Late 2018 27" 5K iMac.
Current version of Catalina.
No external USB devices.
One Thunderbolt 2 device.
When recording a movie with audio:
(1) The FaceTime camera begins by stuttering, and then freezes completely.
(2) The built-in microphone sometimes begins by stuttering and then repeating the last word recorded three or four times before continuing.
iMac 27", 10.15
Scarabus,
Thanks for sharing these additional details with us.
Let's have you boot up into safe mode. It’s a way to start up your Mac so it performs certain checks, repairs, emptying of system cache, and prevents some software from automatically loading: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support. Once in safe mode, check to see if the same behavior continues when recording a movie with audio. Sometimes safe mode can successfully resolve some issues. With this being said, after testing in safe mode, restart and log in as normal to see if that helps resolve the issue.
If the issue remains, I will have you test a new user account next, to isolate if this is a user-specific issue, or a system-wide issue. Here’s how: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support. Based on the results in the new user, you could continue to the section titled 'If the issue doesn't happen in the other account' or 'If the issue happens in the other account' to continue troubleshooting.
Best regards.
Hi Scarabus,
Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities! I understand you are experiencing an issue when recording a movie with audio on your iMac. I'd like to see how I can help.
Which application are you using to record a movie on your iMac? Are you using QuickTime: Record a movie in QuickTime Player on Mac - Apple Support. Or, are you using a third-party application/software?
Do you notice the same behavior with video and audio quality when you try these actions:
-How to record the screen on your Mac - Apple Support.
-Record audio in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote - Apple Support.
-Record a voice memo on your Mac - Apple Support.
-Use FaceTime on your Mac - Apple Support.
Does restarting your iMac seem to have a positive impact on the behavior? How to turn your Mac on or off - Apple Support.
Keep me posted on the results. Regards.
Wayne,
Thanks for trying out those steps and getting back to us with results.
Great idea to reinstall macOS, and disconnect any additional peripherals while testing. I think it would be helpful to get in touch with Apple Support directly at this point. You may be able to share your Mac screen with an Advisor, which may be more helpful in identifying what might be causing this behavior. Use this link to get in touch with Apple Support: Contact - Official Apple Support.
Thank you for your time. Take care.
iMac 5K 27 inch late 2015
Latest Catalina update.
Software: QT Player, Facebook, Adobe Audition, Wondershare, Screenium, iMovie, Premiere.
Shutdown/Restart doesn't help.
(I've been turning Apple computer off and on since my first machine, an Apple II 48k.)
OK.
(1) I started in safe mode.
(2) I created and logged in to a new account.
(3) I tested the hardware with TechTool pro 12.
No problems were flagged. However…
None of that made a difference.
(1) I reinstalled Catalina.
(2) I disconnected every external device.
The audio has shown no indication yet of problems. However…
The video still stutters and occasionally freezes.
—wayne
Catalina audio & video stutter not bluetooth
