Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Very Poor Volume Output - Windows XP

Hey everyone:

I just got the newest 15" MacBook Pro (2.80GHz) as an upgrade to the one I bought only a week ago (Due to updates/price drops). I noticed that the audio driver used on windows has changed for this computer, and as a result I have hardly ANY volume output. The full power volume on my windows side has approximately the same volume as two clicks on my mac side. Does anyone else seem to be having this problem, or does anyone have any solutions to offer for this? It's very obnoxious, as I can't even here music or videos playing without leaning in towards the computer!

MacBook Pro, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Jun 12, 2009 5:08 PM

Reply
524 replies

Dec 13, 2017 12:47 AM in response to KJA+

It seems Megaupload no longer provides those files. Any chances of getting them elsewhere?

Also, has anyone been able to enable "stereo mix" or something like that in Windows 7? I need that for recording purposes, but no luck so far. (So I have to resort to my 10-year-old desktop PC, which I could recycle if not for this issue.) It's also missing on the Realtek drivers on some Lenovos, but it's possible to enable by some registry hacking. Anyone have an idea here?

Thanks.
T

Jun 13, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Huskrfreak88

I have the 13" MacBook Pro and have the same issue as well, XP Pro SP3 in Bootcamp. Previously I had the 13" MacBook 2.4GHz and did not notice the issue with the sound there. I did notice the driver went from Realtek to Cirrus Logic. Whatever that company is! I searched and only found really old audio drivers around the web from them. Any help with this issue would be appreciated. I have to use XP Pro in Bootcamp for my Online classes and watching the videos is annoying with the low sound output from the built in speakers. I also notice that the digital output seems to always be on from the jack. If you look inside it's glowing red. I connected some analog speakers and the sound is really loud from them. I can only put the sound on the first or second click. I don't really want to always be connecting external speakers when I need some quality sound in XP.

Jun 15, 2009 4:18 AM in response to Huskrfreak88

Hi,

I have the same issue in the latest Macbok Pro 13 inch and the sound is really weak, can't almost hear the sound even if it's on the highest level? It seems like all the drivers are working as they should, but the Realtek software that normally runs in the taskbar is not working as in my old Macbbok and I suspect that is the failure.

Does anybody know what Realtek software to install to get that sound back working as normal?

Jun 15, 2009 5:27 AM in response to starkos

I tried using headphones last night, and found the volume was absurdly LOUD, even on lowest settings. I had to turn down the wave audio device volume in order to make it bearable...which of course means that now the audio is even quieter when trying to listen without headphones.

I wonder if someone accidentally flipped the settings somewhere in the driver, so that the speaker and headphone volumes are reversed? That's what it looks like.

Jun 15, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Huskrfreak88

Yeah, I tried installing the Realtek drivers from the previous Leopard Install DVD. No luck for me, first I uninstalled the Cirrus drivers so it was just the default XP Legacy driver installed then did a fresh install of the Realtek driver. I also went to Realtek's site and downloaded the latest released drivers with the same results(failure). I think Apple must have changed the hardware of the speakers to a new vendor(Cirrus Logic), obviously in OS X the sound is awesome but it seems like someone should have tested the sound output in Bootcamp before release. In any case I have installed VMware Fusion 2.0.4 and am happy with the results. I tried Virtual Box before and wasn't thrilled with the usability. I would def recommend trying VMware however, using the Unity view mode you can run Windows applications in what seems like native OS X...it's pretty slick. Hopefully all my online class software will work alright within the virtual machine; Viso Professional 2007, Labsim and Labmentors. Also I should note that the sound, network, graphics and everything seem to be 100% functional within VMware. Hopefully Apple can release a fix but if they don't VMware or Parallels might be your best option!

Kyle

Jun 15, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Kyle Stylez

For the record, I wouldn't recommend parallels. I have not had much luck in the past with that particular virtual machine. I ended up having to reformat my windows partition 3 times before I finally gave it the boot and switched to dual booting. Glad you found a solution that works, however I do wish I could boot into windows and not have sound issues! It's boring at work without music 😟

Jun 16, 2009 4:28 AM in response to Kyle Stylez

VMware works very well for me for work-related stuff, but that stuff hardly uses the audio at all. Boot Camp is the place for gaming, and the audio is really needed there.

I second the suggestion to avoid Parallels. While it has some really nice usability features I found the performance and stability to be better in VMware. Though if you are just using it to run Office and the like it might not be a big deal.

Very Poor Volume Output - Windows XP

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.