IMac Sound Distortion

I just got an iMac Quad Core i5 and i must say I'm fairly disappointed. The audio is distorted terribly, first I thought it might be just the hardware, but I also have an M-Audio Profire 2626 which works splendidly on my IBM compatible notebook. I have since downgraded from Lion back to 10.6.8, both version have the same issues.
Symptoms (on internal and external interfaces):
Hard Left & Hard Right balance, 75% volume -> exceedingly audible distortion.
Centered balance -> audible distortion.
Does anyone know if this is an OSX issue, or could it be hardware based?
I am going to bootcamp install Windows 7 now...

Just to update some of my findings (incase it might help others):
What Apple doesn't care to mention is that the volumes can be driven far beyond clipping, what I did was, I played the same track through my M-Audio Profire 2626 and it appears that iTunes was overloading the input, it was clipping all the way, I brought iTunes down a couple of notches, panned hard left & right, and it worked fine. I switched back to the internal audio, did the same with iTunes & the master volume, and voila it worked! I have since concluded that iTunes & other audio apps were overloading the hardware creating the sound distortion.

Similar Messages

Sound Distortion iMac 2007

I just noticed my iMac was distorting music, movies and even some system sounds are sounding "hollow" and have a sort of echo. I have successfully reproduced the distortion on a Logitec 2.1 sound system as well as the standard iMac speakers and headphones. The distortion happens at all sound levels of system and program volume. My extremely limited computer hardware experience tells me that my sound card might be bad, but I would hate to go and buy a replacement only to have the same problem after the thinning of my wallet. I am not sure how relevant a description of the sound might be, but for those of you who used to be Winamp users, it sounds like your music did when the preamp slider was turned up too high on the EQ bar.
Of course my AppleCare expired last month right before I noticed this problem. All I can think about is the term "planned obsolescence," and it is really making my blood boil.
Alternate hypotheses - I have had SRS iWOW as well as the program "Hear" installed but they never caused any trouble when I was using them but I had wondered if they might have corrupted some sort of system files dealing with the sound output. I have since uninstalled them both and restarted the computer but there has been no change in the sound.
Also, I am a noob to the forums here and I hope that I got the right forum to post this. My apologies if this should be somewhere else.

Have you done a SMC or PRAM reset? If not that's a good place to start, if you don't know how here are the directions:
_SMC RESET_
• Shut down the computer.
• Unplug the computer's power cord.
• Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
• Release the power button.
• Attach the computers power cable.
• Press the power button to turn on the computer.
_PRAM RESET_
• Shut down the computer.
• Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
• Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
• Release the keys.
Post back with what happens.
Regards,
Roger

Output sound distortion when USB Mic Connected

Hi everyone,
Really appreciate anyone’s help on this sound distortion problem.
I have been using the new 2014 iMac 27' for last 8 Months, bought Brand New, and recently updated to Yosemite. Everything worked fine including recording, until this update.
I'm using Blue Yeti USB Mic for recording, and few days after the update I was trying to record in GarageBand and the output sound (via headphone connected to USB MIc) started to distort and then suddenly dropped the bitrate/ sound and I could only hear some clicks. I reinstalled the GargeBand, still its the same distortion happens. The sound gets back to normal, only for few seconds, after I unplug the USB cable from the Mic device. And I tried changing the bit rate and again sounds starts to drop after few sec. This happens only when I connect the Blue Yeti USB Mic and sound output from the Mic itself. Same thing happens with iTunes as well. Output sound from Internal mic and speakers are working fine as normal.
I tried connecting the USB Mic to my Windows laptop and its working fine with the Cubase 5 without any problem. So the problem is with the output sound, when external Mic connected.
I don’t know the solution for this. Have checked on every single blog/ thread, sill couldn’t find the answer I’m looking for, to fix this.
It would be great if you have any kind of a solution for the same.
Info : FYI
Mac
OS X Yosemite: Version 10.10.2
iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
Processor : 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5
Hard-drive : 1 TB SATA Disk
Ram: 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M 1024 MB
Built-in Output:
Default System Output Device:       Yes
Manufacturer:                                  Apple Inc.
Output Channels:                             2
Current SampleRate:                      48000
Transport:                                        Built-in
Yeti Stereo Microphone:
Default Input Device:                      Yes
Default Output Device:                    Yes
Input Channels:                               2
Manufacturer:                                 Blue Microphones
Output Channels:                            2
Current SampleRate:                      48000
Transport:

Nope. The larger buffer didn't work. What did work was running a cord out of the 1/4-inch jack from the direct box to a 1/4-to-1/8-inch adapter and then into the mic/line-in jack on my computer. I set GarageBand to use the built-in line-in and had no static problems. It's a stopgap until this gets fixed.
A post by LinuxMercedes on Oct. 3 at http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8158914 may provide a solution.

