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Level 1

5 points

no internal speakers | digital output only | red light from audio jack

I plugged in a stereo through analogue mini jack to the headphone socket of my mac book pro. When i unplugged the stereo, the internal speakers failed to work. There is now a red light coming from the jack as if a "digital output" is plugged into the socket. But no digital output has ever been plugged into the socket - and I have no control of mute or volume settings.

When I plug headphones in, they work fine and I have control of mute and volume settings. Once the headphones are removed I am automatically set back to "digital output" with no control over mute or volume, and no audio from m internal speakers.

I have tried changing the settings in system preferences/sound/settings/output ... but there is no option other than "digital output". I suppose I would like to select "internal speakers" but there is no option for this. And like I stated earlier, the jack is lit up red.

I've tried software updates, restarts, disk utilities (permissions and repairs including repairing with the startup disk), plugging and unplugging, but to no avail.

When I try to change the volume on the keyboard's volume controls I get the "no entry" sign under the volume bar and have no control (as if it were stuck on mute).

The only thing I can think of is that I forced a mini jack into the headphone socket too hard so I'm worried that I've damaged the hardware.

Could this have caused the problem? Or is this a software issue? Any help would be appreciated.

In short I have no sound from the internal speakers.

g5, Mac Book Pro, iMac G3, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Aug 27, 2007 12:49 PM

Best reply

ndubbleu Author

Level 1

5 points

Posted on Aug 27, 2007 12:58 PM

After writing a lengthy message I searched the boards and found the fix... simply take the headphones and place them in and out the socket until the light goes off. This worked for me.

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41 replies

Mar 4, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Anthony.Calzadilla

That worked for me also. MBP 15" 2.2GHz. Play a song in iTunes (so you can hear when it's working), insert analog headphones (part or all the way), move the connector around, and remove several times until it switches back to the internal speakers.

Apr 19, 2008 9:21 AM in response to ndubbleu

I'm having the exact same problem with my G5 iMac.

Everything had been working fine audio-wise when my Mac suddenly went mute.

Under the output tab of the sound control panel, I see 2 devices, my Logitech USB headset and "Digital Out" (which has no output controls). When the USB headset is selected, everything works as expected. When Digital Out is selected, there's no sound.

I really don't remember ever seeing the Digital Out option before. I used to have an option for "Internal Speakers" which is what was normally used for standard audio out. That option is no longer there.

Apr 19, 2008 9:29 AM in response to RichardIan

Here's an update.

I tried unplugging and plugging back in the headphones several times. That had no effect.

But, when I unplugged my external speakers, the Digital Out option of the Sound preference panel changed to Internal Speakers. Plugged the external speakers back in and the Internal Speaker option changed back to Digital Out.

Does anyone know why this is happening? I never had a problem with using the external speakers before.

Vultured

Level 1

0 points

Apr 21, 2008 8:33 PM in response to RichardIan

I'm having the exact same problem on a brand new black mac book. I did the pull in and out method, while toggling the volume and it worked pretty fast. What a hunk of crap. First mac and will be my last. Nothing but problems so far.

Apr 28, 2008 6:19 PM in response to Vultured

OMG, I've done everything you said about pluggin' in and out the headphones and it doesn't work for me... what can I do?? the stupid red light is still on!!!

help me!!

phoo

Level 1

14 points

May 13, 2008 10:39 AM in response to ndubbleu

The multiple insert method worked for me. I used a non-conductive nylon rod.

I seem to be able to recreate this problem when I get the headphones near a magnetic source +while they're plugged in+. Evidently, the switch that detects the insertion of a digital output device can be accidentally magnetized and subsequently sticks open.

The bottom line: Keep your headphones away from speakers and other magnets while they're plugged into your Mac.

phoo

Level 1

14 points

May 13, 2008 10:45 AM in response to phoo

Depending upon how strongly your jack was magnetized will determine how much of the multiple insertion you'll need to free up the switch. I would try it with something non-magnetic (plastic, etc), and something strong enough to not risk breaking off inside your Mac (toothpick is probably a bad idea).

If it's really strongly magnetized, you may have to have the jack replaced. I would hope this would be a very inexpensive repair.

Bob Lang1

Level 5

4,090 points

May 13, 2008 2:10 PM in response to kerplunka

Hi kerplunka

According to reports, the switch is in the 3 o'clock position, and a toothpick is apparently the instrument of choice for this operation...

Bob

May 17, 2008 6:17 AM in response to ndubbleu

I am having the same problem. Using an iMac (2.16 GHz Intel Core Due 2 Duo). Tried zapping PRAM and repairing permissions...no luck. Tried toothpick/paper clip in jack, but red light does not stay off.

Just wondering...has anyone tried to physically remove the jack port? Is this even possible? I just assume remove the jack entirely.

Thanks to all in advance
-smoke-

Ree22

Level 1

0 points

May 31, 2008 9:14 PM in response to smoke dee-o-double-g

HOLE-E-COW...I was just going over the same problem I am having with my laptop with my brother. I tried plugging/unplugging in my headphones about 20 times and it totally worked. Don't give up!

Jun 6, 2008 3:17 AM in response to ndubbleu

Just do plug in and out many times.. it may help. my case was working! just plug in and out about 10 times..

Jun 28, 2008 9:31 AM in response to Luna Lita

The un-bent paper clip worked for me.

I was slightly flabbergasted by the concept to start with.

I presume the next problem I have I will learn that I need to crank on the spindle wheel a couple of turns to free up a chain inside somewhere....

Jul 5, 2008 1:06 PM in response to drsnuffy123

This wasnt my macbook it was my moms work macbook and she was going to freak when the sound wasnt working i tried using the in and out the method the digital ouput cable the toothpick putting it in the audio in jack but i finnaly used the paper clip and put it in the 5 o clock position and also even if the red light is off doesnt mean it is working my red light is was going on and off and it still wasnt working but i put the paper clip in at the 5 o clock position and it worked its great thanks
(.v.)

Sep 2, 2008 5:46 PM in response to ndubbleu

so i was perplexed, just as many of you, with my resolution to this issue. i took a plastic fork and bent one of the prongs forward so as to insert it into the audio output jack. i carefully inserted the fork prong until the red light went out. then i gently lifted upwards and removed the fork. this worked on my very firs try. previously, i was inserting a headphone jack over and over as others had recommended but to no avail. i am a sound engineer and a technician and this is one of the weirdest resolutions, i don't understand it. anyway, hope this helps and i hope it doesn't occur again the next time i opt to use headphones.

Red Baron

Level 2

275 points

Sep 12, 2008 5:56 AM in response to ndubbleu

I happened to have this problem occur on my MBP directly after installing the QT 7.5.5 and iTunes 8.0 updates, I was convinced it must be software relating. The fiddling about with the headphones socket did work after a long time trying so it is worth persevering if you are having this problem. That is has happened on so many different machines is a little concerning as it appears to highlight a design fault that I was not aware of in previous generations of machines.

I take it Apple have been informed as to the fact that this appears to be a widespread issue.

no internal speakers | digital output only | red light from audio jack