Noise on 16’ Macbook speaker

Make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If you need to find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple. Also, see How to find your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) or Distributor (AAD).

"Your Apple-branded or Beats-branded hardware product (“Product”) is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase (“Warranty Period”) when used in accordance with Apple`s user manuals (refer to www.apple.com/support/country). Under this warranty, you will be able to direct your claims to Apple even in situations where you purchased the Apple Product from a third party.” [Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty – Accessory - For Apple and Beats Branded Products Only.]

Looking around the forums I think I've found two other users with the same issue:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251130317

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251173282

Yes, I have this exact problem too. I usually notice it when using MuseScore (music notation software). It's often more easily hidden in music because there's so much more going on. But when you have a simple sound (like one instrument playing), it becomes very obvious.

No solution yet. Was on the phone with Apple for a bit today. Trying to narrow down possible cause, and looking for commonalities.

Do you use Native Instruments software or a Focusrite audio interface?

I now know how to reproduce this issue.

I thought the noise/pulsating pops were gone from my computer and tested sometimes: opened Logic, created a simple project with one software instrument and played it. No issues. Then I decided to check the buffer size (Preferences>Audio). It was set to 128. I changed it to 256 and clicked apply changes. When I played the software instrument the sound problems were back again! So this is probably a buffer issue on the sound card that drives the speakers.

I made a video. And I am on my third laptop - and they all had the same issue.

https://youtu.be/jvYScIZIEJM

I want my time back. And I think Apple should get ethical and tell people that

their computer will have this issue indefinitely.

Yeah, I don't think new laptop will solve the issue. It's likely a software bug that will have to be fixed, and then everyone will benefit. I've been working with a tier 2 support person @ Apple for a few weeks now. My next appointment is this Saturday. I'm feeling good that we'll get some resolution on this. It may take a while to get the fix out, but I'm hopeful. If there are any significant findings I'll post them to the threads on these forums.

Yes, I have this issue. Let me know if you arrive at a solution. Thank you.

AColombi wrote:

Do you use Native Instruments software or a Focusrite audio interface?

I use Native Instruments software (Traktor Pro) but no Focusrite interface...

... a computer made for artists (including musicians)...