HT202730 Macbook Pro Optical Audio Output Toggles On/Off

My Macbook Pro optical audio output seems to switch off with a loud click when sound is not playing for a few seconds.
Then, when sound resumes, there's a delay as it switches back on.
Is there a way to stop this toggling?
And please don't tell me to check the connections.
I've already tried different sample sizes and bit rates to no avail. It seems as if the system is switching something when there is no audio being played, then switching it on again. Even if the playback is only on pause.

Reset PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH18761
Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Choose the method for:
"Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".

Similar Messages

MacBook Pro 13" Audio Output sound quality terrible after Lion upgrade

Hi guys,
I have recently upgraded my 2011 MBP 13 to Lion, and ever since have had terrible audio out sound quality, i.e. it is 'grainy' and full of feedback - very unpleasant to listen to.
Is anyone else in the same boat and does anyone have the solution to my problem?
Thanks,
Sam

Sorry for the late reply, yes mine does does recover but I still think it is the same issue with different levels of severity. This is a guess but possibly my higher spec Retina MacBook Pro can work its way through the issue where your 13" MBP can't or can't in a reasonable amount of time.
I have also thought that it is related to window server and was wondering if someone else would bring it up as semi-confirmation since 2 people would have to came to the same conclusion, yes I am weird you don't have to tell me. I am thinking it is possibly related to the lower priority for background apps; it gets caught thinking every window is in the background, chokes, and does not know what to do which is why the cursor will still move since it never gets "backgrounded". As for the caps lock, it is pretty much hardware based which is why we can have a virtual machine not read the caps lock on someimes if it is turned on when the VM is started.
I wish Apple would have more testers so things like this would not slip through. I see more complaints like this when there are external displays on MacBooks than single display iMacs/Minis. Something that may not be tested enough since it requires more specific circumstances.
Sorry, I don't know how to restart window server without the terminal. I would have loved to test the theory since that would answer the question of what is at fault quickly.

Using Macbook Pro's Audio Output

Hello
I'm considering a purchase of an Apple TV so I can stream films up to my projector which is on the far side of my room. However my Macbook and speakers are on the other. Is it possible to stream content to the Apple TV but use the Macbook's audio output (either via the Macbook's headphone socket though preferably via a sound card) and send that into the speakers?
Thanks in advance.
Dom

Poop. OK thanks for the clarification.
Dom

I am new to iMovies. When I make a video using the mic and camera in my Macbook Pro, the audio and video are not in synch. Very annoying. How can I fix this?

I am new to iMovies. When I make a video using the mic and camera in my Macbook Pro, the audio and video are not in synch. Very annoying. How can I fix this?

DVD drives read the bottom of the disk, not the top. Smooth out the paper & try again.

How can I tell if the mini dvi on my 2010 13" macbook pro supports audio?

How can I tell if the mini dvi on my 2010 13" macbook pro supports audio?

If it's a post 2009 Mac it supports audio on the HDMI port. See:
About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters
Mac mini (Mid 2010)- Frequently asked questions about HDMI

Does Qosmio F60-00Y have an Optical Audio Output (toslink\spdif)?

Does the Toshiba Qosmio F60 Australian model have an optical audio output?

Hi
I found this Toshiba page about Qosmio F60-00Y:
http://forums.computers.toshiba-europe.com/forums//thread.jspa?messageID=194743
Unfortunately, there is nothing about SPDIF and digital output.
I found some details about European F60 series and didnt find any info about SPDIF
For me it looks like the SPDIF is not available but this is just an assumption

Optical audio output jack

Just purchased this new desktop and am running the audio output out throught the optical audio output jack into my surround sound receiver, AWESOME! Wanted to know if I could connect an optical audio splitter to this jack and split the audio output of the computer into TWO separate receivers?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

There are SPDIF/Tolink splitters out on the market... here is an axample.
http://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Toslink-Optical-Splitter-VHD-TS1X3/dp/B00G191YL8
( I am an HP Employee )

Optical audio output specs

What sample rates and frequencies can the optical audio output handle?
Is 96kHz/24bit available?

I am not convinced you've given a valid answer. Maybe if I elaborate a bit more...
I have a song in iTunes that is in the Apple lossless format. The song is sampled at 96kHz/24bit.
When I play that song via AirTunes to an Airport Express, the optical digital output of the Airport Express provides 48kHz/24bit to the input of my standalone D/A converter. It appears that somewhere between iTunes and the Airport Express the audio information is down-sampled from a 96/24 signal to 48/24 signal.
So my original question, rephrased, is: when I play a 96/24 Apple Lossless file in iTunes, and send that song via AirTunes to AppleTV, what is the sample rate at the optical digital output of the Apple TV? Does Apple TV, like Airport Express, down-sample the digital information, or does it pass the ausio information through at the full 96/24 bitrate of the audio file?

