Sound on Mac Mini

Haven't updated my profile, but just purchased a Mac Mini w/Superdrive. Capturing video in iMovie last evening and I could barely hear the sound. Everything was cranked up full in iMovie and System Preferences/Sound. Burned to iDVD and it sounded o.k.
When machine chimes on it sounds loud enough. Does the Mac Mini require external speakers? Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Thanks in advance.

It sure does!! Forget the built in speaker. Don't really know why they put it in the machine except to produce that awful start-up noise that they euphemistically call the "Start Up Chime"
With external speakers or through a hi-fi amp the sound is superb.
Remember also that there is no audio input provided. To get audio in you will need to get an external audio interface device to plug in to the USB connection.
That also is superb and there are plenty of them available on the market.

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Lost sound on Mac mini (Late 2012) Yosemite 10.10.1

Hello everybody,
I lost the sound on my Mac mini. It was working just fine a few days ago. (I tried restoring it to an earlier date but no joy). I tried the troubleshooting mentioned here Troubleshooting issues with no audio from built-in speakers on Macs - Apple Support to no avail. I tried connecting external speakers (which worked in the past) but nothing. They don't show on the Audio/Output screen.
I can see the Audio icon on my screen. I can increase and decrease volume from my keyboard (through F11/F12). But no sound. I have reset the PRAM, reset the SMC (by unplugin/plugin power cord). Pretty much runnig out of options. Any advice will be welcome. Thanks.

There are many possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Some may not apply to your model. Back up all data before making any changes.
1. Start with the steps recommended in this support article. Don't skip any of the steps. It's the starting point for further efforts to solve the problem.
2. Make sure you have a fully up-to-date installation of OS X.
3. If you've installed an application called "Memory Clean" or any other third-party software that is supposed to "clean" or "purge" memory automatically, remove it according to the developer's instructions and restart. You should do that even if the software is not causing the problem, because it's useless.
4. Other third-party software that has been reported to interfere with sound output includes "Boom" and "Samsung Kies." If applicable, uninstall according to the developer's instructions (not by dragging something to the Trash.)
5. If an AirPlay device is selected for sound output from iTunes (or from other applications via third-party software such as "Airfoil"), deselect it.
6. Launch the application "Audio MIDI Setup" by entering the first few letters of its name in a Spotlight search and selecting it in the results (it should be at the top.) Select Built-in Output from the list on the left. If the Mute boxes are checked, uncheck them.
7. If a red light is visible in the audio-out port when sound should be playing, the internal switch is stuck in the position for digital output. You may be able to free it by inserting and removing a mini-stereo jack of the proper size. Inserting any kind of tool in the port may cause damage that won't be covered by the warranty.
If there's no red light, the switch may still be stuck in the headphone position. Try to free it the same way.
8. Disconnect all wired peripherals except keyboard and mouse, if applicable. If more than one display is connected, disconnect all extra ones. Restart and test.
9. If you have a MacBook Air, turn off Bluetooth and restart.
10. Start up in safe mode. Don't log in; just restart as usual when the login screen appears. When you do, make sure the words "Safe Boot" do not appear in the login screen. If they do, the system is still in safe mode and sound won't work.
11. Reset the NVRAM.
12. Reset the SMC.
13. Triple-click anywhere in the line below on this page to select it:
/Library/Preferences/Audio
Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select
Services ▹ Reveal in Finder (or just Reveal)
from the contextual menu.* A folder should open with an item selected. Move the selected item to the Trash. You may be prompted for your administrator login password. Restart the computer and empty the Trash. Recreate your settings in the Sound preference pane.
*If you don't see the contextual menu item, copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. In the Finder, select
Go ▹ Go to Folder...
from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.
14. Reinstall OS X after backing up all data.
15. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store.

