Intermittent and unpredictable loss of sound on 27" iMac

Hope someone can tell me where to start to troubleshoot.
I've had this problem before on my iMac 24" but this problem seems to have migrated to my new iMac Quad Core i7 27". (I had used migration assistant to transfer over my old system to this new computer).
Basically, it is an intermittent and unpredictable problem. Every now and then (it might happen only once a week), I would lose sound on my computer. I would hit the volume up and volume down key on the keyboard and even though the volume level indicator would go up or down, no "blip" sound would be heard and nothing happens. There is no pattern to this and I haven't noticed any consistency as to what I might be doing on the computer when this happens.
I could go into the system preferences and check the setting on the "sound" set up and nothing seems unusual or changed to me. No sound comes out of ANY application when this occurs. The strange thing is that if I was to do a quick switch to my wife's log-in, sound is generated in her log-in. Quick switch back to my account and still no sound!
The only way to definitely resolve the problem is to reboot the computer. Otherwise, sometimes logging out of and back into my account might resolve it. Or tonight, it seems like it resolved itself after I left the computer and came back to it after dinner.
Does anyone have suggestions of things to try to fix this intermittent problem?

I will try some of the things you have suggested when I get home.
Can't be the headphone jack socket. This happened with my previous iMac 24" and the current 27" as well. (Basically, seems like a setting or glitch that got migrated over.) Like I said in my original message, if I do a quick log-in switch to my wife's account, sound output is fine. So this is something happening with my log-in only. Seems like it has nothing to do with hardware.
I don't know about an OS re-install. This was a new computer only a couple of months old. So unless I do a fresh OS install AND don't migrate anything over from my old system, this is going to happen again. So I am more interested to see if there is some sort of setting or preference or something else to re-do.

Similar Messages

  • Photoshop CC 2014: intermittent and unpredictable issues

    My teachers and students are using Photoshop CC 2014, a recent upgrade for us from CS6. We are on Mac OSX 10.9.4 on MacBook Air laptops.
    There appears to be a very real issue relating to Layers. Images that are dragged from one window to another (rather than copied and pasted) may disappear entirely. Changes in Layer states or from background to a floating layer, may also result in lost images. My initial thought was that this was related to somehow maxing out the video memory, however that does not seem to be the case: Saving and closing, then restarting the program shows the Layers to be empty. Sometimes, however, the image Layer icon still shows the layer to have the image (but no image is appearing on the actual layer.)
    Selection tools – some of the selection tools take on a life of their own and create an unpredictable selection. For instance, using the Quick Selection Tool may look relatively accurate but upon release of the mouse will turn into large stair stepped, ziggurat shaped selections that bear almost no resemblance to the original selection.
    Both of the above issues seem to be sporadic and unpredictable: one student may experience once, another may experience it five times in a row, while someone else may be totally unaffected.
    There are also intermittent issues of Photoshop simply shutting down.
    I'm looking at the possible re-imaging and re-installation of several thousand Macs and would greatly appreciate any insights here.

    factor path
    Auto correction can be a tricky thing, huh?
    When i'm copying factor path and paste on a new layer it creates a vector mask instead of just placing vector shape,
    Do you mean a plain Path?
    I suppose you could select/create a Path in the Paths Panel or deselect the Layer in the Layers Panel.

  • Loss Of Sound Sync - FC7

    Hi Gang
    Working with FC7 in Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and an older Mac Pro.
    Exported a 70 minute clip and noticed loss of Sound Sync, (about mid way thru in a QT File). The clip is a mixture of assorted clips.
    Divided the 70 minute clip into 3 separate exported clips which produced proper 'Synced Sound' in each clip.
    This problem used to occasionally happen in FC6  - Does anyone know a fix or work-around?
    Thank You
    Mike

    "You've been in these forums long enough to know that FCP doesn't work well with non-FCP media"
    Shane - I don't appreciate your constant negative replies - do me a big favor, and avoid responding to any more of my posts.
    Yes, I've been here long enough to know you've always had a condescending attitude ....
    Your approach is NOT helpful. Its rude and disrespectful ....