Sound distortion when using hdmi cable

HP G62 notebook pc(Laptop) windows 7
I have sound distortion when i connect laptop to pc using HDMI cable, happens after 10 minutes then sound is ok again then 10 minutes later sound distortion again. Sound on laptop is ok. Not HDMI cable because used other laptops and its works fine.

I'm having this issue as well. Just posting to let people know there is more than one person with this issue. I have a pavilion dv5 laptop

Sound Distortion playing DVDs with Audigy2 Va

Last time I have problems playing DVD movies on my computer: The sound is distorted
by scratches like an old vinyl. I am using a SB Audigy 2 on Win XP. I have tried several software DVD players, reinstalled the old drivers from CD and cleanly installed teh newest drivers via internet auto update. I also tried to update my VIA chipset drivers, deactivated several background programs etc.
I found out that disabling the sound acceleration in DXDiag removes the sound distortion but then the sound (speech, effects) within a movie are extremly quiet compared to the music.
Another thing: First I deinstalled completely the software and drivers from my audigy to replace it with new ones. Then I had to notice that the new Audio Control Center does not support the option to send bass-frequencies to my subwoofer. I could set the speakers to 5. but had no chance to get my subwoofer working. At the moment I have status quo by using new drivers, but my old creative applications for configurating my speakers.

Ijust checked the preferences, go to Disc Setup and on the bottom in the Audio section, check off the box that says "Disable Dolby dynamic range compression" see if that helps.

My IPad mini is experiencing sound distortion

My IPad mini is currently experiencing some sound distortion, how can I resolve this problem

Have you tried rebooting the iPad?
Reboot the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider if it appears on the screen - let go of the buttons. Let the iPad start up.

Sound distortion while burning d

I'm getting sound distortion when trying to encode/burn dvds. I'm using the Creative SB0240 Audigy 2 sound card. I tried several different dvd programs like dvdshrink, dvd x copy xpress. They're the two I mainly use. I tried changing my volume settings and still nothing. It's really irritating me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
pc info:
P4 3.0ghz HT
GB ddr 400 ram
Creative labs audigy 2
Leadtek nvidia geforce fx5700le
Windows XP Pro

I'm getting sound distortion when trying to encode/burn dvds. I'm using the Creative SB0240 Audigy 2 sound card. I tried several different dvd programs like dvdshrink, dvd x copy xpress. They're the two I mainly use. I tried changing my volume settings and still nothing. It's really irritating me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
pc info:
P4 3.0ghz HT
GB ddr 400 ram
Creative labs audigy 2
Leadtek nvidia geforce fx5700le
Windows XP Pro

Sound Distortion AP 11 and 12.

I'm experiencing sound distortion and weak signal after AP upgraded to 11. I downloaded 12 and I still have the problem. Windows 7.

AP? You mean Flash Player?
12 is a beta, so it's not a good idea to use that to remedy playback problems as it's a test product.
Are you experiencing audio issues elsewhere? Windows Media Player, iTunes, Quick Time or VLC for instance?

Sound distortion in most recent episode of Lost

Hi all,
the most recent episode of Lost plays on my Apple TV with really bad sound distortion starting from 4.23 and continuing to the end.
I have a series pass so the episode downloaded onto my Apple TV. The file that has synched with my Mac plays fine in iTunes. I've changed the sync options to remove that ep of Lost from the appletv and then synched back, but it still does it. The episode is Lost s6 e6 'Sundown'. Has anyone else had this issue? I don't want to watch it on my laptop, I really need it to work on the Apple TV!
Thanks
Caspar

Not the best solution, but at least you'll be able to watch this episode on the Apple TV.
Either:
Switch Dolby Digital Out to Off in Apple TV's setting. The episode will then play the Stereo AAC track instead (which is fine, btw). Problem is, you'll have to switch Dolby Digital Out back on if you want surround sound back for other content.
Or:
Download an App called Subler.
Open the HD Episode of Lost in Subler.
You'll see that subler lists the video track and two audio tracks. The Digital surround track is not ticked, but this normal and is not the cause of the 'static problem'
Select the surround track and click the delete button.
Save the file and re-sync to Apple TV.
It will now play in stereo.

Sound distortion issue when uploading iMovie

Each time I try to 'Share' a movie I created the sound distorts once it's uploaded. It's driving me crazy! I've read other posts re this problem but no resolutions given. The sound just ends up a bit fuzzy - it's fine until it's uploaded to file or iTunes etc. Does anyone else know what the problem may be?