Playing sound from Mac Mini through Sony TV

Hi all,
I want to use my 2005 mac mini as a system to just play movies throught my Sony Bravia TV.
The images/ video plays fine but no matter what I do there is no sound. I have tried 2 phono cables from the mac's headphone jack connected to the right ports on the TV but I still can't get sound. I have checked that the volume is up on the mac and TV.
I can't change the setting on the Mac - when I go to the sound menu it automatically shows in the output tab Name = headphones, Type = built-in speakers. There are no other options and I can't change it. the only thing the Apple store could advise me to do was to click on the sound symbol on the desktop while holding down the Option key but I don't get the options that are supposed to come up, maybe because my mini is too old. I have tried all the sound settings available on the TV but still no sound.
Is there anything I can do to get it working? Any help would be great.
Braininabucket

Not sure exactlly which model mini you have? > How to identify Mac mini models
But audio is not supported out of the DVI or Mini DVI ports.
Unless you have a newer model with an HDMI port you will have to use a 3.5mm audio cable from the Mac Mini's headphone jack to the TV.
Depending on the TVs audio input (3.5mm or RCA) you will need a long enough cable to reach the TV using either:
a > Amazon.com: 3.5mm Stereo Male To Male Cable 12 ft.: Electronics
or > Amazon.com: RiteAV - 3.5mm to RCA Stereo Female Cable - 6 inch: Electronics and RCA cables.

Another "hmdi-sound on mac mini" thread

Hi!
I just got a mac mini to use in my home theater. Untill now I have been using my PS3 to play back .mkv files converted to .mpeg i mkv2vob.
My receiver, a Denon 3806, was connected to the ps3 via hdmi and had no trouble playing the files with full 7.1 multichannel sound. The ps3 spits out LPCM and my receiver plays it as "multi channel in"
The mac mini however will not play any sound at all via hdmi. I have tried all the things suggested in this forum regarding the problem.
- how come the receiver will accept LPCM from the ps3 and not from the mac mini?
regards
Jesper, Denmark

I have a Denon 3808 and it works fine with two different generations of Mini.
So you just haven't hit on the right settings combination yet.
Try this:
http://www.cod3r.com/2008/02/the-correct-way-to-enable-ac3-passthrough-with-quic ktime/
Also try using VLC media player and enable SPDIF option in audio preferences

Screeching sound from Mac Mini

hello,
ok for a while know there has been a screeching sound emitted from my mac mini. Its like a high pitched squeak, the only way I can describe it is that its like something metal not oiled.
Getting worried about it as I dont know if its a warning of something to go wrong. Fan/harddrive failure?. My warranty is up in 30 days or less.
I've recorded the sound on Amadeus Pro and amplified it a bit. (noise cancelling microphone cut it out)
Wanted to be able to post it on the net somehow and have a link here, but I can mail it to anyone.
Any help apreciated.
David

I was so much thinking about when the noise starts, as to whether you hear any change in it if the noise is already happening and the fan changes speed. I would normally expect a 'screeching' type noise to be fan related, and thus that is would change in pitch or intensity - or even stop or start - if the fan changes speed.
It should be covered by warranty unless you've done anything to your mini to void the warranty of course. Whether fan or hard drive, a noise of that sort is indicative of a fault, potentially impending failure, and both components are covered.
It is certainly likely to get worse over time if not resolved - a bearing making this sort of noise is running dry, off center or damaged, and in any of those instances it increases the risk of failure and will bring the onset of that failure nearer.
Also would somebody be able to identify what it is from listening to it.
In many instances yes, but it isn't certain to be possible, nor is it as good a method of diagnosis as having the actual system. In addition, given the impending end of your warranty period, it wouldn't seem a good idea to delay getting the unit to a service center. The sooner they get it, the sooner you get it back!

Chirp Sound From Mac Mini

i just got a brand new mac mini a few days ago. it works great, but i noticed a faint "chirping" sound from time to time coming from it. it's not coming out of the speaker, it still happens when the sound is muted. i can't make it happen...just happened once every couple minutes.
i've seen people asking about this type of thing before, but i've never heard an answer. perhaps it's coming from the HD, which makes me concerned. any ideas?

here's my plan.
i'm actually thinking that a recent update (10.6.2?) made my mini start chirping. i don't think my HD or graphics card is about to fail...this thing is brand new. and i'm almost positive that it was not chirping for the first few days (before a bunch of updates were done). i think i'm going to ignore it until the next series of updates, and see what happens. maybe it will go away...if it doesn't, i'll probably take it to the apple store near me. i have the complimentary year of coverage for a while, so it shouldn't be a big deal.
it seems strange that a problem like this would be caused by a software update, but you never know. there seems to be at least two cases of this out there.
anyway, chime in if you are experiencing this. and zielvis, continue to post with your thoughts, and i'll do the same.

