weird loud poping sound trough speakers macpro 6-core

[mr bojangles]

Hi everyone,

2 days ago i received my new mac pro 6-core 3,33GHz...now something really weird and super annoying is going on with this computer...From time to time there is this really loud POP trough my speaker.

I'm absolutely 100% sure this has nothing to do with my amp. cables or whatever and its definatly a problem with the MacPro, i know because of the following:

Plugged in new cables, removed every installed software, plugged onto different amplifier, when there are absiolutely no audio cables plugged into the computer and when i use the build in speakers of the mac pro i still hear the POP/distortian like sound, and finaly even took it at my friends house and tested the machine there on his audio instalation...problem remained!

not knowing what to do next i decided to go and see a very good technician (music instruments and studio recording) and told him about the problem, he imediatly stated that it "could be" because of the harddisk drive giving like electric impulses or whatever that causes the distortion...or that the sound card or audio chip set waking up from sleep and every time it does there is this loud POP???

best to compare the Loud POPS with if you take out an audio cable while the amplifier is still active, POP

i'm like yeah ok i could understand if this was a 350$ computer but i paid 4000$ for this machine and it can't even play an itunes song without the thing freaking me the hell out with these loud pops.

Are there any other people whom experienced the same problem or know of the same problem with MacPro's?

Are there any solutions so i no longer getting the living daylights scared out of me?

Oh yeah, also called Apple about the problem and they were like, do a hardware test blabla, but that also turned out to be of no help, hardware test said everything was ok.

Having my new MP i should be happy but the thing is giving me more stress and headaches especially sinbce i payed 4000$ for a computer that can't even play a tune.

[mr bojangles]

nobody? any tips, people with same problem...or is it maybe normal for a macpro not being able to play a simple song with Itunes without having to deal with weird sounds going trough the speakers?

could someone confirm if at all it could be possible that its because of the harddrive waking up or audio chipset waking up from sleep everytime causing this POP...does the audio even go to sleep while i'm working on the machine?

its getting frustrating, second machine, EXACT same problem and 100% sure its a macpro issue and not external hardware or cables. Could it be a defect with the new 6-cores? Am i the only guy here with this problem (2computers):confused:

[Vylen]

Amplifier?

Using optical out?

If so, did you check the end of the optical cable while it's still plugged into the Mac? If the red light turns off when no audio is playing, then the audio out is turning itself off... The pop is the card re-activating or whatever.

[mr bojangles]

Amplifier?

Using optical out?

If so, did you check the end of the optical cable while it's still plugged into the Mac? If the red light turns off when no audio is playing, then the audio out is turning itself off... The pop is the card re-activating or whatever.


yes using optical out, never checked if the red light is turned off when no audio is playing, need to check that later.

Its also when absolutely no Audio cable is plugged and use the build in speakers, also same story when i use a headset plugged into the mac. Same POP/crack

Lets say if the loud pop indeed is from the card re-activating...what should i do to prevent this because its pretty much extremely annoying, i mean...i'm just playing a song here :confused: and a 4000$ machine making loud pops because of a card re-activating, is something i would expect to find on a 300$ computer.

Also am i tge only one here with this problem, because if its the card re-activating, shouldn't everybody have the exact same problem? Did anyone here experience the same problems??

[philipma1957]

My machine comes on fri I will let you know if this happens to me. your work around may be don't use optical out. I use USB out with my mac mini and it works fine.

[mr bojangles]

My machine comes on fri I will let you know if this happens to me. your work around may be don't use optical out. I use USB out with my mac mini and it works fine.

thank you for replying, could you maybe tell me how to use usb out?

do i just buy a cable that has on one side usb and the other side two cinch inputs (red-white), just plug it into a usb port and voila sound?

really want to know before i buy the cable, didn't even knew they exist or am i completly understanding your approach wrong?

[iondot]

i'm like yeah ok i could understand if this was a 350$ computer but i paid 4000$ for this machine and it can't even play an itunes song without the thing freaking me the hell out with these loud pops.

Having my new MP i should be happy but the thing is giving me more stress and headaches especially sinbce i payed 4000$ for a computer that can't even play a tune.

Regardless of the amount an item costs, there will always be percentage that are defective. Cold comfort and a pain in the rear, but I'd demand an exchange.

Is there an Apple store nearby? If so, I would bring it in so you can clearly demonstrate the issue and have them deal with packing, shipping and replacement. The Genius bars are extremely useful in these sorts of situations.

[mr bojangles]

Regardless of the amount an item costs, there will always be percentage that are defective. Cold comfort and a pain in the rear, but I'd demand an exchange.

Is there an Apple store nearby? If so, I would bring it in so you can clearly demonstrate the issue and have them deal with packing, shipping and replacement. The Genius bars are extremely useful in these sorts of situations.


