Location of Mic on my Macbook Air

I am looking for the physical location of the mic on a 2020 MacBook Air M1.

I don't need to know where the controls are!

I want to see if there is something obstructing mic.

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Apr 18, 2024 8:27 AM

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Posted on Jun 12, 2024 7:24 PM

There are three microphones on that model MBA. They are located on its left side beneath the keyboard. There are no holes. There is nothing to obstruct.

6 replies

Jun 12, 2024 7:51 PM in response to Dannymac22

Now, that Apple link quoted above points to the chassis above the F8 key.


That illustration is not applicable to your model. It may be correct but I have not personally verified the location on the new MBAs. There are no holes as such on either model though.


Also, I have to ask, if there are no holes, how does the sound get in?


Conduction. Holes are not a strict requirement given the integrated design of the MBA. None of them have ever had any holes as such, since their primary function has always been for FaceTime audio and similar purposes. If you are in need of studio quality audio, podcasting, etc you will want to use dedicated external microphones.


Are you having trouble with audio input? Needless to say, never cover the keyboard with anything. The same air conduction required for sound input is also necessary for proper ventilation.

Jun 12, 2024 7:39 PM in response to John Galt

Thank you. I've seen other people say the same, about the left side. Now, that is NOT what is pointed at in Take a tour: MacBook Air - Apple Support, Also, I have to ask, if there are no holes, how does the sound get in? Without holes, the keyboard chassis is going to mute any sound. Yes, the chassis itself is the obstructor. Oh, BTW, mine is an M2 Air. Maybe it's different than for the M1?


Now, that Apple link quoted above points to the chassis above the F8 key. But maybe the mics are under the chassis there, and the sound gets in from the gap between the screen and the keyboard up top?

Jun 13, 2024 8:16 AM in response to John Galt

Hmm. Very interesting. Thank you. No, I'm not having any issues with audio input using the internal mics. But, I'm a little surprised that conduction works so well, because even if the metal chassis conducts well, it is attached to all sorts of stuff that will damp vibration. It is also a little peculiar that Apple doesn't seem to want to document this location.

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Location of Mic on my Macbook Air

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