Electrical Buzzing noise coming from Studio Display

[Franz777]

My ps5 also started buzzing when I moved to the new house, but my hue lamps don't make buzzing noises (whereas not smart bulbs do). In case of ASD they still screwed up with it, because my lg oled tv is also designed for 100-240 V, but it is absolutely silent.

Not necessarily over 240 V. I have 238 V in the morning, and ASD is buzzing. Once I caught 235 V in my outlets, and ASD still did buzzing noise, but it was significantly quieter, almost unnoticeable

My Xbox Series X and Samsung QLED TV don't make any buzzing noises, just the normal operating noises.

The Philips Hue bulb also makes no noise, only the Philips Hue Surimu ceiling lamps from below 70% brightness.

In Germany 230v (new house) are standard (old houses 220v) for sockets and as already mentioned, 240v is maximum for the ASD. At stable 230v at least my ASD makes no problems, but anything above 230v gives off a buzzing noise.

Can you adjust the outlet down to 220v - 230v?

 

[Franz777]

Yes. A tolerance of like 5% is supposed to be standard from a quick check now online. I'll measure the voltage at a friend's house. Again, I still think there's more to it because the AC/ car charger makes the buzzing worse at the same voltage (so why is the buzzing getting worse in this setting?). Also I have more Apple devices with the same 240V AC max rating, probably just like you, meaning their PSU design for the Studio is specially bad. Thank you for updating. My guess is that the problem has something to do with voltage and interference togehter.

Yes, the ASD PSU is simply poorly made. As you mentioned, it is the PSU and the voltage together that makes the ASD buzz

 

[YuvalB]

Yes, the ASD PSU is simply poorly made. As you mentioned, it is the PSU and the voltage together that makes the ASD buzz

And the Mac Studio PSU too. Weird problem tbh.

 

[Franz777]

And the Mac Studio PSU too. Weird problem tbh.

So does my Mac Studio, but not as extreme as the ASD. No other Apple products have such problems, except from Studio lineup

 

[cowcowcow]

My Xbox Series X and Samsung QLED TV don't make any buzzing noises, just the normal operating noises.

The Philips Hue bulb also makes no noise, only the Philips Hue Surimu ceiling lamps from below 70% brightness.

In Germany 230v (new house) are standard (old houses 220v) for sockets and as already mentioned, 240v is maximum for the ASD. At stable 230v at least my ASD makes no problems, but anything above 230v gives off a buzzing noise.

Can you adjust the outlet down to 220v - 230v?

Maybe voltage stabiliser/regulator with 220v AC mode will help. I am going to try it, but not sure how soon

 

[JVNPhoto]

I also got a Studio Display just last Friday and it worked fine until yesterday. Yesterday it started buzzing very loudly on the left side of the screen. It just started out of nowhere. After reading all the comments here I checked it on different circuits but it does not make any difference. It does make a different sound when no Mac is connected. It's still there just less intense. Connecting a power supply directly to the Macbook instead of powering it via the screen made no difference. The electrical wiring is pretty much new (3 years old) and we've never seen any other issues with electronics in that time.

I took it back to the store where they told me another person came in with the same issues just the day before. Their store model also has the same problem. I'm based in Iceland. Seeing 3 models in such a small market as ours does give me the feeling this is a widespread problem with no simple fix.

UPDATE: I got my display swapped for a new one. So far no buzzing sounds.

 

[YuvalB]

I also got a Studio Display just last Friday and it worked fine until yesterday. Yesterday it started buzzing very loudly on the left side of the screen. It just started out of nowhere. After reading all the comments here I checked it on different circuits but it does not make any difference. It does make a different sound when no Mac is connected. It's still there just less intense. Connecting a power supply directly to the Macbook instead of powering it via the screen made no difference. The electrical wiring is pretty much new (3 years old) and we've never seen any other issues with electronics in that time.

I took it back to the store where they told me another person came in with the same issues just the day before. Their store model also has the same problem. I'm based in Iceland. Seeing 3 models in such a small market as ours does give me the feeling this is a widespread problem with no simple fix.

UPDATE: I got my display swapped for a new one. So far no buzzing sounds.

Please keep us updated on the new unit in the upcoming days. I hope it'll work for you.

 

[JVNPhoto]

Please keep us updated on the new unit in the upcoming days. I hope it'll work for you.

Alas... Less than 24 hours later and the problem occurs again on a new display. I made a few video recordings for the store and I did some more testing:

• Unplugging my Macbook lowers the sound but does not make it disappear. The frequency changes and it's more of a "ticking" sound until you plug in the MacBook again.
• Changing brightness makes no difference in the sound. It doesn't change volume or pitch.
• It must be power related as the sound is originating from within the power supply. It's not anywhere close to any of the two fans inside.
• I measured the voltage from my outlets and it's a solid 235V. The display is rated to 240V so shouldn't be an issue at all.
• I tried it on different circuits with no difference.
• I switched all the lights off and anything else that might have an influence with no difference.
• The sound began while I was not using the display. I also didn't switch on anything, nor did any device wake up.
• No other devices in our home make any similar sound (or any sound for that matter).