  • Loss of sound and video playback on ENVY X2

    Every so often, more often than I would like, my HP Envy X2 loses sound and video playback capabilities; any ideas anybody? The concept of this machine is great and have had it for the past 9 months but this loss of sound and vision is so unpredictable and frustating...  

    Hi Brumage,
    I saw your post regarding the sound and video issues and I will be happy to help. Do you get any error messages when this happens? Have noticed if it is a particular site like YouTube or program that you are using when the issue occurs or does it occur on all programs? When you restarted the Envy X2 does the issue go away?
    I would start by suggesting that you make sure all updates have been installed through HP Support Assistant and Windows Update.
    What operating system are you running? What is your product number?
    Find your product number on a notebook:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c00033108
    Finding your OS:
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/which-operating-system
    Thank you,
    Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue.
    Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!
    Thank you,
    BHK6
    I work on behalf of HP

  • Loss of sound (Hard-reset and restore does not work)

    Hi,
    I loss all sounds on my iPad 2 (currently on iOS 7.04). This is the 2nd time I have had this issue (had it with an earlier iPad) and had to replace the previous one (out of warranty period).  Very frustrating as it is about the same time period after purchase.  Last time, it seemed like a repeated fault with the iPad and I cannot believe I have the same issue again on a different product.  It is an expensive way of having to re-buy every couple of years for no other reason.
    It did not happen immediately after an update i.e. it does not appear to be "update" or iOS version-related. 
    Anyone got any advice please?  The facts are as follows (and what I have tried).
    When it happened?
    I was in iMovie editing a movie when all sound went from the speaker.  It continued to work with earphones plugged in, but this is now intermittent.  I have no sound on the speaker at all except for when I click sounds on the menu and change the level of ringer alert (which works on the speakers).  This seems to tell me that it is a software problem.  I have no sound on any applications or internet video or music from iTunes.  I cannot survive on the earphones as they only work for a period of time and then they fail (until I take the jack out again when it works again for a period of time before the headphones fail again).
    What have I tried?
    a) Numerous hard resets
    b) changing the side switch's position
    c) changing in general settings the side switch settings from lock rotation to mute and back again (repeatedly and in reverse to see if it makes any difference)
    d) resetting all settings - this made no difference
    e) erase all content and settings - interestingly at the stage when it asked me if I wanted to restore from an iCloud account, it was making sounds (the keyboard clicks - which don't make a sound irrespective of the click setting currently) i.e. appeared to have resolved the issue and as soon as I restored my iCloud back-up, the sound went again.
    I would be grateful for any suggestions.  This post also includes a recommendation to Apple on improving its product (relating to iCloud backups) as the ultimate solution should not be paying for a replacement for a software issue (to avoid losing all my data permanently).
    My musings are that:
    a) it is definitively a software issue (on account that the speakers work in certain situations only)
    b) it appears to be that the software is corrupted in my iCloud back up
    c) it is an issue that happens regularly and is an avoidable issue/cost to Apple's customers that needs to receive higher priority in being addressed as it is built in redundancy for a significant proportion of customers.  At the very least, iCloud backups should be capable of being restored in part - is there any way this could be done so we don't lose all of our notes, media etc if the final advice is to "start again".  How can it be right to lose all content because of an Apple system software issue?  I am pre-guessing this will be the final advice (if I don't want to pay for a replacement iPad)?
    Please help me and all those others with the same avoidable software problem.
    Thank you,
    Peter

    This is an iPad user to user forum, so you are not addressing Apple.
    Try this  - Reset 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 - let go of the buttons. (This is equivalent to rebooting your computer.)
    Check your settings. The iPads have a small switch on the right edge. It can be used as a rotation lock to keep the screen from automatically reorienting itself as you move around, but you need to have the tablet’s settings configured properly. That same switch, right above the volume buttons, can also be set to function instead as a mute button to silence certain types of audio.
    If the switch is set to work as a mute button, you can change its purpose to “screen-rotation lock” by tapping the Settings icon on the home screen. On the Settings screen, tap General on the left side, and on the right side of the screen flick down to “Use Side Switch to.” Tap to select Lock Rotation or Mute to set the button’s function. Even if you set the side switch for your preferred use, you can still mute the Mini or lock the screen. Just double-click the Home button, and when the panel of apps appears along the bottom edge of the screen, flick the row from left to right with your finger. Tap the icon on the far left side of the row to either lock the iPad’s screen or mute the iPad’s alerts, notifications and sound effects. Music, podcasts and video are not muted unless you turn the volume all the way down.
    iPhone: Can't hear through the receiver or speakers
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1630
    http://www.atreks.com/app-no-sound-on-ipad-4-%E2%80%93-what-to-do/
     Cheers, Tom

