Low volume/sound output...

Question

Level 2

230 points

Low volume/sound output...

After applying the updates (iTunes(6.02) & OS X (10.4.4)) the volume on my iMac seems to be a lot lower than it was before. I now have to turn the volume up more than half way to get the same output I used to get when the volume was only turned up a quarter of the way.

Has anyone got any ideas please???

Things I have checked/tried so far:

* Reset PRAM

* Checked output volume in applications (mainly iTunes - also turned off sound check which is working by increasing the volume but that doesn't help because it was on before all the updates and the volume was louder)

* I'm running my own speakers via the headphones socket, checked the connection which is fine

* Checked the volume on the external speakers which has always been near Max

* As a last resort I have tried repairing permissions etc but the volume is still LOW

Really appreciate any input.

Thanks

-rvx

iMac 17 G4, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Jan 14, 2006 8:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 15, 2006 5:09 AM in response to rvx

Ok, don't suppose any of you other iTunes users have experienced this??

Reply

Answer 2

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 15, 2006 1:18 PM in response to rvx

Ok so far I've found that AAC files play at a louder volume compared to MP3's and that sound check doesn't work correctly.

Reply

Answer 3

Groove

Level 1

0 points

Jan 16, 2006 1:58 PM in response to rvx

I'm having the same problem. I, also, recently downloaded the updates for iTunes (6.02) and OS X (10.4.4). I just downloaded music from itunes music store, and really noticed the problem when playing music on my ipod mini and over airTunes. I, also, checked the preferences in iTunes. I'm planning on calling Apple for ideas. If I learn of something I'll list it here.

Good luck.

Reply

Answer 4

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 16, 2006 2:09 PM in response to Groove

Hey, thanks for posting, I know it's not right but at least I know I'm not the only one having this problem.

Reply

Answer 5

Groove

Level 1

0 points

Jan 16, 2006 2:25 PM in response to rvx

Yeah, I've been browsing the discussions, and there are other problems associated with the new update for iTunes. Hopefully, Apple will be posting a new update that corrects the problems. I saw a couple of other postings that had similar sound quality problems. I didn't want you to think you were alone in this.

Reply

Answer 6

jonboyd

Level 1

0 points

Jan 16, 2006 4:58 PM in response to rvx

You can count me as another person who's been noticing this since I updated to iTunes 6.0.2. I play iTunes out to my stereo, and I've got to crank it to "45" to get the kind of volume I usually got at around "35" -- so it seems as if things are playing approximately 33% quieter.

Reply

Answer 7

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 16, 2006 5:29 PM in response to jonboyd

Yes, I would say that is about right too... 33% reduction in volume.

Reply

Answer 8

Jan 17, 2006 5:48 AM in response to rvx

i am getting this too...I was listening to iTunes, then switched to my streaming Sirius and almost blew an ear drum

does anyone hear static/popping on iTunes? I dont get it on Siruius no matter how loud I put it but iTunes is scratchy

Chaz

Reply

Answer 9

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 17, 2006 6:01 AM in response to Chaz The Phoenix

I don't get static/popping as such, only when running multiple programs and safari when scrolling it stutters a bit for some bizarre reason, but the volume thing is really bugging me right now more than that.

Reply

Answer 10

yyz

Level 1

0 points

Jan 17, 2006 9:28 AM in response to rvx

yes i'm glad its not just me. How can apple release an update to one of their most popular software during macworld week and have it to be so lame!! Sound *****!! Get with it apple!! Fix this ASAP! Or maybe this new version is for the new intel chip machines and they are pulling a microsoft scam on us!!

Reply

Answer 11

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 17, 2006 2:15 PM in response to yyz

Well I hope it's not because of the intel switch... I doubt it though, because the iLife apps are supposed to be "Universal".

Reply

Answer 12

yyz

Level 1

0 points

Jan 18, 2006 10:23 AM in response to rvx

why isn't apple fixing this problem? Get with it and respond to people's complaints. The main reason i use apple machines is because of the customer service and now i'm getting ******. I have itunes on all day as my background music in my cafe and we have to adjust the volume for every song, How **** retarted is that!! get to work on this now..

Reply

Answer 13

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 18, 2006 11:12 AM in response to yyz

That's not good if it's affecting your business. I really don't know what else I can try to fix this problem. Hopefully the next iTunes update won't be too far away!!!!

Reply

Answer 14

Jan 20, 2006 10:06 AM in response to rvx

i have found that if you go to the equalizer and maunally adjust the pre-amp on the left, it will get louder

this is in addition to the sound check and music enhancer and volume...you CAN get it almost as loud as before

chaz

Reply

Answer 15

rvx Author

Level 2

230 points

Jan 20, 2006 10:27 AM in response to Chaz The Phoenix

You can but when you listen to an MP3 it's way too loud. 😟 Shouldn't have to change any equalizer settings really. There's definitely something wrong just hope they release a fix soon. It's irritating especially if you're listening to tracks on random and some are AAC and some are MP3 volume is ALL over the place.

Edit: Thanks for the info though Chaz it's helpful nonetheless........

Reply