weird popping in speakers with low buffers

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Level 1

60 points

weird popping in speakers with low buffers

hi all.

im on the new 16" MBP running Catalina.

ive noticed that when im jamming with sounds coming through the speakers there is a weird glitching / popping noise which mostly only happens when on a low buffer. sometimes I can hear it faintly when im on 1024 but in general im trying to keep my buffer low so I don't need to worry about low latency mode.

feels like some sort of bug to me because it doesn't happen with my other 15" retina MBP.

only happens with instruments that are being played live from plugins, not audio in the arrangement page.

weird!

any ideas what this could be?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 2, 2019 4:16 PM

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Answer 1

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,286 points

Dec 3, 2019 2:41 PM in response to benjigordon

16" MBP... It seems this is a known issue with some models. Until a fix is provided by Apple you may try the following workaround.

Open QuickTime player > File > New Audio Recording and let it open.

It is likely related to power saving management.

Hope that helps,

WD

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Answer 2

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Dec 3, 2019 8:24 AM in response to benjigordon

Possibly the T2 chip.

https://cdm.link/2019/05/apples-latest-macs-still-suffer-from-the-same-audio-flaws/

Run a Google search on Apple's T2 chip and Audio problems. Mostly with USB 2.0 interfaces.

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Answer 3

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Dec 3, 2019 6:08 PM in response to Pancenter

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/any-one-notices-the-cracking-popping-sound-of-new-16-inch-mbp.2211902/

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250879269

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Answer 4

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Dec 3, 2019 6:04 PM in response to Wilddrums

And guess what chip manages Power Saving management.

The Apple T2 Security Chip is Apple's second-generation, custom silicon

for Mac. By redesigning and integrating several controllers found in

other Mac computers—such as the System Management Controller, image

signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller—the T2 chip

delivers new capabilities to your Mac.

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Answer 5

benjigordon Author

Level 1

60 points

Dec 3, 2019 11:19 AM in response to Pancenter

this only happens on the laptop speakers, with a low buffer size.

it does not happen with any external audio interface connected at low or high buffer sizes.

it doesn't happen with headphones plugged directly into the laptop either.

just the built in speakers.

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Answer 6

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Dec 4, 2019 9:19 AM in response to benjigordon

Right, make your voice heard.

This is a user only forum, Apple does not monitor the forums.

Call Apple and complain. You bought an expensive piece of hardware, it should work correctly.

Send Logic Feedback here, the Logic developers may report the issue to Apple.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/logic-pro.html

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Answer 7

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,286 points

Dec 3, 2019 3:06 PM in response to benjigordon

Search the Web about something like "Macbook Pro 16 audio" and you will find many posts about this problem.

For QuickTime, just open it and follow the menu as described.

WD

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Answer 8

Pancenter

Level 6

14,782 points

Dec 3, 2019 12:28 PM in response to benjigordon

Strange, afraid I haven't a clue.

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Answer 9

benjigordon Author

Level 1

60 points

Dec 3, 2019 2:57 PM in response to Wilddrums

Do you have any links to this issue from other users?

What do you mean about new audio recording in QuickTime Player?

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Answer 10

benjigordon Author

Level 1

60 points

Dec 4, 2019 1:00 AM in response to Pancenter

Great, thanks.

At least it’s good to know I’m not the only one with the issue.

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weird popping in speakers with low buffers

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