  • Intermittant loss of sound

    since i updated the software on my iphone 4 i have intermittant loss of sound i have researched and this is a common problem trouble is no one has an easy fix answer the best suggestion is to revert the phone back to the old software but i have no idea how to do this and apple dont seem to be acknowleging that they messed up with the update so if anyone can help i would be very gratefull
    many thanks

    I have been there and done that.....makes no difference. Why do you think that the all of a sudden it would change the output in the first place? Things don't change by themselves for no apparent reason. It was still on the bose speakers when I went into sys pref. Amazing that you think that it would change itself everyday....did you really read my post or were you distracted?

  • Why is the sound of my new ipad cutting out intermittently and what does Apple recommend to solve the problem in lieu of any updates?

    Why is the sound of my new ipad cutting out intermittently and what does Apple recommend to solve the problem in lieu of any updates? All of a sudden without changing any settings, the audio on my NEW ipad cuts in and out on applications/ games, keypad noise and lock sounds. The rocker button only seems to work while the sound is intermittently being heard before, after a few seconds of noise not doing anything when sound goes off.
    This is highly frustrating as I've noticed others posting about such issues as far back as April. Anybody had the same thing happen to them? Is this likely software (ios6) or hardware issue? What are the solutions Apple???

    Apple has no physical stores of their own in Dubai, so unless you mean that you purchased from the online Apple Store for the UAE, you purchased from a dealer, who may or may not have been authorized. You can check the expiration date of the warranty on your iPad yourself by entering in the serial number here:
    https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
    If it does indeed show the warranty has expired, then what you need to do from here will depend on who you purchased the iPad from and when you really did purchase it. Perhaps you actually purchased it in August and are just misremembering? Check your receipt. If you confirm that you did purchase within the last calendar year, tell us exactly where you got it and we can probably offer advice.
    Regards.

  • Vist Basic & XFI, random loss of sound and World of Warcraft Hardware enabling iss

    Hello.. First off want to say that prior to reinstalling Vista last week, I had no had any issues with my XFI and Vista.. Since the re-install, while running World of Warcraft and Ventrillo, I get random loss of sound. And by that, specifically I mean, the sound shuts off, and I get a constant loud hiss noise that does not stop until a reboot is performed. If I just run WoW and no Ventrillo, I dont get the random problem and the sound runs fine. It is however a highly annoying issue that requires too many reboots in evening. Getting to the point of just trying the onboard sound, which I'd certainly rather not do.
    Additionally there is an option in WoW that allows for Hardware enabling, which is supposed to improve performance. When I check this box and restart the game, the box is still not checked. Not sure if this is a CL problem, but something is wrong for sure! I'm using the latest drivers that are on creativelabs.com for my Vista 32 bit system. And again, didnt have these issues prior to the fresh re-install of Vista. Before that I had stepped up the drivers all the way from Vista. Thanks for any feedback on this.

    Not sure why your sound is cutting out... but as for WoW, it needs ALchemy installed to run with hardware audio enabled under Vista. I dont believe its in the list of titles included with ALchemy just yet, but adding it manually with the default options works just fine. Without doing this I believe the new sound core used in WoW will automatically detect that it cannot do hardware audio and simply uncheck the box whenever you try, where-as before it would work but still give you Software rendered sound (only instead of WoWs audio engine doing it, it was Vistas - not exactly an improvement). Incidentally, this not only improves performance but vastly improves the sound quality - especially when excessive numbers of sounds are being played. (eg Mass AoE effects on larger numbers of mobs, such as two Warlocks Hellfiring along with a Hurricane and Consecration while pulling the Ballroom - 9 mobs per group - near Moroes in Karazhan) Its possible doing this may also correct your cut-out issue, but its possible it wont. Ive been running WoW alongside Vent for months now under Vista w/ALchemy and an X-Fi and never had such a problem, but then I do also run Vent off the onboard audio so I can use a small earpiece and have voices clearly audible through game sound.