Surround Sound on Mac mini 11

I am trying to set up an Trust Soundforce 5.1 surround sound. The problem is that it requires 3x 3.5mm jacks to connect to the Mac mini is there any adapter that I can purchase to solve this problem?

Should work with a > Amazon.com: Logitech 5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs To A Single 1/8: Video Games and a RCA to mini stereo Y cable, but it will probably only produce 2ch sound.

No sounds on Mac Mini after Mavericks Installation

I recently installed Mavericks on our Mac mini and there is no sound. We have a set of speakers
hooked up and havent changed the settings. Please advise!

Unplug the speakers. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
Make sure internal speaker works then plugged the external ones.

Error Message and no Sound on Mac Mini

Hi all
As recommended by several people here I upgraded the RAM on my step-dad's Mac Mini. Everything looked okay, other no Internet, due to a disconnected Airport Antenna that I reconnected. After doing that he now is having two problems with this computer.
1. error message "Sorry there is not enough memory for Solitaire to run"
2. No sound - checked System Preferences and most options are grayed out - In addition when looking at hardware overview I get this message 'there is not built in audio."
I was told to reset the PRAM, but I am not sure if I am doing this right, as I can not hear this computer starting up (can't hear the dings).
Here is the system info.
Mac Mini 2.1
1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB Ram
Mac OSX 10.5.8
Please if you can be of help.
Thanks

I am just finally posting a reply. Looks as though the sound card went out. I was told that I could purchase a new open and install myself. I did not do that, but rather my step-dad just decided it was time to buy a new Mac Mini.

Surround sound on Mac mini

Hi guys,
I've been trying to connected by Mac Mini late 2009 to my bose surround system using a 3.5mm cable. However, it produces a very buzzy sound and the sound only comes out from 2-3 out of 5 speakers. Is there any way that I can make it go to the whole 5 speakers without the annoying sound?
thanks a lot.

Are you using a Toslink optical cable with a miniplug adapter? Only the digital optical can provide you with 5.1 surround audio.
Dah•veed

No external speaker sound with mac-mini running bootcamp win7 64

Hi,
I am unable to get external sound working with mac mini (september 2011) running windows 7 64 on bootcamp 4 (Lion). Drivers appear OK in device manager. Running seperate driver exe from bootcamp library results in a message that the best driver is working. Any suggestions? How do I know which audio driver I need? Where, specifically, can I download the correct driver? I have seen a reference to cirrus logig 4206B driver working but I can find no such driver anywhere. I can't figure out how to search for drivers on cirrus web site. Please help.
Thanks,
b

Ok, the solution in my case was to go back to MacOS, run the BootCamp assistant again, and have it re-download all the Windows drivers. Back in Windows 7, uninstall BootCamp, then reinstall. Now all the drivers work.
Apple has apparently updated/fixed their 64 bit drivers since I last tried to make it go. I would have thought that Apple Software Update (on Windows) or Windows Update would have picked up the newer drivers, but they didn't.

No sound on mac mini with samsung monitor using hdmi

I have a new mac mini which is hooked up through an HDMI cable to a Samsung L2350 monitor. How can I get sound out of the monitor? Right now, nothing is coming out. I've made sure my setting are correct but still no luck.
Please help!

Which Samsung Monitor....?
A Google Search > Samsung L2350 - Google Search does not turn up any Samsung monitors.
Check your Sound Preferences.
If you don't see the HDMI option in the Sound Preference, try going to the Audio MIDI Setup in Applications Utilities.
If the Sound Preference and Audio MIDI Setups are set correctly, then perhaps you need to either explore the Samsung Manual or try a different HDMI cable.

No sound on mac mini with Garageband?

