Problem with Optical Audio Output

Hi, all. I'm running my audio out through the optical digital output on my Mac Pro. Recently, I've developed a problem with iTunes, where certain tracks are distorted and others play extremely softly. There is no problem when I run the audio out through the headphone jack...it's only a problem through the optical output.
Furthermore, when I go to Audio MIDI setup, it says "Output is not supported" for the optical digital output, when I've read that I should be able to make adjustments to it here.
Does anyone know what might be causing a problem with my optical output? Thanks so much!

Look in iTunes' "Playback" preferences. Try turning off "Crossfade", "Sound Enhancer", and "Sound Check"/

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1/4" with optical audio output

Does anyone actually use the digital audio output? Like in a home theater for Dolby Digital? Does the MBP output DTS?

The digital audio output works great. As an audiophile, it's one of the best things about my MacBook Pro. I use mine to not only connect directly via optical cable (toslink) to an external DAC, I can use my MBP as a digital front end for my audio system. I also use my Airport Express to stream music digitally to my pre-amp. The great thing is there is no signal loss between my MBP (source) and the preamp or DAC. This is completely different from using the audio output jack in an analog manner. The difference is astounding. You can buy an optical cable, also called toslink, fibre optic cable, fibre cable, online or at most big box electronics stores. Not all cables come with the mini adapter though, so make sure to find one that does. Monster makes one for about $40, but you can find them online for as little as $6 (before shipping.) The absolute best deal I found was from PowerMax.com. Delivered, this cable was less than $20! The cabling is small in diameter, but it is high quality and the mini adapter snaps into solidly into place. It is a great product at a great price and will make an extraordinary difference compared to analog. Find it here: http://www.powermax.com/parts/show/serv-922-6540 It's made by MonsterCable (MonsterCable is labeled on the external shielding.) It does come with a mini adapter and will work with all the Apple optical digital inputs and outputs. The digital audio output will export Stereo, Dolby Digital (Stereo, 5.1 and 7.1) and DTS. It's a pure digital signal. I can connect my MBP to my 50" 1080p HDTV and use the optical digital out to output the audio in Dolby Digital 7.1 into my audio system. Awesome! Apple was genius to design the audio jacks (input and output) to accept both an analog and digital cable in the same jack. For less than $20, try it, you'll love it. Also, regarding Apple's Airport Express; I rarely used my Airport Express in an analog manner. I couldn't stand the loss in sound quality. I mean, what's the point of having your music in a lossy format stored on your computer if you can't get that same high quality out of it. Using the Airport Express in an analog manner, the degradation in sound quality isn't even worth it (for me.) As an audiophile, quality (both the recording process and the playback process) are everything. By connecting the Airport Express with an optical cable to my pre-amp or DAC, I use it almost daily to stream music and now can truly used my MBP as a digital front end and music server. It's one of the greatest upgrades ever in my audio system and it was only $20!

Problems with "No Audio Output device is installed"

ok one day i turned my computer on and i noticed a little red X on my volume mixer... when i open the audio mixer says "no devices are installed"
i have tried many soultions none worked ill post everything ive done
- enabled/disabled device in device manager -uninstalled/installed device in device manager
- ran scans for updates - tried to update hardware - reset bios to defult options/set on board audio to enabled
- ran recovery manager to reinstall the audio driver - went on realtek website to download the drivers after restart still nothing
nothing worked for me and i really want sound the best ive done was in the sound/aduio controller in device manager i made Realtek high definition audio device to show up but it has a yellow exclamation symobl on it saying (code 10) unable to start
i have m8000n desktop computer and i'm sure realtek was my audio sofware please help!

Hi,
needhelp11 wrote:
ok thanks for responding
i downloaded the sound driver, went to add hardware the choosed the driver i downloaded then rebooted, still nothing,
i looked in device manager under sound,video and game controllers 'Realtek High Defintion Audio' still had yellow exclamtion mark,code 10, then i tried to update the driver it crashed my computer, i had to restore to 15 mins back before i downloaded the driver
Why did you ""reboot"?
Did you mean to say restarted per the request of the software installation at completion of the install?
Ensure that the onboard HD audio device is enabled in the BIOS.
Go to the control panel-->Device Manager and right click the realtek audio device (which has the yellow exclamation point) and uninstall it.
Now right-click any device in the device manager and select "Scan for hardware changes".
If windows now finds the device and asks to install drivers do not permit it to happen. Just cancel it.
Install the full featured driver software package that you downloaded from HP.
If the install goes completely to the finished state go to Control Panel -->Audio and check to see if the Realtek HD Audio device and the Speaker is not grayed out. Now look at the image in my previous post. select speakers as the output and test them. You can plug in a headset and select that as a test as well.
regards,
erico
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

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?