This sound makes it impossible to work. To me this seems like a manufacturing or design flaw. The tech guy I talked to seems to agree it's likely a power supply issue. The fact it hasn't been acknowledged by Apple or the fact there isn't a fix available says a lot. I'm not keeping my hopes up for a fix soon. So I'm going to bring back the display again.

 

[JVNPhoto]

On that note, those of you who are experiencing issues: are you using a laptop/tablet or a desktop? Clearly there seems to be some influence by a device that’s powered by the screen.

 

[Franz777]

Alas... Less than 24 hours later and the problem occurs again on a new display. I made a few video recordings for the store and I did some more testing:

• Unplugging my Macbook lowers the sound but does not make it disappear. The frequency changes and it's more of a "ticking" sound until you plug in the MacBook again.
• Changing brightness makes no difference in the sound. It doesn't change volume or pitch.
• It must be power related as the sound is originating from within the power supply. It's not anywhere close to any of the two fans inside.
• I measured the voltage from my outlets and it's a solid 235V. The display is rated to 240V so shouldn't be an issue at all.
• I tried it on different circuits with no difference.
• I switched all the lights off and anything else that might have an influence with no difference.
• The sound began while I was not using the display. I also didn't switch on anything, nor did any device wake up.
• No other devices in our home make any similar sound (or any sound for that matter).

This sound makes it impossible to work. To me this seems like a manufacturing or design flaw. The tech guy I talked to seems to agree it's likely a power supply issue. The fact it hasn't been acknowledged by Apple or the fact there isn't a fix available says a lot. I'm not keeping my hopes up for a fix soon. So I'm going to bring back the display again.

I can guarantee you that the next ASD will cause exactly the same problems as the other ASDs.

I am on my third ASD and it still has the problems.

The problems always show up. When I charge my iPhone/iPad with the ASD, the buzzing goes away, but as soon as the iPhone/iPad is fully charged, the buzzing starts again.

For me it is 10000% due to the power lines giving too much electricity to the ASD. At my friends home my ASD does not cause buzzing ;D

 

[Franz777]

On that note, those of you who are experiencing issues: are you using a laptop/tablet or a desktop? Clearly there seems to be some influence by a device that’s powered by the screen.

I use my ASD with the Mac Studio and partly also the Mac Mini M1. As I said before:

The ASD has a poor electrical shielding and as soon as more electricity flow into the ASD, it causes this buzzing

 

[uller6]

I use my ASD with the Mac Studio and partly also the Mac Mini M1. As I said before:

The ASD has a poor electrical shielding and as soon as more electricity flow into the ASD, it causes this buzzing

I'm pretty sure this is because the switching power supply either passes or can amplify RF noise/harmonics, which then leak into the PWM fan control circuit and cause beat frequencies in the audible range. I'm really surprised that no one at Apple figured this out during the hardware design/qualification phase - I would expect them to both find this behavior in circuit simulation then confirm via engineering verification tests prior to mass production.

 

[Franz777]

I'm pretty sure this is because the switching power supply either passes or can amplify RF noise/harmonics, which then leak into the PWM fan control circuit and cause beat frequencies in the audible range. I'm really surprised that no one at Apple figured this out during the hardware design/qualification phase - I would expect them to both find this behavior in circuit simulation then confirm via engineering verification tests prior to mass production.

To be honest, the ASD is way too expensive and has no HDR, no 144hz and the camera is miserable. As far as I know, the panel is the same as the iMac 2020...

The Studio line-up is unfortunately not of good Apple quality and the products have probably not been tested enough.

In a nutshell: Apple dont give a **** ;D

 

[Franz777]

does the Pro Display XDR also have such problems?

 

[uller6]

does the Pro Display XDR also have such problems?

Nope! But it does have some brightness banding issues at very low brightness. I can deal with that though - most of the time I'm running at 500 nits.

 

[TheBigApple2006]

Alas... Less than 24 hours later and the problem occurs again on a new display. I made a few video recordings for the store and I did some more testing:

• Unplugging my Macbook lowers the sound but does not make it disappear. The frequency changes and it's more of a "ticking" sound until you plug in the MacBook again.
• Changing brightness makes no difference in the sound. It doesn't change volume or pitch.
• It must be power related as the sound is originating from within the power supply. It's not anywhere close to any of the two fans inside.
• I measured the voltage from my outlets and it's a solid 235V. The display is rated to 240V so shouldn't be an issue at all.
• I tried it on different circuits with no difference.
• I switched all the lights off and anything else that might have an influence with no difference.
• The sound began while I was not using the display. I also didn't switch on anything, nor did any device wake up.
• No other devices in our home make any similar sound (or any sound for that matter).

