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User profile for user: bizringer
bizringer Author
User level: Level 1
49 points

MacOS unable to adjust system volume on Dell U3419W External Monitor built-in Speakers

I have a 2016 15" MacBook Pro, running MacOS 10.15.6. It is connected to a Dell U3419W external monitor via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C). The monitor's built in speakers are recognized by the OS, however the volume cannot be controlled via the keyboard volume shortcut keys or on the Sound - System Preferences output panel.


The monitor has volume control, but even at only 1% I am unable to tune the volume to the desired level. I've attached a screenshot of the system preferences panel which has locked out volume controls. The Dell monitor firmware is M3B107.


Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 3:29 PM

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User profile for user: IvnGzmn
IvnGzmn
User level: Level 1
9 points

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 11:49 PM

Looks to be you are on the latest Dell firmware that was released last November. I had the same issue as you and was going through a few hoops to get it to work. I would see that adjusting the sound would work intermittently when connecting to my Caldigit TS3 Plus. Although I did not attempt to increase or decrease the brightness so I would not tell you if that worked.


I came across a GitHub project called MonitorControl an old 2018 MacRumors forum post that can be found here: DDC/CI, Mojave and Dell Monitor? So far the app has worked like a champ on my Dell U3419W connected via Thunderbolt USB-C to Thunderbolt USB-C cable with the CalDigit Thunderbolt hub in between. Also confirmed by connecting directly to the U3419W via the Thunderbolt connection on the U3419W monitor.


By the way this is on my Macbook Pro (16 Inch 2019) running Catalina 10.15.6. I hope this tip helps but. It makes my life easier when practicing coding at night and not having to fiddle with the darn buttons under my monitor.


Cheers!


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User profile for user: IvnGzmn
IvnGzmn
User level: Level 1
9 points

Sep 19, 2020 11:49 PM in response to bizringer

Looks to be you are on the latest Dell firmware that was released last November. I had the same issue as you and was going through a few hoops to get it to work. I would see that adjusting the sound would work intermittently when connecting to my Caldigit TS3 Plus. Although I did not attempt to increase or decrease the brightness so I would not tell you if that worked.


I came across a GitHub project called MonitorControl an old 2018 MacRumors forum post that can be found here: DDC/CI, Mojave and Dell Monitor? So far the app has worked like a champ on my Dell U3419W connected via Thunderbolt USB-C to Thunderbolt USB-C cable with the CalDigit Thunderbolt hub in between. Also confirmed by connecting directly to the U3419W via the Thunderbolt connection on the U3419W monitor.


By the way this is on my Macbook Pro (16 Inch 2019) running Catalina 10.15.6. I hope this tip helps but. It makes my life easier when practicing coding at night and not having to fiddle with the darn buttons under my monitor.


Cheers!


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MacOS unable to adjust system volume on Dell U3419W External Monitor built-in Speakers

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