iMac internal microphone problems

Question

Level 1

21 points

iMac internal microphone problems

I have a recurring issue with the internal microphone in my iMac. Occasionally, it will just stop working and won't pick up any sounds. The two resolutions I've found are to either unplug and re-plug the external speakers I have connected (strange) or, when that doesn't work, to restart the computer (less strange). Has anyone had a similar problem with their iMac? Adjusting the settings in the sound control panel does nothing to make this work. It seems that this is a software problem, since it's always fixed by restarting, but of course I'd like to find some way to fix this without having to restart. Thanks.

MacBook Pro 15" 1.83 GHz, 2 GB; iMac 24" 2.93 GHz, 4 GB, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 21, 2010 6:21 AM

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Answer 1

driveblind Author

Level 1

21 points

Mar 22, 2010 1:30 PM in response to driveblind

Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Answer 2

May 4, 2010 8:51 AM in response to driveblind

Sorry driveblind I wish I could help but I have the same problem. Unfortunately, mine hasn't been solved by restarting. I'm hoping by replying, someone else with a solution will see it and help us out!

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Answer 3

May 5, 2010 7:44 AM in response to driveblind

Did you try doing a PRAM reset while restarting? Hold down the command-option-P-R keys, and it should reset the microphone so it will work again. My mom usually has to do this on her new iMac every time she wants to use Skype. Hope this helps.

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Answer 4

Sarah_H_

Level 1

4 points

May 9, 2010 7:33 PM in response to driveblind

I have the same problem with my external mic & I've used both options - restarting & unplugging my external speakers. bummer.

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Answer 5

May 18, 2010 1:16 PM in response to Graphic Designer, Tucson, AZ

Finally got around to a PRAM reset. No success. 😟

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Answer 6

Aug 1, 2010 8:43 AM in response to driveblind

Same problem here:
neither in Skype nor in Quicktime audio recording does the microphone pick up a reasonable level.
The mike does not seem broken though, as if I put the input level at maximum in the system preferences pane: sound (and check "use ambient noise reaction") there is some reaction if I tap on the frame of the iMac or literally yell into the iMac. (the Quicktime recording then registers the voice, but only faintly).
I have done a Pram reset/restart, to no avail so far and am hoping for some bright solution in this forum.
One reason for the error might be that when a local Apple store recently replaced the Airport antenna-module on my iMac (it had failed completely after around 3 years) they might have done something to the mike wiring...

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Answer 7

Aug 21, 2010 7:25 AM in response to Graphic Designer, Tucson, AZ

I have similar problems using Skype and my iMac. I called Apple support quite a while ago, and they recommended the PRAM reset/test. It worked successfully. However, I'm again having the same microphone malfunction using Skype. I guess that I'll try the PRAM again, although that's not a very satisfactory "solution." I posted this problem a few minutes ago here as well: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=704060. If anyone has a better suggestion, please forward. I'm seriously thinking about an external microphone or else a good external web cam with a built-in mic.

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Answer 8

Oct 13, 2010 6:16 PM in response to jasonhavens

I have a similar problem.

I tried the Garageband suggestion and it must be my internal mic because I didn't hear anything from the recording.

I've tried to reset my PRAM: Shut down. Turn on. Command + Option + P + R...Am I missing something ? because each time I tried I held the keys down together and my computer booted up as normal!

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks fellow Mac users!

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Answer 9

jkmw

Level 1

0 points

Nov 28, 2010 9:47 PM in response to TamaraToday

I've the same problem, internal mic not working. Tried to reset PRAM, it's not working. The computer start up as normal, there is no loud startup sound. Mine is iMac i7 27", I guess that doesn't make a different. Thanks in advanced for any suggestions.

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Answer 10

zblax

Level 1

0 points

Feb 17, 2011 10:14 AM in response to jkmw

Same problem and Apple has already replaced my iMac for other issues. They really need to work on their quality control. I'm tired of lugging a 27" computer to the store.

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Answer 11

May 21, 2011 1:57 PM in response to driveblind

I am encountering similar issues, looking at the sound preference pane, I can see that the microphone is showing noise, this is duplicated on a skype test call... just noise no external sound is being picked up. Steps I have taken so far are:

Zapped the PRAM

Thrown away my sound preferences

Ran software update

Restarted the iMac a few times

Another thing to note is that the microphone was working ok this morning, then the sound started to degrade and now just noise.

Thanks in advance for any help or direction to solve this!

Cheers,

Sean

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Answer 12

tedus

Level 1

1 points

Sep 16, 2011 10:39 PM in response to driveblind

I have the same problem. VERY frustrating. People on Facetime said they heard some crazy peaked out noises every now and again and now it just flat out doesn't work.

I hope this is software and not hardware... getting into this 27'' doesn't look very easy.

Cheers,

David.

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Answer 13

tedus

Level 1

1 points

Sep 17, 2011 8:33 AM in response to tedus

Just managed to get the mic working again.

For those people with a 2010 27'' iMac the solution is to bash the top of your computer with your fist...

I can't imagine this lasting very long.

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Answer 14

Nov 26, 2011 11:20 AM in response to tedus

Thanks for the tip ... worked for me!

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Answer 15

Dec 17, 2011 5:43 AM in response to driveblind

Hmm - I've just run into the same problem with my late 2009 27" iMac (replaced after the first one I purchased had that screen flciker issue) when trying to hook up a business call with SKYPE - very frustrating. When, and if, my iTunes Match upload finishes I'll try the PRAM reset and let you know ...

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