or both) is at fault. It's also possible that the problem lies somewhere in the electronics.
  • Play some non-distorted source material at a low volume. Carefully cover the tweeter (to block the sound) without touching the diaphragm. Is the woofer producing a clean sound? If there is not a clear tonal quality or any sound at all then the woofer probably needs to be replaced.
  • Cover the woofer so you can hear mostly the tweeter. Is the tweeter producing a clear sound? If there is not a clear tonal quality or any sound at all then the tweeter probably needs to be replaced.
  • Verify the source signal level has not changed or source has changed. This can be tested by connecting the source headphone outputs to a set of headphones and verifying the sound is not loud or distorted. If the sound is poor at the source (preamp stage) than it is not the active speakers.
  • Once you have a better idea of what may be at fault then call us and speak with someone in the service department. They will help you determine the best solution to correct your monitors. The service department can be reached at 1-800-4GIBSON Option 1.

Monitor hisses, hums or makes other loud noises

  • Make sure that the power cord is plugged snugly into the IEC socket on the rear of the monitor.
  • Check the connections between the signal source and the monitor. Make sure all connections are secure and that the cable is not damaged or wired incorrectly.
  • If you are using an unbalanced output to balanced cable conversion, make sure it is correct. The shield is connected to the unbalanced ground of the source and pins 1 and 3 of the XLR (or the sleeve and ring on the ¼" TRS jack).
  • All audio equipment should use the same ground point. Check all other devices using the same AC output in the building like light dimmers, neon signs, TV screens, and computer monitors. These devices should not be using the same circuit.
  • Excessive hiss may be a result of an incorrect gain setting before the speaker connection. Verify the source signal is not noisy before connecting the monitors. This can be tested by connecting the signal source headphone outputs to a set of headphones.

Shipping your product

All KRK warranty repairs need proof of purchase. Please read the warranty card that was included in the shipping carton of your monitor prior to shipping it back to KRK Systems, LLC. All products in need of repair can be returned to the dealer where it was purchased, or contact customer service at Phone 1-800-4GIBSON Option 1, email: Talk 2 Us.

Phone: 1-800-4GIBSON Option 1
E-mail: Repair / Returns

Repair / Returns along with the following information:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Purchase
  • Model Number
  • Serial Number
  • Description of the Problem

For the safest possible return to KRK, please use the shipping carton and packaging that your monitor was originally shipped in.

KRK cannot be responsible for any damages incurred during the shipping process due to poor packing. Make sure to insure your shipment.

If your monitor is out of warranty and you would like a quotation prior to servicing your product, please include a note with your contact information on it and we will contact you with a service quote. Service will be performed once your method of payment has been established and approved.

For replacement part quotes call 1-800-4GIBSON Option 1.

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