T2 chip disables microphone when lid closed

[bharris515]

So I'm using a new 2018 MacBook Pro (4 thunderbolt 3 ports).

I mostly use this MacBook connected to the LG 4k display with thunderbolt 3 cable and use it as a desktop in my home office. Everything works GREAT! except one annoying issue.....So I like to be able to answer phone calls from my MacBook so I don't have to stop what I'm working on and physically grab my iPhone to answer a call. Problem is with the T2 chip on the new MacBook Pros, when the lid is shut, the MacBooks internal microphone is disabled for security purposes. This means when I get a call on my LG display, I can answer it and I can hear the person on the other end but they cannot hear me because essentially I have no sound input. Now this can be solved with an external microphone but its really frustrating to go spend money on one when this feature worked fine before these T2 chips came along. Does anyone know how to get around this issue and allow my microphone to work even when lid is closed????


Thanks in advance!

 

[chrfr]

So I'm using a new 2018 MacBook Pro (4 thunderbolt 3 ports).

I mostly use this MacBook connected to the LG 4k display with thunderbolt 3 cable and use it as a desktop in my home office. Everything works GREAT! except one annoying issue.....So I like to be able to answer phone calls from my MacBook so I don't have to stop what I'm working on and physically grab my iPhone to answer a call. Problem is with the T2 chip on the new MacBook Pros, when the lid is shut, the MacBooks internal microphone is disabled for security purposes. This means when I get a call on my LG display, I can answer it and I can hear the person on the other end but they cannot hear me because essentially I have no sound input. Now this can be solved with an external microphone but its really frustrating to go spend money on one when this feature worked fine before these T2 chips came along. Does anyone know how to get around this issue and allow my microphone to work even when lid is closed????


Thanks in advance!

You can't get around it. This is a security feature, so if you want to use the mic, you need to keep the screen open, or you need a USB mic.

 

[bharris515]

You can't get around it. This is a security feature, so if you want to use the mic, you need to keep the screen open, or you need a USB mic.

I was afraid of this. Bummer. You'd think they'd have a way of disabling this feature for the average Joe home users like myself. Anyways, thanks for the response!

 

[StrokeDoc]

LG Ultrafine display has its own mic that you can use with the display closed.
I like that security feature, to be honest, but I think an option for those who don't want it can disable it would be better.

 

[NT1440]

LG Ultrafine display has its own mic that you can use with the display closed.
I like that security feature, to be honest, but I think an option for those who don't want it can disable it would be better.

Apparently this is built into the T2 at the hardware level, there is no option to turn it off.

 

[bharris515]

LG Ultrafine display has its own mic that you can use with the display closed.
I like that security feature, to be honest, but I think an option for those who don't want it can disable it would be better.

LG display does not have built in mic...

 

[StrokeDoc]

LG display does not have built in mic...

My LG Ultrafine display does. Which model do you have?

 

[bharris515]

LG display does not have built in mic...

My LG Ultrafine display does. Which model do you have?

I have the 22" 4k display

 

[StrokeDoc]

I have the 22" 4k display

A quick look on the website shows that the 4K display doesn't have a mic, but the 5K one does (Which I have).

Get a USB-C mic and attach it to the display and leave it there?
I'm sure you can get one cheaper if you're using it to make phone calls while working and not recording high-quality files.

 

[WilliamG]

A quick look on the website shows that the 4K display doesn't have a mic, but the 5K one does (Which I have).

Get a USB-C mic and attach it to the display and leave it there?
I'm sure you can get one cheaper if you're using it to make phone calls while working and not recording high-quality files.

I can't get any mics to work at all when the my MBP 16 is in clamshell mode. Not my AirPods, not my LG 5K display - nothing. Is there something I'm missing here?

 

[dmfoltz]

I have same issue when in clamshell running 2018 MacBook Air. I'm running cheap BenQ monitors. I tried plugging direct into headphone jack (apple wired earbuds with mic) on the machine while in clamshell mode and other person can't hear me. I can hear them fine. I wonder if it could also involve the adaptors I am using. I'm sure not the best and now that I'm working remote I would like to invest in a better charging docking station as well so any suggestions there would be greatly appreciated. I want to take that into account when working with the microphone issue in clamshell mode.

 

[Ilmaran]

Interestingly, "Sound Preferences" tells you nothing about why the built-in mic does not sense any input, not even in the help window this security feature is mentioned. Just in the Keyboard->dictations it kindly warns you: "with display closed, use external mic for better performance". Now, bluetooth microphones used to give a very poor quality for some reason and I've used to use the internal mic as a resolution in the office setting... So now back to more gadgets and wires?