Ways to make Macbook speakers louder?

Question

Ways to make Macbook speakers louder?

I know a number of people have had troubel with their macbook speakers being too soft, me included. Are there any hacks or programs or anything one can do to increase the volume on the speakers? Can it even be fixed with some sort of software or is it just the speakers themselves are too small and can never be made louder?

Macbook, Choose

Posted on Aug 9, 2007 6:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

powerseed

Level 1

8 points

Sep 16, 2007 7:17 PM in response to Linas Edwards

I've pulled my hair out over the low MB vol when watching DVD'S. Here's the S/W hack that allowed me to greatly increase the gain of the built-in speakers. Get Audio Hijack (I have Pro version so can't speak for the vanilla variety).

1. Open Audio HiJack Pro
2. Select DVD Player (or whatever program whose vol you'd like to increase)
3. Click on Effects; then 4FX/Effect; then 10-band Equalizer; under "Custom" select small speakers.
4. Crank up the out gain dial knob to max, or more conservatively to protect the small speakers, set the gain it to a comfortable audible level with the MB sound controls maxed out.
5. Hit the HiJack button and enjoy audible volume at last!

Note: Over-powering the internal speakers in this manner will increase heat output and could possibly blow the speakers. I haven't experienced any adverse consequences to this point.

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Answer 2

Aug 10, 2007 11:49 AM in response to tele_player

I do have the latest firmware update, and I don't want 'room filling stereo sound'. I just want to be able to hear sound from the macbook, like when i listen to a video, and not have to hold it right in front of me very close. If I watch a dvd on it and put the macbook anywhere but really close to me I can't understand the dialogue because its too soft. I know I could get speakers or use headphones, but sometimes I don't want to hook up speakers or plug in headphones.

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Answer 3

Aug 10, 2007 1:12 AM in response to Linas Edwards

If your main complaint is that it's too quiet for iTunes, you can use the iTunes equalizer to make it louder. Just boost all frequency bands. This may not be correct in a HiFi sense, but it makes it louder.

But the speakers are TINY, so don't expect room-filling stereo sound.

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Answer 4

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Aug 10, 2007 12:23 AM in response to Linas Edwards

Make sure you have all the latest firmware updates installed. Use earbuds or get some portable external speakers.

- Bmer
Mac Owners Support Group
Join Us @ MacOSG.com
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Answer 5

Sep 23, 2007 11:24 AM in response to Linas Edwards

Would you say the sound has degraded over time. An example is mine. I have it since March 07. I bought my wife the same computer in June and hers sounds louder.

Would you say that is what you are experiencing?

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Answer 6

boulton

Level 1

0 points

Aug 10, 2007 12:53 PM in response to Linas Edwards

I found a pretty wicked program for iTunes called SRSiWow. It makes iTunes music louder and sound better. You do have to pay for it, but its worth it.

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