No mac store around here unfortinatly, thus also no genius bars. i'll ask for an exchange, only if this is because of the sound card waking up or HDD i'm afraid the next one will have the same problem wright???

can someone please confirm if its possible to have usb and cinch for my sound, maybe i could try it this way

[philipma1957]

okay I use usb to an external device then the external to a mic and an amp see link. so the external device converts the sound to rca or cinch jacks.


http://www.amazon.com/Edirol-UA-1EX-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B000BD1AF0


it has now been remodeled to this device

http://www.uniquesquared.com/servlet/the-871/Cakewalk-UA-dsh-1G-replaces-Edirol/Detail

it may be a low cost fix with more options then the macpro has to start with (under 100)

A lot of amps pop with turn-on thump. So using a friends amp is not the best test.

The one thing I don't like about your problem is the headphones are getting turnon thump. That sounds like you macpro is broken. In all the years of mac mini and iMac use I have never had headphones get turnon thump. If you test the headphone jack and get this pop with two or three pairs of headphones ask for a new one (Macpro). Just say "when I plug in my headphones to play itunes I get a very loud turnon thump. I love the mac pro but I love my ears more."

[macz1]

if you have windows installed and the problem occurs there, too, it's most likely a hardware issue. -> faulty unit

[odinsride]

Have the same issue with my 6 Core MP - though I narrowed the problem down to happening only when the AC unit in my apartment kicks in, I get a pop on my Logitech speakers when that happens. I had an identical speaker setup with my old PC before the mac pro and did not have the issue. Fortunately for me, it's not bothersome enough to do anything about.

[2contagious]

Has anyone else had this issue? :confused:

[mr bojangles]

if you have windows installed and the problem occurs there, too, it's most likely a hardware issue. -> faulty unit


aaaaah, good old windows :D don't have it installed.

if this is a typical problem, having a new one delivered wouldn't do me any good would it? A really good technician from a music instrument store told me that if this macpro has it (and if it is in fact the soundcard waking up or HDD) than he's pretty sure all 6-cores will have the same problem.

now i'm sure there's loads of guys on here with 6-cores so do you fine people had any loud POPing trough your speakers?

i did find this 1 post witch sounds like the exact same problem i'm having

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2532214&tstart=90

[mr bojangles]

Have the same issue with my 6 Core MP - though I narrowed the problem down to happening only when the AC unit in my apartment kicks in, I get a pop on my Logitech speakers when that happens. I had an identical speaker setup with my old PC before the mac pro and did not have the issue. Fortunately for me, it's not bothersome enough to do anything about.

its really a super loud pop here, scares the living daylights out of me everytime, its just not possible to work on this machine with the volume turned on. How did you narrow the problem down, did you use other power cables/power source...

Here's another thing i just now discovered when turning the light on in my room i also hear this litle crack trough the speakers :confused::confused:...what is going on with this 6-core, never had anny problems like this...just to check plugged in my old computer (same power suply voltage as macpro 6-core) no poping trough speakers, no crack/distorted sound when turning on the light...etc

this is my first mac EVER let me tell you till this point it has been one big dissapointment, my hard earned money down the *******

[odinsride]

its really a super loud pop here, scares the living daylights out of me everytime, its just not possible to work on this machine with the volume turned on. How did you narrow the problem down, did you use other power cables/power source...

Here's another thing i just now discovered when turning the light on in my room i also hear this litle crack trough the speakers :confused::confused:...what is going on with this 6-core, never had anny problems like this...just to check plugged in my old computer (same power suply voltage as macpro 6-core) no poping trough speakers, no crack/distorted sound when turning on the light...etc

this is my first mac EVER let me tell you till this point it has been one big dissapointment, my hard earned money down the *******


I just happened to notice that everytime the AC kicked on the speakers popped..but it's not a really loud pop like you describe, more of a faint crack. I just have a simple 2.1 Logitech speaker set. My Mac Pro is plugged into an APC UPS, and my speakers are plugged into a separate surge protector, if it makes any difference.

[mr bojangles]

called Apple again and i have the idea they aren't taking it really serious, they told me to try and do a hardware test (again) and install OS X (again)

thinking about getting my money back and call it a day

[2contagious]

I just happened to notice that everytime the AC kicked on the speakers popped..but it's not a really loud pop like you describe, more of a faint crack. I just have a simple 2.1 Logitech speaker set. My Mac Pro is plugged into an APC UPS, and my speakers are plugged into a separate surge protector, if it makes any difference.

I have an old iMac G4 at the moment and Logitech 'Z4' 2.1 speakers and I do sometimes get that cracking sound when someone turns the light on or when my flatmate (who studies tailoring) uses the steam function on his industrial iron. I always assumed it was just the ****** wiring in the buildings here in the UK, as in student halls, I had the same situation with my MacBook Pro and my old speakers (Altec Lansing FX6021). I've never had any "random" cracks/pops though.. if there was a sound, it was because of something being turned on or off.

[reel2reel]

Isn't it the same thing that happens when it wakes from sleep? Have you checked your energy settings? I'd zap the PRAM, too, for kicks. I'm setting up my Hex this weekend, so I'll let you know if I'm having the same problem.

