Level 1

28 points

Distorted speaker on brand new M1 MAX and not sure how to go about getting it fixed.

I just bought a customized MacBook Pro 16in M1 MAX. On the 3rd or 4th day of using it, the left speaker started making a distorted blown speaker sound. Seems like it's triggered by lower bass sounds. I have reinstalled the software, among other things that the forums have said for speaker issues and nothing is working. I know I can get a replacement since I'm still in the 14 day window, but I can not be without a computer for a month since that's how long it says it will be to get the configuration I need. I would like to know if anyone else has had this issue. Seems like they will not allow me to keep the computer until the new one arrives, so my only option is to see if they can fix it at a Genius Bar the same day I guess.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Dec 16, 2021 3:26 PM

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russmagnuson

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Feb 20, 2022 3:00 AM

Same for me, but my tale is even more juicy: I purchased another M1Pro (14") and had my office handle the repair for the original system (since it could become an upgrade for a staff member). The system was repaired by Apple (description said ribbon cable replacement, but I suspect it was the speaker assembly).

Since I had previously suspected mechanical related issues I have been picking up my new system very carefully (two hands, one on each side).

However, after a few weeks I was holding the phone in my right hand and without thinking about it, picked up the MacBook with my other hand on the left side and heard the same little squeak/pop/tick noise I had heard previously on my original system--except it was the right side on that system, and within minutes I now had the same buzzing issue in my left speaker.

Apple: You have a serious mechanical defect in the design of the new cases. Under certain conditions the case is flexing just the right (wrong!) way breaking something loose near or with the speaker.

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46 replies

ujwal98

Level 1

8 points

Feb 9, 2022 11:56 AM in response to eltondeluxe

I am facing similar issues. I have this macbook pro 14inch for 2 months. My right speaker is cracking when the output frequency is between 30Hz-60Hz. I tried reinstalling the Mac OS. But that didnt work too.

Feb 9, 2022 1:50 PM in response to Entacmaea

I am planning a visit to my not-so-local Apple Genius on February 21. Hopefully, they will OPEN my 16" MacBook Pro M1 Pro and examine the LEFT speaker -- perhaps something is loose. God forbid I need to send it back to Apple for 5 days! I'll report back when I know something.

Feb 20, 2022 11:37 PM in response to russmagnuson

I'm heading in to an Apple Store Monday, but MYSTERIOUSLY, the buzzing has STOPPED. I haven't made any software changes (I'm still on Monterey 12.2), and I had even reproduced the problem with the MacBook startup sound. But now -- no buzzing.

Can anyone else that is having this problem recommend a good test on YouTube, or a piece of music that might highlight the issue?

Feb 27, 2022 3:04 AM in response to russmagnuson

russmagnuson wrote:

Assuming it the same mechanical issue I have seen now on 2 (!!) M1Pros, it's possible it's just not (current) buzzing by way of whatever mechanical interference going on. You can probably pinch/flex the case and have it return (or stop, when it is buzzing).

I'll see if I can upload a video of it here, showing how I could start/stop the buzzing sound (see link: https://youtu.be/pkI-IUYxJSo).

Best of luck -- this is a real significant design issue with the new Macs.

This sounds different from my issue. I have a distorted, short sound that occurs when listening to music or videos through the MacBook's speakers. It's not a constant sound (like in your video), but more like a short "fart". Super annoying. I'm kinda unhappy with my MacBook now and don't know how to solve it.

The premium seller I got it from even analysed the parts and couldn't find a hardware issue (and says they happen to not have heard the sound I described). Took it back home and the sound is still appearing every now and then. Now I don't know what to do anymore.

sevesp

Level 1

8 points

Mar 3, 2022 12:26 PM in response to eltondeluxe

Hi.

I have a new MacBook Pro 14, M1 Pro and also have distorted sound. At first, I though it was the sound effects on the series I was watching on Apple TV+ (Invasion) and I have realised that it is the laptop, as the sound is ok on my TV.

When I use wireless earphones on the laptop, the sound is ok.

San

Mar 6, 2022 10:18 AM in response to Community User

Wow, this was super helpful! And same here - the Dickinson show was crackling and some songs on the Music app. The change in frequency worked perfectly.

(Kind of disappointed though that this was an issue on opening the Mac)

Jan 23, 2022 3:20 AM in response to russmagnuson

Or perhaps it has become detached (or loosened) from something internally.

Feb 9, 2022 1:28 PM in response to ujwal98

Exactly ujwal98, it is my right speaker as well. Will Apple eventually pick up on this issue and respond to this thread, or is that wishful thinking?

Mar 15, 2022 6:39 AM in response to Rueckkoppler

However, I didn't run tests on macOS Monterey 12.3. I'll let you know if this one changes something.

Mar 16, 2022 2:51 AM in response to Rueckkoppler

Rueckkoppler wrote:

However, I didn't run tests on macOS Monterey 12.3. I'll let you know if this one changes something.

It did not. And my frequency under Audio-Midi-Setup is already at 48k.

Mar 25, 2022 3:54 AM in response to Stephen Greenfield1

So did they fix it? What happened? I’m having same issue with my 16 inch m1pro, left speaker buzzing with bass, internal speakers only. Sending it in to Apple.

Mar 25, 2022 6:35 AM in response to Starfix

It didn’t.

Apr 1, 2022 11:20 AM in response to Starfix

It hasn’t. MacOS 12.3.1 no change. Sending it into Apple when it’s backed up.

bikeman5

Level 1

62 points

Apr 1, 2022 12:01 PM in response to Kevin Scott Key

wow that seems odd only dust. best of luck to you

bikeman5

Level 1

62 points

Apr 1, 2022 12:05 PM in response to Rueckkoppler

look at your serial # that will tell you if it is a new machine, let us all know if it was the same or different. best of luck lets hope if it is a problem they will recall and fix all of our macs

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Distorted speaker on brand new M1 MAX and not sure how to go about getting it fixed.