This sound makes it impossible to work. To me this seems like a manufacturing or design flaw. The tech guy I talked to seems to agree it's likely a power supply issue. The fact it hasn't been acknowledged by Apple or the fact there isn't a fix available says a lot. I'm not keeping my hopes up for a fix soon. So I'm going to bring back the display again.

I would try with a voltage regulator; something like https://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/Line-R-1200VA-Automatic-Voltage-Regulator/P-LE1200I. Try setting it at 230V, it might help. Same applies to US cases, with appropriate voltage regulation there.

 

[Franz777]

I would try with a voltage regulator; something like https://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/Line-R-1200VA-Automatic-Voltage-Regulator/P-LE1200I. Try setting it at 230V, it might help. Same applies to US cases, with appropriate voltage regulation there.

I'm going to buy a regulator and hope it gets better. Such regulators were last used in the GDR and are not recommended in this day and age, but I'll take the risk ...

Kemo FG002N Leistungsregler Baustein 230 V/AC kaufen

Schnelle Lieferung ✓ Große Auswahl an Kemo Produkten » Jetzt einfach bestellen: Kemo FG002N Leistungsregler Baustein 230 V/AC

www.conrad.de

 

[JVNPhoto]

I would try with a voltage regulator; something like https://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/Line-R-1200VA-Automatic-Voltage-Regulator/P-LE1200I. Try setting it at 230V, it might help. Same applies to US cases, with appropriate voltage regulation there.

I mean, I get you want to help me figure this out but at this point I'm not going to spend money on fixing a problem that shouldn't be a problem to begin with. I've tested the voltage the since yesterday 4-5 times and I always get a constant 235V. The display is rated up to 240V. Apple just needs to provide a solution or refund.

 

[TheBigApple2006]

I'm going to buy a regulator and hope it gets better. Such regulators were last used in the GDR and are not recommended in this day and age, but I'll take the risk ...

Kemo FG002N Leistungsregler Baustein 230 V/AC kaufen

Schnelle Lieferung ✓ Große Auswahl an Kemo Produkten » Jetzt einfach bestellen: Kemo FG002N Leistungsregler Baustein 230 V/AC

www.conrad.de

Its worth the try, make sure they are returnable, although I am not sure this one you link does the trick. You need something which outputs lower or upper voltage, (220, 230 or 240), besides whatever the appliance is rated/designed for.
I have a power amp which was letting off an industrial amount of toroidal transform hum. The only thing which cured it was using the APC device and setting voltage at 220V - it is rated for 230V +- 10%, so it is all within spec. Try doing the same with the Studio Display.

 

[TheBigApple2006]

I mean, I get you want to help me figure this out but at this point I'm not going to spend money on fixing a problem that shouldn't be a problem to begin with. I've tested the voltage the since yesterday 4-5 times and I always get a constant 235V. The display is rated up to 240V. Apple just needs to provide a solution or refund.

I agree, its not our problem to fix. But alas I doubt Apple will step in to sort it out. My power amplifier (see previous post) even had a warning in the manual that its transformer hums naturally, and should be considered normal, even though you could hear it from the other side of the room! It took me a long set of experimentation with random electric equipment to figure it out.

 

[Franz777]

I mean, I get you want to help me figure this out but at this point I'm not going to spend money on fixing a problem that shouldn't be a problem to begin with. I've tested the voltage the since yesterday 4-5 times and I always get a constant 235V. The display is rated up to 240V. Apple just needs to provide a solution or refund.

Apple will give you three options (depends on where you live):

1. repair (but they will not find the problem, because there is no buzz in the workshop)
2. replacement of the ASD (in the meantime I have a third ASD, which also buzzes)
3. money back

If you are still in warranty, find an independent workshop and explain the problem to them. Show them also your videos

 

[TheBigApple2006]

Apple will give you three options (depends on where you live):

1. repair (but they will not find the problem, because there is no buzz in the workshop)
2. replacement of the ASD (in the meantime I have a third ASD, which also buzzes)
3. money back

If you are still in warranty, find an independent workshop and explain the problem to them. Show them also your videos

Unfortunately the problem here is environmental, and has little to do with the individual ASD units. Your electrical system is probably perfectly fine and within spec, but something in it just triggers the ASD buzzing. Replacing ASD units won't do much. That's why I recommended tinkering with the voltage, as that usually helps. This guy

says as much, although it is not clear what voltage he exactly set to reduce it.

 

[jabbr]

Anyone in North America encountered this? Maybe the design was only tested with 120V lol

 

[uller6]

Anyone in North America encountered this? Maybe the design was only tested with 120V lol

Yes, I am in USA and had this issue with my launch day ASD running on 120V. This issue is not related to supply voltage - it’s related to the ASD not correctly filtering out dirty RF line noise.

 

[JVNPhoto]

Yes, I am in USA and had this issue with my launch day ASD running on 120V. This issue is not related to supply voltage - it’s related to the ASD not correctly filtering out dirty RF line noise.

Is there something that can be done about that? Someone I know suggested a ferrite bead but I have no clue whether or not that would actually make any difference.