[mr bojangles]

Isn't it the same thing that happens when it wakes from sleep? Have you checked your energy settings? I'd zap the PRAM, too, for kicks. I'm setting up my Hex this weekend, so I'll let you know if I'm having the same problem.

how do i get to the energy settings and how should they be? what do you mean with "zap the PRAM"?

sorry first time mac user

[DualShock]

what do you mean with "zap the PRAM"?

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

[reel2reel]

how do i get to the energy settings and how should they be? what do you mean with "zap the PRAM"?

sorry first time mac user

Sorry, I should've posted a link for the PRAM part (thanks DualShock).

For energy settings, go into your Apple Menu > System Preferences > Energy Saver.

It could be your Mac is sleeping every 10 minutes (well, it shouldn't if you're actually using it at the time). Try sliding the 'computer sleep' to Never just for an experiment. See if it makes a difference. Try un-checking the 'put drives to sleep' box, too.

[mr bojangles]

Sorry, I should've posted a link for the PRAM part (thanks DualShock).

For energy settings, go into your Apple Menu > System Preferences > Energy Saver.

It could be your Mac is sleeping every 10 minutes (well, it shouldn't if you're actually using it at the time). Try sliding the 'computer sleep' to Never just for an experiment. See if it makes a difference. Try un-checking the 'put drives to sleep' box, too.

thnx for the tips, going to try it but idon't see the 'put drives to sleep' box. only "put harddisk to sleep when possible"

what should i do

[reel2reel]

thnx for the tips, going to try it but idon't see the 'put drives to sleep' box. only "put harddisk to sleep when possible"

what should i do

Yep, that's the one I mean. Sorry for the confusion. Make sure that one is un-checked so it's not putting the HD to sleep.

[mr bojangles]

Yep, that's the one I mean. Sorry for the confusion. Make sure that one is un-checked so it's not putting the HD to sleep.

maybe a stupid question since i'm new to this but is this in any way harmful or not recommended to 'not' put the hard disk to sleep when possible or to let the computer "never" switch to sleep mode? I'm asking because i assume this is going to shorten my macs life span since everything is constantly working without a break, and since i'm working at least 10 hours a day on this computer.

again thank you very much for helping, i really appreciate it!!


edit: never mind un-checking the HD sleep mode or computer sleep as i just had another explosion trough my speakers here...what a depressing "first mac" moment, absolutely have no idea on what to do next.

If only a few people obviously have the same problem, than i'm assuming its a Mac pro problem (specially 6-core) and you need to get lucky to get one that doesn't have this problem, also when i called Apple they claimed this was the first time ever this problem occurred yet i found 3 topics on the net of people with the same problem

[2contagious]

when i called Apple they claimed this was the first time ever this problem occurred yet i found 3 topics on the net of people with the same problem

yeah, you can't trust apple about stuff like that. they claimed they had never heard of yellow tinge issues on iMacs although apple had already made a statement about it ...

[Vylen]

Did you follow my suggestion of checking if the optical light stays on? You haven't said so yet :)

[mr bojangles]

Did you follow my suggestion of checking if the optical light stays on? You haven't said so yet :)

sorry for not replying :o

i did check if the red light in the back stays on and every time i checked it was "on"

its getting really frustrating for two days i'm trying every possible thing i can think off, change cables, even plug cables in different power source, it just keeps making this damn pop. :mad:

its also very random, not like as if its every 30min or something, sometimes its after 1 hour, sometimes it takes 20 min. between pops, sometimes 10 minutes after starting up.

would you guys ask for a new machine? what if the new machine has the same problem, do i ask a new machine again till a get one that works or what:(

[Vylen]

Yea, ask for a new machine. Since the issue is arguably rare, a new machine will probably be problem free.

[reel2reel]

maybe a stupid question since i'm new to this but is this in any way harmful or not recommended to 'not' put the hard disk to sleep when possible or to let the computer "never" switch to sleep mode? I'm asking because i assume this is going to shorten my macs life span since everything is constantly working without a break

I never sleep my Mac's and I've never had a hard drive failure. IMO, if you're going to sleep, do it manually when you're leaving your computer until the next day or longer. I find sleeping hard drives cause spinning wheels and just make the computer actually work harder. Those drives spin down and have to spin up again everytime you sleep and wake it up, whereas they just keep spinning when they're awake. Less wear and tear. Sleeping causes even more problems if you're doing video work.

This is my experience after using Mac computers since the PowerMac G3. My 2008 at work never ever sleeps. I keep it going or shut it down. I set the display to sleep after 15 mins, though.

This is all just my opinion and personal experience, though.

As for this particular problem, don't worry about it. Apple will eventually take care of you. You just need to get past the front lines. I've done it a few times before and they actually took quite good care of me in the end. It's a shame they have to annoy you at first, but I find that's a common factor with most companies.

Lastly, electronics will fail, which is one reason I always buy Applecare.

