I just recently got an XBox S controller and when it vibrates I can hear the little mechanism inside sputtering (it's quite annoying); neither my GameCube nor Playstation 2 controllers do this. Do I have a defective XBox controller or is this annoying vibration sound just part of its design?

Some Xbox controllers vibrate louder than others... you'll get used to it after awhile. I think the original and s-type controllers are the loudest. I have an Interact Powerpad Pro and I love it. I can't recall if it's noisy, but I don't think so.

Plus, I can adjust the powerpad pro so that it doesn't vibrate at all or it vibrates extra. It's also the most ergonomic controller out there - it's between the S-type and the original controller in size and closer in shape to the S-type.

So basially, you are saying that if I use an official XBox controller manufactured by Microsoft I am going to be stuck with this annoying vibrating sound that distracts from gameplay -- i.e. the controller is not defective and all Microsoft manufactured controllers sound like this...

that about sums it up

i noticed my s-type controller is pretty loud in the vibration dept.

thanks for the tip about the power pad pro trigger, i was unaware it had a adjustable vibration on the controller itself!

Actually - I was playing earlier and trying to listen to see if it was noisy and yeah - all the controllers are basically noisy. I know I have one from Pelican that isn't quite as noisy, but it's not something that bothers me. I noticed it at first, but then I don't ever think about it.

Speaking of vibrating controllers.. I remember being slightly annoyed at the GC's vibration. Because of the very-touch-sensitive L and R triggers, they move easily with the vibration, causing a rattling. I had forgotten it even does that.. until this reminded me. Seems like something you would get used to.

My S controller seemed louder when I first got it two weeks ago. Either it has gotten quieter or I've blocked it out. My GC controller made noise too, but not as much since it vibrates a lot less.

I have the same problem, too. On mine, it's not the vibration noise, but it's more of a buzzing noise. I think it's the actual mechanism in the controller that's buzzing. I find the buzzing noise irritating to the point that I turn up the volume to drown the sound out. The PS2 Dualshocks never gave me a peep outside of a dampened vibrating sound.

Does that make sense?

doubt anyone here knows but does the xbox Madcatz wheel also vibrate with racing games?

That's exactly how I would describe mine -- A "buzzing noise" from the actual mechanism. Obviosuly all controllers will have some kind of vibration sound but this one is distinctly "buzzing." So is the "buzzing" a sign of a defective controller?