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!

Optical audio output has stopped working - can anyone help?

My optical audio output has suddenly stopped working. I use the Mac Mini as a music centre, so use the optical out all the time. The analogue signal works (when I plug in headphones, I can hear the music) AND I have checked my audio system by plugging another Mac mini into it and it worked.
I can see the red laser light from the cable when I unplug it.
I have not changed any settings.
I presume this is a hardware failure - but it seems like a strange one as the analogue audio is working.
Any ideas?

try some of the usual troubleshooting steps:
_*resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM*_
_*resetting the System Management Controller SMC*_
also, run _*Apple Hardware Test*_, using the installation DVD that came with the mini, to see if any hardware problems are reported.
JGG

I just moved my itunes library from a win 7 computer to a win 8.1 computer. Getting an error message "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly. Can't play CDs or get audio file from web!

Help! I just moved my itunes library from a Win 7 computer to a new Win 8.1 computer following the instructions on the itunes website. Everything is good except I'm getting an error message on the Win 8 computer if I try to play a CD or get an audio file off of the internet. I get an error message that says "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly. I don't know where to look for or fix the audio configuration on the win 8 computer. As far as I can tell the iTunes configuration looks the same as on the other computers in the house. At this point I don't dare plug my ipod touch into the Win 8 computer for fear it will get messed up.

I have the same problem and I know that it is due to my PCI Audio driver not being compatible with WIndows 8.1.
iTunes isn't the only program that can't direct sound to the built-in speakers anymore. The obvious solution would be to update the drivers, but unfortunately Dell does not provide an updated driver for my model, so I am stuck with that.
However, saying that, only my laptop speakers are affected by this. I can use sound fine on applications where I can choose the output device and direct sound to the head phones, but for some reason iTunes does not let you choose the audio device manually.
To listen to music I imported the iTunes Library in Windows Media Player and changed the audio output using the following instructions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/c00d11ba
However, I would also like to rent movie's from iTunes,
Would be great if iTunes would let you choose the output device, too, like most other applications using sound from Skype to Windows Media Player,...

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".

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

Error message after upgrade to iTunes 11: "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly." At this point my PC running XP loses all audio.

Several attempts to upgrade to iTunes 11 have failed. After an upgrade to 11 the error message reads: "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly." At this point--after the upgrade to iTunes 11--my PC running Windows XP loses audio playback for all functions--in iTunes, in the browser and the volume icon disappears from the System Tray. Only by removing iTunes 11, and then using System Restore to turn back the OS settings can I return the PC to normal functioning.
I did that. I reinstalled iTunes 10.5. Everything seemed fine, but when I try to plug in and copy a CD to my iPhone 4S an error message reads roughly: 'iPhone 4S requires iTunes 10.5 or higher to work.'
What might be the problem with my audio configuration?
Why doesn't my iPhone 4S work with iTunes 10.5? It used to work with iTunes 10.5.
Please advise.
ep

This forum is for questions about iTunes U, Apple's service for colleges and universities to post educational material in the iTunes Store. You'll be most likely to get help with this issue if you ask in the general iTunes for Windows forums.
Regards.