[mr bojangles]

thnx for trying to help out everyone i really appreciate it!

going to call Apple again tomorrow :(

[mr bojangles]

Called Apple again, after long arguing and explaining the problem for the 10th time (everytime someone else) they decided to ship me a knew one.

glad to get a knew one but afraid that its going to have the same exact problem as a music studio technician said.

ofcourse i hope to get a working one this time without the loud POPS, its giving me loads of worrying and taking a bit to much out of my time. what should i do if i get another one with the same problem, keep calling them and demand for a new one or ...?

[reel2reel]

Called Apple again, after long arguing and explaining the problem for the 10th time (everytime someone else) they decided to ship me a knew one.

glad to get a knew one but afraid that its going to have the same exact problem as a music studio technician said.

ofcourse i hope to get a working one this time without the loud POPS, its giving me loads of worrying and taking a bit to much out of my time. what should i do if i get another one with the same problem, keep calling them and demand for a new one or ...?

That's good! I've had to get past that arguing point myself in the past. Now you'll have an open case, so if you do get another machine with the same problem, you'll be able to bypass the gatekeepers faster.

What's the other problem you're referring to (that the musician is having)?

[harlem]

I have the absolute exact problem !

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1004261


What makes it even worse is that the replacement MP i got also has the exact same problem, i never experienced this before with any computer.

it took Apple 2 years to update the macpro and what do we get, a 5000$ machine that makes some loud crack at least 2 times in 1 hour (...here we go again as I'm typing)

Do i ask for a new one again??? Money back isn't really an option for me since i already bought allot of Mac software. Having it shipped to them for repair is something I'm not going to do out of principles, its a brand new computer so i shouldn't have to send it back for repair after 1 day, especially with a computer around 5000$

Only option Keep sending me mac pro's till i get one that does work but somewhere i strongly doubt they are going to "again" send me a new MP. They will probably think I'm some freak or something...also don't want to go trough the "ok lets see have you tried this...and that, have you tried installing osx again..." Do i ask for the man in charge this time or do i deal with the "Hello my name is X , thank you for calling Apple, how can i help you...ok can i have your case number please....i see, so you say your hear explosions trough your speakers..."

:mad:

[2contagious]

Is this a problem that only concerns the optical output or is it the same thing when using the 3.5mm output with an analogue 3.5mm jack?

[harlem]

Is this a problem that only concerns the optical output or is it the same thing when using the 3.5mm output with an analogue 3.5mm jack?

in my case Both, when using the anlogue 3,5mm jack and when using optical output.

anyone else with this problem and does anyone actually know what causes this loud cracking or poping.

I have my computer upstairs in my workspace, the pop is sometimes so loud that i can even hear it when I'm downstairs, the loud crack i hear is in no way related to the volume level of the amplifier, say if i have my amplifier at volume 1 or volume 20, the loud crack's volume is most of the time loud even with the amp's volume turned down

[mr bojangles]

I have the absolute exact problem !

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1004261


What makes it even worse is that the replacement MP i got also has the exact same problem, i never experienced this before with any computer.

it took Apple 2 years to update the macpro and what do we get, a 5000$ machine that makes some loud crack at least 2 times in 1 hour (...here we go again as I'm typing)

Do i ask for a new one again??? Money back isn't really an option for me since i already bought allot of Mac software. Having it shipped to them for repair is something I'm not going to do out of principles, its a brand new computer so i shouldn't have to send it back for repair after 1 day, especially with a computer around 5000$

Only option Keep sending me mac pro's till i get one that does work but somewhere i strongly doubt they are going to "again" send me a new MP. They will probably think I'm some freak or something...also don't want to go trough the "ok lets see have you tried this...and that, have you tried installing osx again..." Do i ask for the man in charge this time or do i deal with the "Hello my name is X , thank you for calling Apple, how can i help you...ok can i have your case number please....i see, so you say your hear explosions trough your speakers..."

:mad:


wow, that's absolutely not looking good, your replacement system having the same issues is...not good at all. Chances are the replacement I'm going to get is going to be the same problems all over again. If this is the case than i don't think i want to be a Mac user. This is just extreme when a company such as Apple releases 4000$ computers and they don't even pay attention to such an obvious problem. This tells me something about quality check to be honest.

Anyway i think its pretty obvious now that its indeed a problem with the computer and not external hardware,cables, speakers...

I read on another forum that a USB audio interface output could be a solution, yet it doesn't really take care of the defect, your just working around it.

Also my concern is since these pops are so loud and just don't sound wright, isn't it like damaging to the motherboard or other hardware since its as if something is powering up and cause high power peaks.

[Dabbert]

This sounds like (no pun intended) a structural problem for apple by now.
Mr bojangles and harlem, you have just taken all the fun out of waiting for my own 6-core which i ordered last week... :(
I have no such issue with my bose5 speakers on the old 2004 MacPro but will let you know if i encounter the same prob.on the new hex
Does anybody know if apple has any 'formal' forums where such issues can be publicly escalated and their technical responses viewed (other than updating their support pages of course) ?

