Static from audio via USB-C

[Zephyre]

My new M1 MacBook Air has audio static when it is connected via USB-C to a monitor with external speakers.

If I connect directly to the Macbook headphone jack - no audio problems.

Any ideas?

 

[qaxl]

My new M1 MacBook Air has audio static when it is connected via USB-C to a monitor with external speakers.

If I connect directly to the Macbook headphone jack - no audio problems.

Any ideas?

I signed up specifically to this forum to say - YES, me too! Same situation - 3.5mm jack fine, static/crackles with external speakers vs a USB-C cable. Plugging into the headphone jack isn't a great solution - different video inputs to the monitor should output the corresponding audio to the connected speakers. Only the Mac's audio is faulty.

 

[Bacci]

Ground loop?

 

[Zephyre]

Ground loop?

If that's the issue - is there anything I can do?

Cheers 🙂

 

[orpheus1120]

Get an external DAC.

This one is very good and priced reasonably.

Schiit Modi 3+

 

[flygbuss]

Does the power supply still come with the additional extension cord? If so, use it instead. At least in Europe it is grounded.

 

[Zephyre]

Just checked - the power cable is grounded.

 

[flygbuss]

If you’re using the TRS jack, the Mac is doing the DA conversion.
By using an external monitor with built in speakers via USB or HDMI, you rely on the monitor’s DA conversion.
Is it just a static noise or crackling as well?

 

[Zephyre]

It's mainly what I would describe as static - maybe more noticeable as the music levels increase - and there is a harshness to the sound.

Can I maybe use this: Connected to the monitor?

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

 

[qaxl]

After messing around with different power boards and powerpoints to identify/eliminate a ground loop (unsuccessfully), I just gave in and have reverted to using the 3.5mm output again. It's annoying to unplug when I switch monitor inputs, but the clarity is noticeably superior to the USB-C audio, even when it doesn't crackles and pop.

 

[Zephyre]

After messing around with different power boards and powerpoints to identify/eliminate a ground loop (unsuccessfully), I just gave in and have reverted to using the 3.5mm output again. It's annoying to unplug when I switch monitor inputs, but the clarity is noticeably superior to the USB-C audio, even when it doesn't crackles and pop.

Yeah - I gave up too. Very disappointed!