Macbook's microphone input level low after Sonoma 14.4 update

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Level 1

101 points

Macbook's microphone input level low after Sonoma 14.4 update

Hello!

I'm hoping to find some help regarding the microphone issue with my 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro. For the past two weeks, I've been encountering difficulties joining online meetings due to a microphone problem that started after the Sonoma 14.4 update.

The issue is that for some reason, my MacBook keeps the microphone input level low, even though my input volume is set to maximum. The microphone isn't fully muted, but it's very difficult to hear me, as my colleagues have described. I also ran a test with Voice Memos, which showed that the input was at a minimum:

A few weeks ago, a normal speech waveform looked like this, and the sound was perfect:

I use Slack and Google Meets on Safari every day. I've found a temporary solution to fix this issue by restarting my MacBook daily, but the problem reappears every day, and I have no idea how to solve it permanently. I hope to receive some advice, and I'm wondering if anybody else is experiencing the same issue.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Apr 2, 2024 6:26 AM

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Answer 1

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lauri112 Author

Level 1

101 points

May 2, 2024 12:02 AM in response to lauri112

Update: I have noticed that Safari is causing this issue.

Explanation: When I am in a Google Meet meeting on Safari and I end the call, wanting to switch to Slack, a separate application, the problem occurs. When I fully close both Safari and Slack, and then reopen Slack, the issue disappears. So, it seems that there's a conflict between Safari and other applications that use the microphone.

Is there any explanation from Apple?

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Answer 2

lauri112 Author

Level 1

101 points

May 15, 2024 11:49 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I also provided feedback to Apple. Still waiting a reply from their end.

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Answer 3

jlolam

Level 1

14 points

May 21, 2024 6:26 AM in response to lauri112

Same happening here, something is not right on the microphone, today I experienced again the same issue.

I keep using google meet, slack and teams and they seem to fight between them.

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Answer 4

rmntrfnv

Level 1

18 points

Apr 30, 2024 11:18 AM in response to lauri112

I have the same problem on my M2 MacBook Air on 14.4.1 (23E224).

Only restarting the whole thing helps.

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Answer 5

NikGu

Level 1

20 points

May 15, 2024 11:41 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

3 people only in this thread, 11 employee of mine + Google it please and you will find more on other forums. So sadly, there is a problem in Safari.

Cause "local" problem — is for 1-2 people, not for 10+

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Answer 6

NikGu

Level 1

20 points

May 15, 2024 7:50 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

If it were local — then there will be no so many reports on this. So it's problem with Safari.

Same problem for me

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Answer 7

May 15, 2024 11:10 AM in response to NikGu

NikGu wrote:

If it were local — then there will be no so many reports on this. So it's problem with Safari.

Same problem for me

3 people so far...

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Answer 8

lkrupp

Level 6

14,680 points

May 21, 2024 6:38 AM in response to lauri112

Have any of you updated to Sonoma 14.5 yet? It was released a few days ago.

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Answer 9

lauri112 Author

Level 1

101 points

May 24, 2024 1:59 AM in response to lauri112

The problem is still there for me as well. The latest update didn't help.

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Answer 10

codedoga

Level 1

14 points

May 24, 2024 2:00 AM in response to lauri112

Same for me

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Answer 11

sdykae

Level 1

8 points

May 27, 2024 9:01 AM in response to lauri112

I have the same problem, When I use any app that requires a mic (safari for meets) the volume goes down to be quiet but when no app is using it I can see the mic working at normal volume ;(

Without any app using the mic is normal

The moment I open safari and enter in a meet

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Answer 12

NikGu

Level 1

20 points

May 27, 2024 12:21 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Safari is causing his issue. You can restart or just close it and audio fixed itself instantly.

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Answer 13

Apr 2, 2024 10:27 AM in response to lauri112

I have to wonder if there is some software involved in this.

Try recording a voice memo while in Safe Mode. Does it show the same problem?

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

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Answer 14

May 2, 2024 2:42 AM in response to lauri112

An explanation would entail that this were a known problem.

This is the first and only time I have heard of this, so it could something local.

You should provide detailed feedback:

https://www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 15

codedoga

Level 1

14 points

May 24, 2024 1:52 AM in response to lauri112

Same problem for me.

I noticed if I'm on huddle and the moment I go to Google Meets meeting in Safari and allow microphone access, microphone on huddle get's very quiet. Only solution is if I force quit Safari, microphone volume and quality on Huddle gets back to normal.

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