[AdeFowler]

I've had my 6 core for just over a week now and have the same problem. Mine is rarely loud; normally a faint click but annoying all the same. Frequency varies from 3 times a day to 10... I've been keeping a log!

Mac Pro is plugged into a UPS.
Altec Lancing 2.1 system is now in a separate outlet.
Connection is via audio out

The machine is otherwise perfect and fairly customised so I won't be changing it, but just thought I'd chip in with my experience.

[mr bojangles]

Seems as if there's more people with the same problem are popping up, there are 8 people on a french Mac forum experiencing the same problems.

myself i can't work on this machine, the random popping is driving me nuts, specially when I'm focused on a project and then this loud POP

Question ofcourse is "is this in anyway harmfull for the computer yes or no" Apple is not saying a word about this problem and when calling them they claim to have never received any complaints about this, so we will never know. could be that the loud poping or cracks could cause for electric/circuit overload or burn out the chipset because of constant high peaks going through it.

therefore i won't be keeping the next machine if it has the same problem and call apple again, and again, and again...

Why doesn't Macrumors put this problem out on the front page, maybe this way we might get some attention from Apple and hopefully get this problem solved because we aren't getting anywhere like this.

[Dabbert]

Seems as if there's more people with the same problem are popping up, there are 8 people on a french Mac forum experiencing the same problems.

myself i can't work on this machine, the random popping is driving me nuts, specially when I'm focused on a project and then this loud POP

Question ofcourse is "is this in anyway harmfull for the computer yes or no" Apple is not saying a word about this problem and when calling them they claim to have never received any complaints about this, so we will never know. could be that the loud poping or cracks could cause for electric/circuit overload or burn out the chipset because of constant high peaks going through it.

therefore i won't be keeping the next machine if it has the same problem and call apple again, and again, and again...

Why doesn't Macrumors put this problem out on the front page, maybe this way we might get some attention from Apple and hopefully get this problem solved because we aren't getting anywhere like this.

I agree - let's try and get some visibility towards Apple in the hope they will recognise this as a real problem from Apple fans that just expect a decent reply and eventually a solution.

[dknightd]

first, my quad macpro is not showing the same problem. I think the quad and hex use the same mother board. But could be wrong.

I'm just now starting to wrap my mind around how snow leopard manages sound. It is different than what I was used to. Both the sound control panel, and audio midi app have different (and more) options than before. Since it works fine for what I need I haven't looked too deeply into it yet.
(I send sound effects to built in speakers, and other output to digital out)

Anyway, here is my suggestion. Open "system preferences" select " sound"
select "sound effects" direct them to the internal speakers. Now select "output" direct that to your digital out. I suspect PERHAPS the noise you hear is when both "sound effects" and normal output are both being sent to your digital output. Maybe the silly OS sums the output, causing digital clipping. I notice that "audio midi setup" (in the applications/utilities folder) has a aggregate audio device - maybe you are supposed to use this if you send two outputs out to the same device?

[2contagious]

This does seem like an odd issue because it seems that not a lot of people are experiencing it (otherwise more people would be complaining on here, no?)

[reel2reel]

I've had my Hex running for a day now and no popping sounds. I'm sending sound through Line Out. No pops whatsoever, thankfully.

I hope you guys get this fixed. This would drive me nuts, too.

[Schismz]

I've had my Hex running for a day now and no popping sounds. I'm sending sound through Line Out. No pops whatsoever, thankfully.

I hope you guys get this fixed. This would drive me nuts, too.

Dual hex, received Aug 24th, no popping issue, iTunes runs pretty much constantly so I'd have noticed it.

[Honumaui]

I will check with my new one when I start setting it up this week ?
till then sadly its sitting their :(

[2contagious]

I will check with my new one when I start setting it up this week ?
till then sadly its sitting their :(

ok, cool.
This guy seems to have no audio issues:
I'm extremely happy to report I have no "popping" sounds from the audio out.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1013210

Maybe he didn't notice yet.. or it really isn't that much of a widespread issue.

[darlenea]

My 3.3 hex core with 5870 card has been running now for several days with my Bose Companion 3 series II and I have had no pops except for one noise when I shut off a florescent light that is plugged into my APS. My husband put it under my computer desk so I could turn it on to see to move cords etc under the desk. I will shutoff my sound system during the rare times I use this light. But I have one of the monitors that is frequently blacking out - so I guess life is never perfect.
All and all I love the new computer. I did a 8 different photoshop projects this weekend and boy did the machine wail. It is extremely quiet also - I have to put my ear down by it to hear it. Darlenea

[reel2reel]

ok, cool.
This guy seems to have no audio issues:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1013210

Maybe he didn't notice yet.. or it really isn't that much of a widespread issue.

No, believe me, I'd notice it. Like most Mac people, I'm obsessive when it comes to this stuff. And I've worked in media post production for probably 15 years (anything before that is hazy). I'm very sensitive to this kind of thing.