Optical audio output not working on mac mini

I have a brand new mac mini (less than a week old) that I've hooked up to my media center. Unfortunately, when I hook the optical audio output to my Pioneer receiver, I get no sound. I know the receiver decodes optical audio correctly because it does so with my DVD player and my Xbox. I have tried all 4 optical inputs on the receiver, and have tried two different optical cables, as well as 2 different optical adaptors (required by mac mini to go from TOSLINK to the mini TOSLINK output on the mac). This tells me that all signs point to the problem being with the mac audio optical output stage itself. I have called apple technical support and have had it looked at, at an apple store. Unfortunately, the apple store does not carry a device where the audio output could be plugged in to verify that no sound is delivered. Apple refuses to replace the unit because I cannot prove to them that the problem is with the mac mini and not with the pioneer receiver. I find this incredible. My first experience (and quite possibly my last) with a mac has proven to be a nightmare.
Before I contemplate returning the unit and demanding my money back, is there any help anyone can provide....some magic bullet I've overlooked? Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks....

Thanks for the reply. Yes, when I plug in the optical cable to the mac, it senses it correctly and changes from "Internal Speakers" to "Digital Out" under the sound system preferences. Also, there is definitely red light coming out of the other end of the cable. That only tells me that the "carrier frequency" of light is most probably being generated, but not that the digital audio information is being modulated on top of it.
Any other ideas? Out there?

Macbook Pro optical drive stopped working after upgrading from Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard to OS X Mavericks.

My Macbook Pro optical drive stopped working after upgrading from Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard to OS X Mavericks.. I wonder what's the work around or troubleshooting to fix this. Thanks!

try and Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

Macbook pro optical drive stopped working after installation of mavericks

macbook pro optical drive stopped working, just spins and won't eject, ever since I upgraded to Mavericks, thoughts?

I have the same problem and was advised by someone to reset System Management Controller (SMC). I haven't tried it yet though. I wish it could fix it. Let's give it a shot!

Does digital optical audio output "sleep"?

Digital audio works fine as long as an application is actively generating audio, but when it is paused for a short while, I start static from my amplifier similar to what I hear if an optical cable is disconnected. I notice that there is no light coming out of the end of the optical cable. This was a problem in setup, as the absence of light caused me to think that the optical cable was damaged or not properly connected.
Does the optical audio output "sleep" after a period of nonuse and lose carrier? Is there a way to keep it active all of the time?

I've also been having this problem with my Mac mini (2009 version). Static/crackle sound over digital connection when the audio has been idle for a short while.
It reminded me of an old problem that some PowerBook G4 users had several years ago, where the audio hardware would go to sleep to save power and there would be a delay while it woke up. I remembered that there were a coupe of utilities created to remedy this problem by playing silent noises at short regular intervals.
I tracked down these utilities - KeepSoundAwake and SoundOn. Someone mentioned that SoundOn used a whopping 1% of CPU and showed a Dock icon, while KSA usage was usually 0% and had no Dock icon. So I decided to try KeepSoundAwake.
Here is a link:
http://mrfeinberg.com/KeepSoundAwake/
So far so good. I've been crackle-free for the last several minutes since starting up the program. This is a pretty ancient application (last update was a fix for 10.3 compatibility), so there are a few things to be aware of. I now have this one non-intel-native app running constantly, which is sort of a bummer - but with 4GB, I'm not too concerned. The PrefPane that comes with it will not run at all since it is not intel-native, but the default settings are fine so that's not really a concern either. You do need to make the app a startup item so it will be running all the time.
If I encounter any problems with using KSA with my setup, which includes running some multi-channel audio through Plex, I'll report back here.
I do wish Apple would officially address this issue so we wouldn't need to use a 7-year-old hack!

The Superdrive on my MacBook Pro ejects audio CDsa few seconds after they are inserted. This happens with both prerecorded CDs I have bought in music stores AND with audio CDs I have recorded myself, on the very same computer, via iTunes.

The Superdrive on my MacBook Pro ejects audio CDs just a few seconds after inserting them. This happens both with original audio CDs I have bought in music stores AND with audio CDs I have recorded myself, on the very same computer, via iTunes. The same does NOT happen with data CDs (e.g., stuff in mp3 format), which are read just fine. This behaviour started a couple of weeks ago, until then everything had worked just fine for years. I am running iTunes 11.1 under Snow Leopard 10.6.8. Any idea?
Fabrizio

You could also try a SMC reset:
Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on Intel-based Macs:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964 and
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237?viewlocale=en_US

Logic Studio, MacBook pro, M-Audio ProFire 610, M-Audio Axiom 61

I'm just about to get the above: Logic Studio, MacBook Pro, M-Audio ProFire 610 and the M-Audio Aziom 61, and want to know if any of the above (Logic Studio and MacBook Pro excluded) are a big mistake. I've been using an Aluminium Powerbook 17" 1.33MHz, and M-Audio MobilePre USB, and an Edirol controller, with guitar rig (and Controller), and Logic Express 7.
I need a set-up that will work as well in the studio, as it does on stage. We tend to plug everything in to the powerbook at the moment, and use Reason to power the synths, guitar rig for the guitars and bass, and logic express plugins for vocals etc.
Anyone have any experience with any of the above?
Cheers,
Adam

