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“Use ambient noise reduction” Option missing ! Help please!

Hi All,

After upgrading Mac OS to Catalina on my MacBook Pro 2014 the "ambient noise reduction" option is completely missing in the sound (input - microphone) preferences. I use internal microphone only, set to default 2-channel in MIDI settings and the worst part is that I can hear the ambient noise reduction is on, so

1) how do I get the option back?

2) if I can't get it back, how do I disable ambient noise reduction (using terminal or whatever)

P.s. clean Catalina installation didn't help.

Thanks

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 31, 2020 12:45 AM

Reply
11 replies

Apr 2, 2020 8:17 AM in response to Srubio47

Hi there, Srubio47.


I see that the "Use ambient noise reduction" setting for the microphone on your 2014 MacBook Pro isn't there any longer. Good job trying a fresh install, and I'm glad to help with this.


Change the sound input settings on Mac -- This page of the macOS User Guide provides one reason why it's missing:

Capture less background noise when using your computer’s built-in microphone: Select “Use ambient noise reduction.” This option is not available if a 4-channel built-in microphone format is selected in Audio MIDI Setup."


How to use safe mode on your Mac -- If that's not the case in your situation, restart your Mac in safe mode and see if the setting is present. If it's still missing, the steps under "If the issue continues in safe mode” recommends to reinstall, but also make sure your 3rd party applications are also up to date. If the setting is there, follow the steps provided under "If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode"


Let me know the results when your able,


Take care.

Apr 8, 2020 11:34 PM in response to Srubio47

FWIW, I checked three of my Macs running 10.15.4 and this doesn't seem to be true…

'Select “Use ambient noise reduction.” This option is not available if a 4-channel built-in microphone format is selected in Audio MIDI Setup."'


I don't have a "4-channel built-in microphone format" selected on any of my Macs and the option to turn off ambient noise reduction is not available.

May 7, 2020 7:32 AM in response to Joseph_S.

I reported this with my 2015 MBP 13 and 2018 MBP 13 after upgrading both to Catalina in like November. I was told its a known bug that will get resolved soon, but I've seen many iterations of 10.15 get released since I was told it would be fixed and I still don't have the option. I've had to purchase a jabra puck to have ambient noise reduction. When I work from home I need the background noise reduction so my coworkers can't always hear my kids and this was a huge disappointment that I had to buy an external mic/speaker to work from home.

“Use ambient noise reduction” Option missing ! Help please!

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