Further, I think my early 2009 MacBook Pro does the audio popping. It's rare that I have speakers attached to the MBP, but I seem to remember hearing these pops whenever I did. I thought at the time if must be the sound card turning on and off, which made me think of energy saver issues. But I never pursued troubleshooting, because I use my MBP 90% of the time for general use, not a/v stuff.

EDIT: Two more things:

1) I use a subwoofer, so any pops would be quite noticeable
2) I've got my MP plugged into an APC battery backup, because the power in my flat sucks (old building). Not sure if that makes a difference or not. Just trying to list anything that might possible be related.

[Phishhu]

I have a 13" and a 17" MBP IC2Duo. The 13 has this problem but the 17 does not. I am quite sure that the sound occurs when the sound card wakes back up (which can be annoying during a presentation) because if I set iTunes volume to 0 and leave it playing an endless loop then there is never a popping sound because the card can't sleep while sound is played even if at vol 0. (It is a power saving technique, ingenious when it works right) I have friends with the 13" IC2Duo which all have the same problem. This makes me wonder if the problem is actually with hardware/software incompatibility. BTW The problem still occurs when I use a Behringer U Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface.
This power saving technique has been in Macs for quite sometime and the popping problem has surfaced in previous models. I think that a software fix could help but until Apple decides to do something other than bury their heads in the sand on it nothing will be done about. As for me, I will keep using an endless sound loop to stop the popping.
Hopefully a fix will come soon.

[davelanger]

No mac store around here unfortinatly, thus also no genius bars. i'll ask for an exchange, only if this is because of the sound card waking up or HDD i'm afraid the next one will have the same problem wright???

can someone please confirm if its possible to have usb and cinch for my sound, maybe i could try it this way


Look for a mac authorized retailer, they can help you out too.

[mr bojangles]

I have a 13" and a 17" MBP IC2Duo. The 13 has this problem but the 17 does not. I am quite sure that the sound occurs when the sound card wakes back up (which can be annoying during a presentation) because if I set iTunes volume to 0 and leave it playing an endless loop then there is never a popping sound because the card can't sleep while sound is played even if at vol 0. (It is a power saving technique, ingenious when it works right) I have friends with the 13" IC2Duo which all have the same problem. This makes me wonder if the problem is actually with hardware/software incompatibility. BTW The problem still occurs when I use a Behringer U Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface.
This power saving technique has been in Macs for quite sometime and the popping problem has surfaced in previous models. I think that a software fix could help but until Apple decides to do something other than bury their heads in the sand on it nothing will be done about. As for me, I will keep using an endless sound loop to stop the popping.
Hopefully a fix will come soon.

as for me, i Also have the pops when listening to music or watching a movie...so in my case nothing to do with the card waking up from sleep since its activated when watching movies or listening to itunes.

still waiting for the replacement hopefully this one doesn't have the problem but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[2contagious]

as for me, i Also have the pops when listening to music or watching a movie...so in my case nothing to do with the card waking up from sleep since its activated when watching movies or listening to itunes.

still waiting for the replacement hopefully this one doesn't have the problem but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Will this be your first replacement? (second Mac Pro?) The thing with BTO Mac Pros is that because of the long shipping and delivery times, once you receive the replacement it will be too late for a 14 day return / refund. This is the main thing that scares me.. having spent almost 3000 pounds on a computer, then getting it replaced and maybe being stuck with a replacement that might also be faulty.

I also have popping sounds through my speakers, but the popping sounds happen when electric items are being turned on or off and I had the same thing with my iMac G4, so I think that in my case it's just the bad wiring of this old flat. My real problem with the Mac Pro is a buzzing noise coming from the power supply, as well as a whiny screetching sound coming from the graphics card when putting load on it. I will contact Apple about it tomorrow and I guess I don't have any other option but to go for a replacement and risk not being able to return the product.

[allupons]

I just heard some popping noises for the first time today from the mac pro but it coincides directly with a washing machine and dryer switching functions or a nearby bathroom having its lights swapped on and off.

[reel2reel]

I wouldn't ever personally run a Mac Pro without a UPS battery backup. I've had no pops at all on a new Hex after two weeks.

No 5870 issues, either, thankfully, and I'm running a 30" Dell plus a 24" Samsung.

[reel2reel]

Will this be your first replacement? (second Mac Pro?) The thing with BTO Mac Pros is that because of the long shipping and delivery times, once you receive the replacement it will be too late for a 14 day return / refund. This is the main thing that scares me.. having spent almost 3000 pounds on a computer, then getting it replaced and maybe being stuck with a replacement that might also be faulty.

I also have popping sounds through my speakers, but the popping sounds happen when electric items are being turned on or off and I had the same thing with my iMac G4, so I think that in my case it's just the bad wiring of this old flat. My real problem with the Mac Pro is a buzzing noise coming from the power supply, as well as a whiny screetching sound coming from the graphics card when putting load on it. I will contact Apple about it tomorrow and I guess I don't have any other option but to go for a replacement and risk not being able to return the product.

