Kevin O'Shea

Q: No audio on LG display via USB-C

I just picked up an LG 27UD88 display for a MacBook. The monitor supports USB-C and claims to support audio over USB-C. The MacBook is connected solely via the supplied USB-C cable.

  • MacBook powered & charging?
  • Video working?
  • Display USB hub working?
  • Audio working through display speakers?

 

The MacBook definitely sees the LG monitor as an audio output device. System Preferences > Sound > Output lists two options

  • Internal Speakers (Built-in)
  • LG Ultra HD (DisplayPort)

 

However, when the LG is selected, there is no audio. Volume level on the display is maxed.

 

Any suggestions?

Posted on May 6, 2016 6:10 PM

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Q: No audio on LG display via USB-C

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  • Helpful answers

  • by hero182,Solvedanswer

    hero182 hero182 May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea
    Level 1 (14 points)
    May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

    Could you check if the monitor actually has speakers built in? I was considering this monitor, too, but i think it only has a 3,5mm speaker out (which could refer to the option "internal speaker").

  • by Lanny,

    Lanny Lanny May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea
    Level 5 (7,935 points)
    Desktops
    May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

    The technical specifications for the monitor make no mention of a speaker.

  • by Kevin O'Shea,

    Kevin O'Shea Kevin O'Shea May 14, 2016 3:22 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea
    Level 2 (449 points)
    Notebooks
    May 14, 2016 3:22 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

    You both figured it out (a day after I did). Despite the controls prominently controlling volume and a lot of other audio related items in the menus, it all only refers to the headphone jack.

     

    Live and learn.

  • by Kevin O'Shea,

    Kevin O'Shea Kevin O'Shea May 14, 2016 3:31 PM in response to hero182
    Level 2 (449 points)
    Notebooks
    May 14, 2016 3:31 PM in response to hero182

    FYI, I returned the monitor and went with the Acer H7 instead. It's not 4K, but unfortunately the 4K isn't especially helpful on a Retina MacBook unless you want everything really small (running in native resolution) or really big (effectively 1080p in the 'enhanced' mode). If you want a normal 27" resolution (e.g. 2560 x 1440) from the LG, you can do it, but it's using their built-in scaler and it's pretty fuzzy.

     

    The Acer is native 2560 x 1440, does have speakers (not that they're fantastic or anything) and also has another side benefit for me - the sleep/power light isn't nearly as bright as the LG, which really stood out in a dark room. Neither is anywhere near as nice as an Apple display, but oh well...