Not sure why there is no sound. My mac mini works with garageband magic, but not with other parts of garageband. Sound works with itunes and other parts software.
Any ideas on how to get sound on my mac mini with garageband? Thanks, Jon

In GarageBand Preferences is where you need to choose the input and output. Then in the Track Info Pane make sure the correct Input Source is selected and turn Monitor On. But you've got to be careful of feedback. Also, make sure the Recording Level slider is up high enough to pick up your input (without peaking).
Using the Mac external speakers is not the best way to go when recording. Actually, without an interface, you're probably better off turning the Monitor Off when recording. When you record a second track - if you're using a mic - it can pick up the first track playing back. You're better off plugging headphones into the output jack.

No sound on Mac Mini

I'm unable to hear any sound from my Mac Mini (Early 2006-1.5GHz Core Solo).
Basically my mini's built-in sound does not appear in System Preferences's Sound section and I'm unable to hear the startup chime or any other sound.
Sometimes resetting the SMC enabled me to hear any sound.
What could I do to fix this? (I've taken my mini to an AASP for repair)

I have a similar problem on my Mac Mini (early 2006 Core Duo). No sound device recognised by Mac OSX or by Windows, and no startup chime.
I've seen a few other messages on this board noting the same issue, so it appears to be affecting a few Mini owners around the place.
Mine worked fine all through last year without problem. The only changes I have made so far this year have been upgrading my monitor - and now using DVI instead of VGA connection, plus applying the firmware updates as they have been made available.
Have you upgraded to the latest firmware? If so, I'm wondering if there's a bug there somewhere...
I've been able to restore sound successfully this week by resetting the SMC (again) and re-booting with the monitor unplugged at first, then plugging it in after I've heard the startup chime. Only needed to do that once, and it's been fine for the past few days, I've rebooted a few times and still have sound.
Hope this helps - I'd be interested to hear what the AASP has to say about the problem though...
MacMini Mac OS X (10.4.8) Windows Vista under BootCamp 1.1.2 Beta

External iSight - no sound with Mac mini 2011

Hello,
I'm trying to connect External iSight camera to Mac mini 2011 (using FW400 -> FW800 adapter cable) but I can't get microphone sound to work...
When I open system prefs>sound>input, it shows iSight is connected but system will freeze for a while (like it's looking for iSight) on openning.
When I try open Skype video preferences, it shows me video from iSight with no problem, but sound doesn't work.
Can anyone give me some advice?

You're welcome.
(1) Your new info indicates to me that there is probably something wrong with your cable(s), adapter(s), Mac mini's Firewire, or your external iSight itself.
You can eliminate most of these by troubleshooting with other cables, adapters, Firewire devices, and Macs as suggested in the info from my earlier link.
If no Firewire device you test on your Mac works with any connecting cable, resetting the Mac's Firewire bus may help. Apple's "how-to" article has been archived in this link. (This link may be slow to load.)
If you have trouble displaying the archive page, here is the pertinent extract on how to reset the bus:
... If the issue persists, try these steps:
Shut down the computer.
Disconnect all devices and all other cables, except the keyboard and mouse cable(s).
Disconnect the computer from the power outlet and wait for 3 to 5 minutes.
Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
Reconnect the device(s) (one at a time if there is more than one) and test. Test with each port if you have more than one.
If an individual third-party device leads to the issue, contact the manufacturer for more information and further assistance.
NOTE: Some users who try FW reset forget that "all" cables include the power cable. Disconnecting power is important.
(2) If your troubleshooting shows that your external iSight itself is the problem, you can decide whether you want to have your old serviced. If you do not have access to a local Apple-Authorized Service Provider, you can obtain cost and Apple contact info from http://www.apple.com/support/isight/service/
(3) Rather than spend more money on your old iSight, you may decide to consider a new webcam. A new Mac compatible USB connected cam with a current warranty will be a faster fix, and it may be lower cost. Some examples are at http://mac-compatible-web-cam.com. Moreover, compatible USB connected cams are not subject to all the same conflicts that sometimes effect external iSight.
Unless you already have a separate microphone for your mini, you can decide whether to buy separate mic or look for a new camera that has an inbuilt mic.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.3

Sound on Mac Mini

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