When I connect my I pod shuffle to USB it shows an error message - " I Tunes has deducted a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly" due to this problem each and every earphone am inserting goes unusable

When I connect my I pod shuffle to USB it shows an error message - " I Tunes has deducted a problem with your audio configuration. Audio/Video playback may not operate properly" due to this problem whenever i connect earphone each and every earphone gets un usable. Already made a factory reset. please arrange for a rectification.. :'(

Hi Ganeshpandianm,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
The article below may be able to help you with this issue.
Click on the link to see more details and screenshots.
iTunes for Windows: iTunes cannot run because it detects an issue with QuickTime
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1371?viewlocale=en_US
"iTunes cannot run because it has detected a problem with your audio configuration"
Cheers,
- Judy

Trying to get my fcp project to burn to dvd at the highest quality? Ive used compressor and then tried to put it in dvdsp put its not working. I am having problems with the audio or when i burn it , i cant play the dvd? any help would be appreciated

Ive used compressor and then tried to put it in dvdsp put its not working. I am having problems with the audio or when i burn it , i cant play the dvd? any help would be appreciated

I suspect you are attempting to burn an HD DVD, which will not play on a DVD player...
But if you provide more details such as the settings you are applying in Compressor, then we would be able to provide you more accurate information.
How are you adding the files to Compressor?
In FCP, what are your footage properties (command-9) and sequence settings (command-0)

TS1362 my iTunes wont play music or videos when i open it it comes up with "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio with your configuration AudioVideo playback may not operate properly"

my iTunes wont play music or videos when i open it it comes up with "iTunes has detected a problem with your audio with your configuration AudioVideo playback may not operate properly" i have uninstalled it and reinstalled it twice and it stil lcomes up with that message every time I opentheiTunes icon I dont knowwhat to do

Hello Wade,
This is typically indicative of an issue with the installation of QuickTime on your computer. The following article provides steps for reinstalling QuickTime to resolve the issue.
"iTunes cannot run because it has detected a problem with your audio configuration"
Resolution
QuickTime may need to be reinstalled. Follow the steps below to uninstall QuickTime and then download and install QuickTime using the QuickTime standalone Installer.
On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
Follow the steps appropriate for your Windows operating system below.
Windows XP and Windows 2000: Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel and selectQuickTime in the list of currently installed programs.
Windows Vista and Windows 7: Click Uninstall a program (or if using Windows Vista's Classic View of the Control Panel, click Programs and Features) and select QuickTime in the list of currently installed programs.
Click the Remove button (or Uninstall for Windows Vista and Windows 7) and follow the prompts to remove QuickTime from your computer.
Download QuickTime. Note: There are two options for downloading QuickTime, be sure to select the option that does not include iTunes.
During the download:
If you choose to run the installer, proceed to the next step.
If you choose to save the download, double click the QuickTimeInstaller file, then proceed to next step.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install QuickTime.
Reopen iTunes.
iTunes for Windows: iTunes cannot run because it detects an issue with QuickTime
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1371
Cheers,
Allen

Itunes won't run because of some problem with my audio configuration? help!

it specifically says "itunes cannot run because it has detected a problem with your audio configuration". anybody know how to fix that. all i did was when my itunes was werking perfectly fine i was uploading some videos onto it but wen i did it was freezing so i did it again and it froze again so i deleted itunes and installed it again. thats when the problem happened. i tried installing quicktime again. that didn't work then i organized my music and video files but it still wouldn't work. my speakers work good. id on't know what the problem is. CAN ANYBODY HELP????!!!!

Perhaps this Apple KnowledgeBase article will help:
iTunes 7 for Windows: iTunes had detected an audio configuration problem
Good luck.
Forum Tip: Since you're new here, you've probably not discovered the Search feature available on every Discussions page, but next time, it might save you time (and everyone else from having to answer the same question multiple times) if you search a couple of ways for a topic, both in the relevant forums, in the User Tips Library and in the Apple Knowledge Base before you post a question.
Regards.

Itunes cannot run because it detected a problem with your audio config.

I keep coming up with this message. I feel like I have tried everything. Uninstalling---reinstalling---installing earlier versions---even tried apple's help page regarding this error. Nothing seems to work. Anyone have any ideas?

I have exactly the same problem. Everytime I try to open itunes it shows the dialog "itunes has detected a problem with your audio config..." and then when it "opens"
has no background, so it's impossible to do something. I've tried to reinstall itunes and quicktime in different ways like both of them separately and following every instruction in Apple's Web site like article #304424. I've installed prior versions for those programs too and the problem persist, tried to clean up the registry, etc. I don't want to reinstall Windows to solve this issue 'cause it seems to be only way to get rid of this! =( HELP!!!

Problem with Optical Audio Output

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