lkel

Q: The sound is of, after having used ear phones. A red light is on on the back of the computer, The sound is of, after having used ear phones. A red light is on on the back of the computer

Thank you for helping me to solve the above mentioned problem

Mac Pro

Posted on Oct 7, 2012 10:11 AM

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Q: The sound is of, after having used ear phones. A red light is on on the back of the computer, The sound is of, after having used e ... more

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  • by WZZZ,

    WZZZ WZZZ Oct 7, 2012 10:25 AM in response to lkel
    Level 6 (13,112 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 7, 2012 10:25 AM in response to lkel

    That's a little switch which has gotten stuck. Insert and remove the headphone jack several times. If this doesn't turn off the light, insert a thin non metallic prong, one of the prongs from a plastic fork will do, and jiggle it gently inside. Don't use a wooden toothpick, which might break off or splinter.

  • by Allan Jones,Solvedanswer

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Oct 7, 2012 11:56 AM in response to lkel
    Level 8 (35,187 points)
    iPad
    Oct 7, 2012 11:56 AM in response to lkel

    Background, or "why this happens": the audio-out port on a modern Mac is digital and is held to high dimensional standards. Most headphones have an analog plug not made to such standards. The specific issue is the the "tip-to-stop shoulder" distance on many analog plugs is just a bit longer than on a digital one and jams the "mute" contact inside the port in the muted position. WZZZ's advice is exactly on target unless you are under warranty, which would still necessitate a trip to an Apple store for service.

     

    The best action is prevention. When connecting headphones (or external speakers), put on the headphones and have an audio track running BEFORE you insert the plug. Insert the plug slowly, listening for sound on both channels and, when you hear it, STOP INSERTING.

     

    Bottom line is you do NOT want to insert any random plug "to the hilt" until you know it is dimensioned to fit a digital port.

     

    My MacBook Pro has the same jack. I have a pair of decent-quality, name-brand headphones and their plug is not to spec. This picture shows their plug in the port at a position that delivers proper sound and does not let the plug fall out:

     

    phone plug.JPG

     

    Note that the shoulder is about 1/16-inch from contacting the computer case. It is secure in this position.

     

    Every plug is different. I have a pair of El Cheapo external speakers I picked up for US$2 at a yard sale and their plug fits perfectly on my Macs with a digital audio port. Go figure!