MacBook M4 sound quality feels cheap after Tahoe update

Hi everyone,

I recently updated my MacBook M4 to the new Tahoe macOS version, and I noticed something strange with the sound quality. Before the update (on Sequoia OS), the audio had decent bass and depth — overall it felt rich.

But after updating, the sound now feels flat and cheap, almost like the speakers lost their bass response. Even while watching YouTube or playing music, it doesn’t sound the same at all.

Has anyone else experienced this issue with the M4 MacBook after the Tahoe update? Is this a software-related problem or just how the speakers are tuned now?

Any insights would be really helpful.

Thanks!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 12:13 PM

Top-ranking reply

DawnrayDust

Level 1

26 points

Posted on Sep 22, 2025 8:23 PM

Downgrade to Sequoia, ran the same setup using the UMK-1 calibrated microphone, and the measurement came out what I expected without EQ:

Teal is Tahoe, and Yellow&Pink are Sequoia. So there seems to be some sort of audio issue on certain setups on macOS Tahoe.

Staying on Sequoia until this is fixed. :)

[Edited by Moderator]

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21 replies

Oct 9, 2025 10:17 PM in response to Macboymzp

Same here, seems to specially affect the right speaker with high pitch sounds, impossible to enjoy a movie like this

Nov 1, 2025 4:17 AM in response to Macboymzp

When can we expect Audio Routing to multiple devices (headphones, monitors, etc.) for Mac users (or those considering one in the future), and what similar flexibility is available in Windows?

Nov 25, 2025 3:37 AM in response to Macboymzp

same problem since the update, the volume is less loud and the sound is of lower quality (Mackbook pro M4)

Nov 28, 2025 5:16 AM in response to Macboymzp

Here's the culprit me thinks....

drag the ParrotAudioPlugin driver to the bin, then go into the bin and immediately delete it, then reboot. Hope it works for you 🎶

[Edited by Moderator]

Jan 6, 2026 7:26 PM in response to Macboymzp

YAY!

problem solved..... finally.... just keep updating.... ;-)

Jan 7, 2026 8:51 PM in response to yorick208

community guidelines prevent me from talking about beta updates

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MacBook M4 sound quality feels cheap after Tahoe update