Man, get a UPS! How can you be so worried about your MP working perfectly and not spend an extra $100 for clean power and battery backup???

I've got enough juice to keep my MP, plus internet going for a while during a power outage. But, more importantly, I never ever get interference from other appliances in my flat. And I've got really crappy wiring here.

[Honumaui]

after a few days on a new 3.2 no pops etc.. ?
totally clean so far :)

[2contagious]

Man, get a UPS! How can you be so worried about your MP working perfectly and not spend an extra $100 for clean power and battery backup???

I've got enough juice to keep my MP, plus internet going for a while during a power outage. But, more importantly, I never ever get interference from other appliances in my flat. And I've got really crappy wiring here.

Because it's not just 100 dollars.. a decent 1500va UPS in the UK costs around 300 pounds :/ that's why I am considering an APC Line-R 1200va power conditioner.. It's about 40 pounds. Do you think this would iliminate my interference issues?

[reel2reel]

Because it's not just 100 dollars.. a decent 1500va UPS in the UK costs around 300 pounds :/ that's why I am considering an APC Line-R 1200va power conditioner.. It's about 40 pounds. Do you think this would iliminate my interference issues?

WOW. That's crazy. Maybe you could look at getting a refurb or something. I wasn't being 100% serious in my last post (I know a lot of people that never ever use UPS and do fine) but it sounds like you might really benefit from one. I think your wiring is as bad as mine!

[2contagious]

WOW. That's crazy. Maybe you could look at getting a refurb or something. I wasn't being 100% serious in my last post (I know a lot of people that never ever use UPS and do fine) but it sounds like you might really benefit from one. I think your wiring is as bad as mine!

Does your UPS have a pure sine wave output? Which UPS do you use?

The thing I am wondering (does anybody know?) is if the Line R power conditioner will get rid of interference problems as well? http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200I

I don't need battery power, I just want the power to be 'clean'.

[reel2reel]

Does your UPS have a pure sine wave output? Which UPS do you use?

The thing I am wondering (does anybody know?) is if the Line R power conditioner will get rid of interference problems as well? http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200I

I don't need battery power, I just want the power to be 'clean'.

No, I think only the more expensive ones do. I've got the 1500 "regular" APC model. But, if I'm not mistaken, the pure sine is only important for certain things, such as LCD TV's. I can't remember why, but this is what an APC rep told me. I wanted to use a regular unit for my home theater, but the rep said they don't recommend it. She said the backup units are for computers and recommended their AV line for TV's because of the pure sine:

http://www.apc.com/products/apcav/products/index.cfm?action=model&id=310

My 1500 has always worked perfectly for interference and interruptions, though. Sometimes I'll get surges or dims in my lamps and I'll hear the APC kick in momentarily but can't see/hear any difference with the Mac.

[2contagious]

No, I think only the more expensive ones do. I've got the 1500 "regular" APC model. But, if I'm not mistaken, the pure sine is only important for certain things, such as LCD TV's. I can't remember why, but this is what an APC rep told me. I wanted to use a regular unit for my home theater, but the rep said they don't recommend it. She said the backup units are for computers and recommended their AV line for TV's because of the pure sine:

http://www.apc.com/products/apcav/products/index.cfm?action=model&id=310

My 1500 has always worked perfectly for interference and interruptions, though. Sometimes I'll get surges or dims in my lamps and I'll hear the APC kick in momentarily but can't see/hear any difference with the Mac.

What does your UPS kicking in sound like? Like a click?
I went with the APC line conditioner for now, will see how it works out.

[reel2reel]

What does your UPS kicking in sound like? Like a click?
I went with the APC line conditioner for now, will see how it works out.

Yep just a click. If it stays on full battery (like if the power goes out) it makes a slight buzz sound sometimes. Otherwise it's silent.

[Sahib7]

I've got exactly the same problem here.

[lbeck]

Couldn't resist having a take on this, one word .... TROLLS!

[2contagious]

Couldn't resist having a take on this, one word .... TROLLS!

I don't have the Mac Pro related issue, but just because I (or you) don't have this problem doesn't mean that others don't. Say what you want to say, in my opinion Apple's quality control has gone way down within the last 2 years (judging from my experience with purchases from Apple).

[lbeck]

I don't have the Mac Pro related issue, but just because I (or you) don't have this problem doesn't mean that others don't. Say what you want to say, in my opinion Apple's quality control has gone way down within the last 2 years (judging from my experience with purchases from Apple).

I agree about QC issues with Apple, I had a hell of a time with my iPhone 4 and my new 27" iMac is on its way back to Apple. BUT ... just reading through the thread gives me a very confident impression that the OP is not being for real.

