Audio cutting in and out on mac mini 2018 external speakers

I have a 2018 mac mini that is running Sonoma 14.3. I have external bluetooth speakers (M-Audio). The audio keeps cutting in and out for less than a second each time (only on bluetooth). Does not happen with Mac Mini internal speakers. Im running hardwired into the internet (no WiFi). Is it the speakers or the bluetooth. How do I test the bluetooth? Very annoying.

I reset the PRAM

Changed the internet cables

Replaced the audio files in the library

Posted on Jan 30, 2024 8:54 AM

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

92,512 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2024 9:06 AM

Poorly shielded USB cables, drives and other devices can also cause Bluetooth interference.

see > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

To make matters worse, the Mac mini's wireless antenna is built into bottom cover which makes it even more prone to a weak signal and interference from poorly shielded cables, drives and other devices.

The first thing that I recommend, is to remove USB cables, drives and devices one at a time, to see if one of those is causing the issues. My second recommendation is to rearrange the cables, drives and other devices, so that they are not in-between the Mac mini and the Bluetooth speakers. Another option if possible, is to stand the Mac mini on its side or in a side stand with the bottom facing the direction of the Bluetooth speakers.

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Audio cutting in and out on mac mini 2018 external speakers

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