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2013 Macbook Air - faulty speakers?

I've watched multiple TV shows on my 2013 MBA using Quicktime Plus with MP4 and AVI formats. Have not had any problems with the speaker or sound dropping or changing. Just another datapoint. I have the 13" i5/8gb/256gb model. I have not listened to anything using iTunes (yet).
 
I've encountered the same problem. I notice that the volume on my speakers will noticeably decrease for a few seconds and then return back to normal over 10-15 seconds.

The dilemma I have is that I am generally very happy with my MacBook Air. I would rather not go through the hassle of returning it if this is simply an issue that can be remedied with a software update.

What do you guys think? Based on your experiences with this issue is it a hardware or a software issue?
 
keystothecity said:
I've encountered the same problem. I notice that the volume on my speakers will noticeably decrease for a few seconds and then return back to normal over 10-15 seconds.

The dilemma I have is that I am generally very happy with my MacBook Air. I would rather not go through the hassle of returning it if this is simply an issue that can be remedied with a software update.

What do you guys think? Based on your experiences with this issue is it a hardware or a software issue?
Click to expand...

Return it as fast as you can. If even it is a software issue people with that problem are few..... so i don't think Apple will bother to fix it like the wifi drop for example. Tomorrow i will get my replacement from amazon.co.uk.
 
I am playing with my new unit for a couple hours. I checked the same videos which i had problem with my faulty MBA and in the new unit i have no volume drops and no cracking sound. Its crystal clear :D:D

Guys go get replacement units ASAP!!!!!

ps - for second in the row i got samsung panel again :cool:
 
Just picked up an ultimate 13 today, same issue. Volume dips at the same point for most things, then slowly creeps back up. Not apparent with headphones, just the external speakers.

What to do? Really can't be bothered going back to the Apple Store. :(
 
ah crap. this started happening on my mac. I'm really wondering if it isn't noise cancellation with the microphones some how.... i notice that if I've got the volume up, if the audio output goes lower for a bit (like a quiet part of a show), the output volume decreases if the sound attempts to be output louder (louder part of a show).

it's almost like the system is decreasing the volume because due to the lower output from the show it isn't "interfering" with itself.. hmmm...

I've just disabled "use ambient noise reduction" in the sound preferences/input to see if that has an effect...

EDIT/Update: Nope; still seems to vary the sound....

-jbl
 
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I noticed sound dropping when listening to the iWork tutorials.

Played the Apple keynote and a song on iTunes, they seemed fine though.
 
Anyone return there's or got a replacement?

Just got it yesterday and I believe I have this problem, still within the 14 day return window, only thing that sucks is that I used my back to school gift card on iWork so I will have to be charged and that it may take 1-2 weeks to get another one.
 
I've got the same problem. Called AppleCare, tried everything from NVRAM reset to clean install, and the problem is still not solved. Might return it..

Anyone sent it in for repair?

EDIT:
Just got of the phone with Apple for the 4th time today, they're sending a replacement and picking up my current one next week. Let's hope the replacement doesn't have the same problem..
 
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Since a few days back I am also experiencing audio fluctuations on browser (Safari,Chrome) related video, i.e youtube, netflix, CNN, HBO etc.
Issue not as severe when watching video from NAS with VLC. (Atleast according to my ears)

No issues when using Spotify or iTunes with audio only.
But still, annoying as ****

DJTaurus said:
Today it started AGAIN at my replacement unit.

Random Volume Drops on the videos below.

(0.51 sec, 2.10 sec, 2.46, 3.49 sec, 4.43... and then it goes very loud at the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDdTS1mffKg
Click to expand...

In above video i get following behavior:
Down / Normal
2.10 / 2.28
2.40 / 3.10
3.49 / 4.15
4.37 / 4.42

(in various spots... from the beginning)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnaJH0RLLYs
Click to expand...

Yeah, same behavior with mine on this video..
 
DJTaurus said:
(0.51 sec, 2.10 sec, 2.46, 3.49 sec, 4.43... and then it goes very loud at the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDdTS1mffKg
Click to expand...

iterva said:
In above video i get following behavior:
Down / Normal
2.10 / 2.28
2.40 / 3.10
3.49 / 4.15
4.37 / 4.42
Click to expand...

Boom audio/EQ app found on App Store seems to have fixed my audio issues.
Watched 2 movies and also tested above mentioned video where i previously had severe drops etc..No issues after running Boom --> So far, so good! (Keeping my fingers crossed!)

Nevertheless...Apple needs to open up their eyes and recognize this as a isssue!!
Shouldn´t have to buy an app for $7 to have a core function work properly!!
(But for now, until a proper solution is available i will settle with this app)
This makes me think it is indeed a software issue (bug?) within OS X....

Anyone else tried this app, If so, What were your results?
https://itunes.apple.com/app/boom/id415312377?l=en&mt=12

(I know i have previously seen someone here in forums recommend this app, don´t remember who, and also user Jayazi over at apple forums on the volume fluctuation thread. That´s where i got the "recommendation" from)
 
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A post from another guy:

MAJOR UPDATE

So I went to the apple genius bar today and asked him about the problem. He said that it was recently noticed by apple and APPLE HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A SOFTWARE ISSUE. He informed me that Apple hopes to patch it by the next update but if not it will still be as soon as possible. So there you go, everyone keep your macs
 
DJTaurus said:
A post from another guy:

MAJOR UPDATE

So I went to the apple genius bar today and asked him about the problem. He said that it was recently noticed by apple and APPLE HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A SOFTWARE ISSUE. He informed me that Apple hopes to patch it by the next update but if not it will still be as soon as possible. So there you go, everyone keep your macs
Click to expand...

This seems promising, I am literally just few hours from unboxing my new 13incher 256sd and 8GB ram, been waiting 10 days for it and I am scared if this faulty speakers issue pop ups on it - it would mean another 10days waiting game without computer - but, if this is a sw issue than all threee known issues (speakers, image flickering and wifi problems) are all sw ones and apple will fix them... that would e great..

btw, can anyone else try solution with that app mentioned few posts before?? does it work for those who have problems with faulty speakers?
 
well, after two weeks of waiting, my new mb air 13incher, 256 and 8gigs is at home... it has samsung ssd and samusng display, things I am happy about, but sound issue occurs.. what to do?:( (not willing to send it back)
 
majkom said:
well, after two weeks of waiting, my new mb air 13incher, 256 and 8gigs is at home... it has samsung ssd and samusng display, things I am happy about, but sound issue occurs.. what to do?:( (not willing to send it back)
Click to expand...

I would recommend Boom sound app as others have said which should fix it.
Not only does it fix it but the app is well worth it for the "new" sound you are getting from your speakers.
It sounds so much better and difference is big.
 
Taskman said:
I would recommend Boom sound app as others have said which should fix it.
Not only does it fix it but the app is well worth it for the "new" sound you are getting from your speakers.
It sounds so much better and difference is big.
Click to expand...

Probably will do that.. this boom app solutions give me hope that it is just SW issue... dont have any other problems (no wifi disconnects, dont see any display flickering - but i dont use vmware or ps), jsut this sound issue... and on the other hand, sammy ssd and sammy lcd... would be quite hard to send it back:(

btw - how long does yours 13incher last on battery while doing some light web surfing?
 
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