Ex, his original post was dated on Sept 8th saying he just got his new MP and noticed an issue. Then on Sept 9th he said that he already received his second MP and it has the same issue. How in the world can you already get a new MP in one day, or less than one day. Not possible, and he even said further down that he does not have an apple retail store near him so he would of had to order it online. It takes at minimum a week ot get a new 6-core out to you, they have to be custom built.

There were a few other reasons why I feel that way as well but dont feel the need to go into them. Sorry, just my opinion.

[2contagious]

I agree about QC issues with Apple, I had a hell of a time with my iPhone 4 and my new 27" iMac is on its way back to Apple. BUT ... just reading through the thread gives me a very confident impression that the OP is not being for real.

Ex, his original post was dated on Sept 8th saying he just got his new MP and noticed an issue. Then on Sept 9th he said that he already received his second MP and it has the same issue. How in the world can you already get a new MP in one day, or less than one day. Not possible, and he even said further down that he does not have an apple retail store near him so he would of had to order it online. It takes at minimum a week ot get a new 6-core out to you, they have to be custom built.

There were a few other reasons why I feel that way as well but dont feel the need to go into them. Sorry, just my opinion.

It depends.. I actually got my replacement within 2 days, as they picked mine up 2 days before the new one was delivered. It did take about a week for it to be built though, yes.

[mr bojangles]

I agree about QC issues with Apple, I had a hell of a time with my iPhone 4 and my new 27" iMac is on its way back to Apple. BUT ... just reading through the thread gives me a very confident impression that the OP is not being for real.

Ex, his original post was dated on Sept 8th saying he just got his new MP and noticed an issue. Then on Sept 9th he said that he already received his second MP and it has the same issue. How in the world can you already get a new MP in one day, or less than one day. Not possible, and he even said further down that he does not have an apple retail store near him so he would of had to order it online. It takes at minimum a week ot get a new 6-core out to you, they have to be custom built.

There were a few other reasons why I feel that way as well but dont feel the need to go into them. Sorry, just my opinion.

No need to start being paranoid or think that everyone having a Mac problem is not for real. I have no reason to just make stuff up like "hearing loud pops from the audio":rolleyes: yes i did receive a replacement (believe it or not but it has the exact same problem) and yes i did order it online. of course everyone's entitled to his/her opinion.

Maybe a small update on the subject (for those that think i'm not making up a story here) , a guy who knows quite allot about audio told me i could maybe try out using a "USB audio interface" he had one i could try out yo see if that would fix the problem (i used a tascam usb audio interface) and yes it did...no more Pops/cracks. Downside of the usb audio interface solution - i lose a usb port and the sound controle on the keyboard doesn't work anymore so i would always have to manually set the sound level on the amplifier.

Another problem is if the USB audio interface takes care of the problem then my guess is there is actually indeed a problem with either the sound card, audio connection or chipset...wright?

[lbeck]

yes i did receive a replacement (believe it or not but it has the exact same problem) and yes i did order it online.

Wow, you got a 6-core replacement in one day? Thats incredible customer service.

Hope you get your problem resolved. I do doubt that you would get two bad MP's in a row, it has to be something within your setup.

[schulmaster]

I don't know to how many this applies, but here's my story:
I had the popping sound as well, and didn't really care. However, one day my external 2.1 speakers were off, and the pop still happened on startup. I then realized it had been coming out of my 24inch Cinema Display. I just unplugged the USB portion of the monitor, leaving only the miniDisplay port plugged in. Popping gone.

[2contagious]

Hi, as I've mentioned before, I don't have this problem with my Mac Pro, but I did have pops and crackles in my speakers whenever some electronic devices are being turned on or off. I have invested in an APC "Line R" power conditioner and it has eliminated these crackles.

[AdeFowler]

Hi, as I've mentioned before, I don't have this problem with my Mac Pro, but I did have pops and crackles in my speakers whenever some electronic devices are being turned on or off. I have invested in an APC "Line R" power conditioner and it has eliminated these crackles.

Thanks 2contagious

My problem is definitely related to the motor in the fridge in my office turning on and off. However the Mac Pro and the speakers are plugged into a 1200v UPS which in turn is plugged into a Tacima Mains Conditioner. The APC "Line R" power conditioner looks interesting but I'm just not sure where to put it or whether to spend more money :confused:

[Vylen]

Thanks 2contagious

My problem is definitely related to the motor in the fridge in my office turning on and off. However the Mac Pro and the speakers are plugged into a 1200v UPS which in turn is plugged into a Tacima Mains Conditioner. The APC "Line R" power conditioner looks interesting but I'm just not sure where to put it or whether to spend more money :confused:

Are your speaker cables shielded? Obviously unshielded speaker cables will result in interference and possibly popping.

It's one of the peevs I have with my Logitech Z-5500... the cables that came with it aren't shielded - something I'll rectify one day (it's been a couple years since I purchased them so waiting some more ain't gonna hurt)

[AdeFowler]

I've replaced the cable from the Mac Pro to the sub woofer with a shielded cable. The cables from the sub woofer to the satellite speakers are proprietary Altec Lancing cables but are quite substantial.