Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

easyd89

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 21, 2017
3
0
hi my internal speakers work fine, there is no problem with that if any one asks and non of this red light rubbish as the problem is with my digital out, not my computer speakers.

my problem is that i do not have any options for my digital out. i have tried many headphones and speakers and it isnt them.
when looking at my sound option firstly the icon in my top right is greyed out.
secondly when i go into system preferences its has the device located but says the selected device has no output controls.
also in midi setup the main volume is disabled greyed out.
i have searched everywhere for a answer and cant find one.
Screen Shot 2017-07-21 at 11.31.04.png
Screen Shot 2017-07-21 at 11.30.20.png

i have tried all the obvious ones reset pram etc and nothing has changed.

how can i fix this please! they has to be some way.
many thanx to anyone that can help, EASYD
 
Yes when i dont have anything plugged into my audio jack it shows like this. if i plug in my headphones etc it will switch to digital output but i cant do anything with the controls they are greyed out.

so no, it is nothing to do with my internal speakers not working as i said earlier in my post. and thank you for a link that i specifically said was no use, very cleaver.
if you have a real answer let me know.
Screen Shot 2017-07-21 at 16.45.56.png
 
It's normal when you use SPDIF.. Use the volume knob on your stereo.

And if your signal chain looks like this...

mac--->DAC---> power amplifier--> speakers

you'll need a preamp (aka "the part with the volume knob and the source selector")

mac-->dac--> preamp--> power amplifier--> speakers

(an integrated amplifier combines preamp and power amplifier, a reciever often adds in a DAC along with the usual tuner and preamp section)
 
If you want to use the port for analog devices (like ordinary headphones), there's a mechanical switch inside the jack that sometimes gets stuck in digital mode. Look here for suggestions on how to clean it:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4571999?tstart=0

If you want to use the port for digital devices-- sorry, that's simply the way it is. For the mac to actually change the volume of the digital out, it would have to start throwing bits away... Instead, use the volume knob on your preamp/speakers/mixer etc.
 
Do i have to repeat myself. Are some of you illiterate or just a bit simple, sorry but Im getting frustrated here. it honestly feels like some of you are trying to wind me up. There is no red light so its not stuck in digital out this has nothing to do with my internal speakers either they work fine. Please stop telling me this if it was that i wouldn't be asking here would i.
I just want to use a standard 3.5 jack and I can not. My computer acknowledges it but wont let me. as for this preamp thing i dont have a clue what your on about tbh and ive used an array of headphones and speakers none work.
Screen Shot 2017-07-24 at 12.05.55.png

there is something stopping me from using my 3.5mm jack. i know its just gotta be some stupid setting somewhere.
 
YOU are definitely illeterate and simple as well.

And arrogant, and aggressive.

You are stuck in digital mode, red light or not red light.

It is NORMAL not to have controls in digital mode.

If you were not stuck in digital mode, your output would say "Headphones" instead of "Digital Out" !
Using standard earphones or headphones requires an analog output, not a digital one.

Do you understand, finally ?

If not, CALL APPLE, ok ? Not us, illiterate and simple.

Bye bye.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: OLDCODGER
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.