i finally got my new MP and loaded it all up works great, then I noticed a red light inside the Optical Digital Audio out port on the back. I figured it would go out as I kept working, but it didn't. So yesterday I called Apple support and it was the funniest call I ever had with them. First they wanted me to turn it off and all sorts of nonsense procedures that followed. They finally got a specialist and they told me it was a HW issue and would have to be fixed. I won't go into all the detail that followed but after quite awhile and several other engineers ,they told me it was normal and not to worry. I asked the original support person who had stayed on the line all this time " they wouldn't BS us would they" and she couldn't stop laughing. Anyone have a red light on a MP?
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Red Light new Mac Pro
- Thread starter Marlin
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Does it look like this on the right?
![dgtlout2zw.jpg]()
If so, it's fine. It's the optical audio port doing its job.
If so, it's fine. It's the optical audio port doing its job.
Some MacBook Pro's used to do this .. it definitely is a hardware problem since that port is not meant to trigger unless a toslink cable is inserted.
That said it's entirely harmless - all it means is that the On/Off triggering is bust, the port might well work just fine.
If you're really worried, try putting in a toslink cable and testing the optical audio. Even the action of inserting and removing the cable might reset (and thereby correct) the triggering mechanism.
If it works then you really have no problem. Technically it is a fault and you could ask for a new computer but it seems like a lot of hassle for such a tiny fault.
That said it's entirely harmless - all it means is that the On/Off triggering is bust, the port might well work just fine.
If you're really worried, try putting in a toslink cable and testing the optical audio. Even the action of inserting and removing the cable might reset (and thereby correct) the triggering mechanism.
If it works then you really have no problem. Technically it is a fault and you could ask for a new computer but it seems like a lot of hassle for such a tiny fault.
My Toslink out stays lit all the time on my Mac Pro, since the day I bought it. I'm pretty sure it's normal.
As does mine and everyone elses I know. Maybe it turned off on some older models but the new ones it looks like its normal. I wouldn't worry OP.
Thanks
What a relief. I didn't believe them of course. You really had to be there, at one point they told me I had to send it back, I refused at first because loading FCP adding ram, cards, plug ins and all the rest, are you kidding. Then they said an engineer would be dispatched to the house, I live on the nature coast miles from Tampa anyway it was the most bazar call ever and all because of a little red light. I still can't stop laughing.
What a relief. I didn't believe them of course. You really had to be there, at one point they told me I had to send it back, I refused at first because loading FCP adding ram, cards, plug ins and all the rest, are you kidding. Then they said an engineer would be dispatched to the house, I live on the nature coast miles from Tampa anyway it was the most bazar call ever and all because of a little red light. I still can't stop laughing.
its lit all the time on my dual G5! 
my MBP however has a trigger, but never seen a MP that turned it off
my MBP however has a trigger, but never seen a MP that turned it off
Not even slightly true, MacBook's, MacBook Pro's, iMac's, Mac Mini's, and the Airport Express units all have triggers. A whole host of iPod docks i've owned have also had triggers. No doubt there are other devices too.
That said, it does appear to be normal on a Mac Pro. I wonder why - seems like a pointless waste of energy. Not significant i'll grant you, but the omission of a trigger on such a high end machine seems questionable.
My optical port used to glow red on my 2010 MP, so I went into the Sound Preferences and switched from headphone to optical and back to headphone and it went off.
I just tried this and it stayed on for me. I wonder if yours will come back on after you sleep or restart it.
The standard configuration of ADAT ports is to be on all the time. Both my audio interfaces at work (Prism) and home (RME) are on all the time, but most pro soundcards will have the ability to turn it off, to save power and headroom. That includes portable devices where it would leech battery life.
Ah thanks! that explains the MacBooks and MBPs. i wonder why the Mac Pro doesn't provide the ability to turn it off? Surely that fits in the high class bracket ..