My MacBook Pro audio is very muffled. Any fix-it ideas? Thanks.

Hi jscoyle,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. Do you notice the muffled sounds while using certain apps or is this happening at all times? You can try adjusting both the input and output audio settings on your Mac as this can help resolve your issue. Check out the links below.

Change the sound input settings on Mac

Change the sound output settings on Mac

Keep us posted on the results.

Thanks.

Hi jscoyle,

Do you use any accessories such as a case? If so, does the same happen without those items? It might also help to test without any peripherals such as external monitors, speakers, hard drive connected. That will rule out those as impacting the sound.

Next, try starting in safe mode to see what happens there. Since safe mode prevents some software from loading, it can narrow this down a bit further. To access safe mode, use the following guidance is from How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support.

"Apple silicon

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

Intel processor

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.
2. Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac. 
3. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see ”Safe Boot” in the upper-right corner of the window."

All the best.