  • Airplay intermittent loss of sound - Sony NS410

    I use windows vista and iTunes 10.7 - after about a day and a half of trying to get music to play (which requires a ridiculously high level of tech know how, amending settings on firewalls, opening ports, setting anti-virus just right etc etc etc - how apple expect more general consumers to get by with this is utterly beyond me) - now the music drops out intermittently and sometimes altogether loses connection, the only thing that works is disconnectin and reconnecting the wi-fi on my laptop. this is no real solution however, given that it ruins any experience of the music etc that i want to play - i don't get these issues from my iphone and it seems evident its something to do with the way itunes and/or the connection settings on my laptop - - any help is much appreciated!

    I use windows vista and iTunes 10.7 - after about a day and a half of trying to get music to play (which requires a ridiculously high level of tech know how, amending settings on firewalls, opening ports, setting anti-virus just right etc etc etc - how apple expect more general consumers to get by with this is utterly beyond me) - now the music drops out intermittently and sometimes altogether loses connection, the only thing that works is disconnectin and reconnecting the wi-fi on my laptop. this is no real solution however, given that it ruins any experience of the music etc that i want to play - i don't get these issues from my iphone and it seems evident its something to do with the way itunes and/or the connection settings on my laptop - - any help is much appreciated!

  • Xi-fi problem with Vista, loss of sound and a whis

    Hello,I have a Xi-fi extreme Gamer, and Windows vista 32 bitWith many games, just to say one Overlord, but also with Gta S.Andreas, Teamfortress 2, Never Witner Night 2.. you name it, suddenly i lose all audio that is repleaced by a loud whistle, the whistle don't stop even if i quit the game and return to the OS. The only way to stop the whistle is to restart the PC. I tried to disable many options in the audio console but the problem return, with the last drivers i can't play Overlord for more than 4 minutes, then all i get from the audio is the whistle. Anyone have a suggestion to solve this problem?Thank you very much.

    there seems to be lot of us having issues with sound falling off and odd noises.
    We all seem to get the same reply from creative as well.. silence.
    The only fix that works for some and not all is to go to the sound properties ( right click the volume, select playback devices, right click the speaker icon, select properties, select advanced )
    And Turn down the sound quality from DVD quality to CD.
    This has cured most of my games.
    hope this helps.

  • Intermittent loss of sound on playback of recordin...

    Hi,
    On a random basis we lose the sound for 10-15 seconds and then it comes back again.
    If I rewind the recording and play again, the sound is there, i.e. It is not lost on the recording, just disappears between the Vision box and TV.
    I have the aerial UHF coax into the Vision box and then another UHF Coax to the TV, this is for watching live TV.
    The Vision box is also connected to the TV using a HDMI cable (despite it not being HD!) which is the connection we switch to, to watch the vision box recordings or use it to pause live TV.
    This is pretty annoying as it sometimes happens every 30 sec or so and then other days doesn't happen at all!
    Any clues anyone? Especially BT Tech support people?

    I too suffer this frustrating problem, would this "at800 filter" really fix the problem. I got a card advertising this " at800" through the door, but have not been able to read any views on this item.
    Come on you techies please advise us,
    ps I am using the old silver vision box
    satch

  • Intermittent loss of sound from my midi keyboard

    I am using an M-Audio Keystation 49e in GarageBand 10.0.2 on a MacBook Pro and it continually loses sound--i.e. I am playing the keyboard and hearing the sound just fine and suddenly I can no longer hear sounds from the keyboard (I continue to hear other tracks in GarageBand).  The odd thing is that GarageBand still shows that it detects the midi device.  Sometimes clicking "Reset MIDI Drivers" fixes the problem temporarily and sometimes unplugging the keyboard and plugging it back in fixes the problem temporarily but it is happening so frequently as to render playing a whole song impossible.  Anyone encountered this before?  I am thinking maybe it's a problem with the keyboard itself but I am not sure.
    Thanks for the help!

