MBP: No audio output on Philips 346P1CRH using USB-C cable (DisplayPort over USB-C)

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Level 1

9 points

MBP: No audio output on Philips 346P1CRH using USB-C cable (DisplayPort over USB-C)

I have my MacBook Pro 16'' (2019) plugged into my new Philips 346P1CRH using the included USB-C cable which provides DisplayPort over USB-C. Display, charging etc. is working fine.

The only problem is, I can't get my sound output from the monitor to work. I have some Logitech Speakers plugged into the monitor's 3.5mm audio jack. Using my PC (running Linux, connected over normal DisplayPort cable + USB UP) everything, including audio, is working fine.

As I said, on the MacBook Pro, audio is not working. In the sound preferences, the monitor is detected as an audio output device. However, when switching output to the monitor, I get "The selected device has no output controls":

Also, entering the Audio MIDI Setup settings and trying to modify outputs or the "Format" doesn't change anything:

Am I missing some driver installation or maybe the connection of another cable to my MBP?

Thanks in advance!

Posted on May 18, 2021 7:49 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

markbolton

Level 1

4 points

May 28, 2021 9:04 PM in response to i_rina

I finally found a fix: "MonitorControl" https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl

It's a handy little dmg that uses my monitor's DDC controls to create a totally functional menubar control with brightness and volume. It brought Audio Output back to the monitor's headphone jack. I am very happy. Also works through keyboard shortcuts.

"Control your external monitor brightness, contrast or volume directly from a menulet or with keyboard native keys."

Looks like it's still not working with M1 Macs, though. Hope it does by the time the new M? MacBook Pros.

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Answer 2

Jeff_W.

Community Specialist

May 19, 2021 10:37 AM in response to felix_lynus

Hey Felix_Lynus,

Thanks for posting your question about your audio issues in Apple Support Communities!

It seems as though your Mac is detected the audio output but not sending the audio to the speakers. There are several things you can try in order to resolve this issues. First, you can try resetting your Mac's SMC. You can find steps on how to reset the SMC in this article: How to reset the SMC of your Mac.

Second, you can try booting the Mac into safe mode to see if the audio connects and plays through there. Steps on how to boot into safe mode are found in this article: Start up your Mac in safe mode.

If those options do not resolve your issue then it may be a compatibility issue between the USB-C adapter and the Mac that you have connected.

Best Wishes.

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Answer 3

felix_lynus Author

Level 1

9 points

May 21, 2021 9:44 AM in response to Jeff_W.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Unfortunately, none of them worked :(

I tried:

SMC reset by pressing the power button for min. 10 seconds, while the MBP is in a powered off state.
Start up the MBP in safe mode by holding the SHIFT-key during boot.

Both of these options tried with the USB-C cable provided by Philips with the monitor.

Then, I decided to buy the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MQ4H2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb%E2%80%91c-cable-08-m) and give it a try. But the issue persists, also after re-trying steps 1. and 2. from above.

In save mode, there is no audio output device shown at all:

Any other suggestions?

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Answer 4

May 21, 2021 6:06 PM in response to felix_lynus

I just need to reiterate everything the original poster stated: originally, the Mac>USB-C>Dell monitor>Audio Out worked great! The we got the the macOS 11.3.1update. My speakers no longer work. I also attempted many fixes and spent hours on the phone with Apple and Dell (U2721DE) . If I connect my wife's MacBook Air (USB-C, macOS 11.3) everything works fine. Hence, I conclude that the problem is either the 11.3.1 update, my 2019 16" MacBook Pro, or the combination. My $500 new monitor no longer serves as an audio hub.

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Answer 5

i_rina

Community Specialist

May 31, 2021 5:49 AM in response to felix_lynus

Hi Felix,

If the other options haven't worked for you then it may be best to try contacting Apple Support to see if they have any additional troubleshooting steps. You can contact them using this link: Contact Apple Support.

Take Care.

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Answer 6

i_rina

Community Specialist

May 23, 2021 5:43 AM in response to felix_lynus

Hey Felix and Mark,

If the suggested troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue for either of you then the next step would be to run first aid on your startup disk. You can find steps for running first aid in this article: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility. If the problem still isn't resolved by running first aid then you can also try contacting Apple Support to see if they have any additional troubleshooting steps or steps to resolve any issues with MacOS. You can contact them using this link: Contact Apple Support.

Take Care.

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