Hi Zuelito,
Please read my first paragraph again:
"I gotta RESPECTFULLY take issue with every point you bring up about M-Audio stuff, Zuelito..."
I'm not sure how you can be "slightly put off by the tenor" of my post given everything I said, with the one possible exception being my line about MOTU making crappy hardware - and that was based on personal experience. And while we're talking about the opinions of others, feel free to peruse the Unicornation board - it's full of MOTU users talking about firewire port failures and other hardware issues - so it appears neither of us is alone in our experiences
Seriously, if I was in some way brash or offensive in the way my post came off, I publicly and sincerely apologize. I really try to think about what I say (and how I say it) when posting on the 'net, for this very reason. I thought I simply stated my experience in an informative manner; again, please re-read my post - I hope it comes across as intended.
For what it's worth, I will say (even more clearly) that I've always loved MOTU products in terms of feature set; maybe that's why I've owned almost every product they've ever made! However, in my environment, I simply can't risk hardware failures, and their stuff has let me down too many times to keep rolling the dice. I will also divulge that one of their top tech support guys has acknowledged the firewire port problem. That's a shame, because they do make great stuff, conceptually. I really wish I could take a chance on that new 896mk3, but it ain't gonna happen for me; 6 dead firewire ports is enough of a failure rate for me to give up on them. To be fair, this probably isn't an issue for fixed installations, but I have to make these connections daily while on tour.
Also, I did NOT categorically state that "M-Audio stuff is better than MOTU." Again, if you re-read my post, it should be obvious that all I'm saying is I have a newfound respect for M-Audio, as of the new ProFire series. I also said in my first paragraph that I shared your opinion of M-Audio for a long time!
If this were all about M-Audio's 410 vs. MOTU's Ultralite (or other competition), we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion as I would have agreed with you - but the original poster specifically asked about the newer 610 with Logic, which is what I'm using on one of my rigs. I simply offered my personal experience.
As for drivers, I've not had any problems with M-Audio or their level of support. Just the opposite - they really seem to be on the ball and are way more communicative than other mfrs. I don't know of any other mfr. that supports each OS subrelease in detail like they do, and their development speed seems as fast (if not faster) than anyone else.
Finally, until now I've only owned a few M-Audio pieces (410, 1814), but I can state that they've been flawless. Their audio quality was not 'high end' by any stretch, but I only used them for utility purposes (writing rigs on the road, etc.). Like I said, my main studio stuff has been RME or Apogee for years, and that's the quality level I'm used to - which is why the 610 really surprised me. I also have several friends who do a LOT of touring, many of which rely on M-Audio hardware (mostly 410s). One guy's unit doesn't even have any paint left on it from road abuse - but it still works like a champ after 4 years.
So anyway, this is all just my experience. Hope it doesn't come across as anything but that
Peace,
Jim

Fiber Optic Audio Output

Fiber Optic Audio Output
I'm very interested in purchasing a Mac Mini for home use, but as a secondary computer. I would this computer to connect to my TV and stereo. Its primary function would be a peripheral to my stereo and the internet. Having the lack of a quality stereo output is a major drawback and possibly enough of one NOT to purchase the Mini. At the minimum there should be RCA jacks, but in this day and age RCA almost seem like "floppy drives". The new G5s have fiber optic in & outs. You could remove the dial-up modem port or have a configuration that has the fiber optic output.
I think this would be a great resource for many users, new & old. I think if enough people stir-up some noise "they" may actually pay attention to it. If you feel like this would be a good idea, please go to the Feedback link below and let Apple know.
Thanks!
http://www.apple.com/macosx/feedback/

Because of Core Audio built into Mac OS X (in versions on the mini), you can use a USB or Firewire sound output device to give digital sound straight to a hifi/surround receiver. DVD Player, VLC and others support Dolby Digital and DTS via this method.
The downside is it takes one of your scarce USB ports. However, using a usb hub is fine - these devices work as USB 1.1 devices anyway.
I use a M-Audio Sonica USB - a very small device, and have a toslink into my surround sound system - perfect AC-3 sound! There are a few little bugs with this Sonica device (and others) but there are plenty of instructions for getting it to work reliably with 10.4.
Interestingly, I am also able to stream music AT THE SAME TIME digitally to an airport express, and use digital out on this to another hifi. The upshot is that I can play a movie in 5.1 sound in one room, and listen to iTunes in another room off the same device - and in neither case relying on the poor headphone port!
Ian

HT202730 Macbook Pro Optical Audio Output Toggles On/Off

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for