Solved it by downloading win 8 drivers for audio from sony support... followed condor's suggestion http://community.sony.com/t5/VAIO-Windows-10/LAPTOP-VAIO-SVT15112CSX-audio-drivers-that-work-with-windows-10/m-p/516334#U516334

Having sound distortions in games with M-Audio Revolution 7.1

I'm having sound distortion problems with a couple of games. I think this started a few OS X updates ago, but not sure which one. Two known games are Quake 3 and Quake 4. When I run either of them, the sound is deep and distorted.
I'm sure an update of OS X broke m-audio's revolution driver. I currently have driver version 1.4.1. I only have distortions when sending sound output to my sound card. Sound sent to internal speaker comes out fine. I also tried with a freshly created user and freshly reinstalled driver & prefs. Same problem.
I've tried M-Audio's site with no luck for solutions. It's been a year or so since they have updated it.
Is anyone else having similar experiences with their M-Audio Revolutions?
PM 1.25DP G4 (MDD) Mac OS X (10.4.7) Revolution 7.1

Information taken from M-audio's site about Mac Reqs:
All Platforms
• available PCI card slot
• CD-ROM drive
Apple Macintosh®
Minimum Required (for stereo operation)
• Apple Macintosh® G4*
• Mac OS 9.2.2 or later; Mac OS X version 10.2.6 or later
• 256MB RAM
Minimum Required (for multi-channel operation)
• Apple Macintosh® G4* 733MHz QS
• Mac OS 9.2.2 or later; Mac OS X version 10.2.6 or later
• 256MB RAM
Recommended
• Apple Macintosh® G4* 800MHz QS or better
• DVD-ROM drive
• Mac OS X version 10.3 or later (Apple DVD Player required or AC-3 or DTS)
• 512MB RAM
*CPU Accelerator cards are not supported
I dont think the Card will fully work with your Machine, because of your BWG3's specs.
Reading the basic info, for Multi-Channel Operation aka Surround Sound you comptuer is not at Spec as it states it requires 733MHz G4 QS min, 800MHz G4 QS recommended.
Message was edited by: lz3broc
Message was edited by: lz3broc

How do I get my imac sound back

How do I get my Imac sound back?

Reset PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405
Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Why am I getting sound distortion when connecting iPad 2 to amplifier.

I am getting sound distortion when connecting iPad or iPod thru amplifier using AirPlay or 3.5mm to rca cables. Also the sound has far too much bass. No problems when connected in car.

It sounds like a mismatched impedence. What are you connecting to? the output from the jack is intended for headphones, and is not just an audio out.
Try turning the volume on the pad way down, and use the gain on your amp, and see if that minimizes the issue.
There is a pure audio signal for both channels on the 31 pin plug, but you would need a special cable to use it. I would bet they are available if you google. Although I have read that the 31 pin signal is not filtered like the headphone output, so while it is a pure audio output, there may be some noise in it that would need to be filtered.
Try google for a 31 pin cable. ( the input for the car is probably built to take a signal from a headphone output, while your amp may be expecting a lower power signal)

Sound distortion - Pavilion DV6-3040sa

Hi,
When i was at university, i had to connect my laptop via ethernet to gain internet access as there was no wi-fi connection in student halls. The sound distortion was quite bad. I couldn't even listen to music or watch video's as the sound would go distorted. It got worse if i tried streaming videos off the internet such as youtube. When i returned home, i connected to the internet via wi-fi and i didn't seem to experience any sound distortion. The sound was fine except for the odd occasional distortion but it wasn't a big problem. I assume it is something to do with the network cards? If someone could help me fix this problem, it would be much appreciated. I'd like to enjoy my music and videos without any distortion again
Thanks,
Kin.

Uninstall both audio and network drivers through Control Panel > Programs and Features, reboot the computer and install updated one from here
//Click on Kudos and Accept as Solution if my reply was helpful and answered your question//
I am an HP employee!!

Sound distortion every 20 sec on Satellite C

When listening to audio both with and without headphones, every 20 seconds or so the sound output becomes distorted for several seconds and in some cases this sound distortion also causes the computer display to freeze completely.
My PC is a Toshiba Satellite series C running Windows 7.
Any suggestions please?

>every 20 seconds or so the sound output becomes distorted for several seconds and in some cases this sound distortion also causes the computer display to freeze completely.
This looks a little bit like system freeze.
In such case some processes which are running in the system background load the CPU and this cause short system freeze.
Possibly you have installed a lot of different applications and therefore its mostly impossible to say what software could be the troublemaker at the other hand it would be interesting to know if you ever try to reinstall the system and to clean the HDD.
A new OS installation might be the key.

IMac Sound Distortion

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for