    I have exactly the same problem. Did you find any solution for that or not?

  • Why do I have Intermittent Wifi Connection Loss during music streaming ?

    Hello,
    I have an ipad3 and an iPhone 4S and I am getting with both devices interruption of the sound when I send music to the Apple TV. It generally happens after a few minutes. The signal for the wifi is still good and I have still access to the Internet  I have tried all the recommendations of the article "iOS: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections" but this did not help. I have used several applications for sending music to the Apple TV (music application from Apple and DSAudio from Synology) but I'm getting the same issue. I have also the same issue with the media center application from Bouygues Telecom connecting directly to my internet router. My router is a bbox sensation. I had also the same kind of issue with my old router when sensing photo albums to the internet: I had the error message "your system is running low on ressources". How can I solve these intermittent wifi connection losses ?

    Try #5.
    Some things to try first:
    1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
    2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.
    3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html
    4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.
    5.  Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)
        •    Launch Settings app
        •    Tap on Wi-Fi
        •    Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list
        •    In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button
    6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
    http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240
    iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes
    How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues
    http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/
    Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems
    http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/
    Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”
    Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?
    http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/
    Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It
    http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug
    How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6
    http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html
    iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0
    Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems
    http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
    http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm
    Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
    http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm
    How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad
    http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm
    iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections  http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
    iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks  http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
    WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/
    How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi
    http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
    iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
    iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
    How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
    http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
    iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
    http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
    Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)
    http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad
    Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE
    Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0
    How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz
    Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
    Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
    Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
     Cheers, Tom

  • Crackling & loss of sound

    2 weeks ago (just as my ipod went out of warranty) it developed crackling distortion and loss of sound. Initially thinking this was a headphone problem I tried different headphones but to no avail. Although I have had the ipod mini for 12 months I have only been regularly using it in the last 3 months. I calculate that I have had about 100 listening hours (a poor return on investment!) As I see that other people have also experienced this problem it suggests a design fault! What do I do now?

    I have the same problem! It is intermittent, but extremely annoying. I first noticed it while using a Belkin adapter in my car... was convinced it was the adapter, tried another and got the same results. It now does the cracking when using the clickwheel as well as when connecting anything to the bottom of the unit. I can only use the iPod now if I hold it very carefully.. even then it sometimes does this and drops the signal. My unit is older, almost a year... but I am very disappointed, after blathering on to everyone about how great my iPod mini was for so long. Of course I am long out of warranty. Anyone have any suggestions?

  • Loss of Sound HP Pavillion Entertainment Laptop DV6820ea

    Hi,
    Operating System:  Windows Vista
    Sound Driver :         Conextant High Definition Smart Audio 221 (SPDIF INTERFACE)
    Other Programmes: I Tunes
    Problem :     Sudden loss of sound, I have tried the obvious such as is the touch sensitive mute switched off and the volumes switched on . I did briefly have my i-touch connected via USB but don't remember doing anything other than connecting and disconnecting the USB cable. Then there was no sound. I have also tried via control panel testing the devices and the speaker test works correctly but other than this I am unable to get any sound from the laptop. I did find, although I can't remember where, next to a  I-tunes file name  yellow triangles but was unabe to delete. This will probably be a very obvious and simple solution! but I would greatly appreciate any help!    many thanks  

    This often occurs when you plug in an HDMI device, on my machine.  Try manually setting the playback device:
    Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar.
    Select Playback Devices.
    Right-click the audio device you want (i.e. Speakers)
    Select Set as default device.
    If this does not work, try logging in with an account that has administrative access.  I discovered the wireless network can not be enabled by a non-administrative account, when it is disabled while logged in as an administrator.  You have to go back to the admin account, enable wireless, and then log back to the other account.
    Avoid updating your driver, unless the device no longer functions.

Maybe you are looking for