Macbook Air Microphone Volume Very Low

I've got the same problem on my new 2011 13" MBA. FaceTime and iChat both show the problem. Not had a chance to test Skype yet but my guess is that it will demonstrate the same problem. I've resorted to using a earphones with a built in mic, but this is not satisfactory by any stretch of the imagination. I'm trying to get the MBA as wireless as possible.

Ally

Same problem on my recently purchased MacBook Air 13" i5 core. No microphone sound when using FaceTime so we have to use Skype.

Apple please correct.

Thanks.

Same issue (very low microphone volume) with my new 2011 Macbook Air 13". I bought it the first day they were available from Apple Store, but just tried FaceTime today. Volume not acceptable.

Looked at system preferences and slid slider all way to max... still not enough volume. I had to put my head to the side within a few inches of microphone before the sound sort of was loud enough. Tried ambient off/on and worse when had it off.

Just tested the sound with my niece's boyfriend new 11" model (he got about 1 week ago). Input volume on his unit is ideal. Sounds great. So not likely an Lion issue... likely something with my unit (and others based on this post and others).

I have yet to find any solution on the forum or support area, so will call Apple tomorrow or visit store to see if they can resolve the problem.

Yeah, my 2011 MacBook Air has the same low microphone volume issue in FaceTime as well.

So did you went to any Apple Store or find anyway to improve it at all?

Thanks

Gavin

Gavin: Just talked to Apple support on the phone. No obvious answer from them. Heading to local Apple store tonight. Will update post later once (hopefully) the issue is determined and corrected. Cheers, Grant

Tech at Genius Bar determined it was likely a bad mic part that needs to be replaced. None in stock at store, so he had to order in the part. Likely next week before it arrives. I will update post after "surgery" has been completed...

OK, that meens it's no a common problem due to the position of the microphone.

I have the same problem (very low microphone volume) and I'll try to get help from a Apple Service Provider next week. 😟

Hi Grant, hope you can find the issue in Apple store. And share with us... 🙂 Gavin

Issue has been resolved... "Surgery was successful" Apple store replaced the left mic/speaker component and all working perfectly now. Mic volume using FaceTime is working as expected.

By the way, there was no charge for replacing part since under warrantee.

Hi Grant, great to hear this good news... Then I'll go to Apple Store for it. How long does this surgery needed, I wonder? Gavin

Thanks for this Grant - it's great news. Hope the Apple store in Zurich can fix mine - even though it was purchased in the UK...

Ally.

Just to add one more; same issue with a 2011 13" MBA (Bought Sept 10th). Facetime mic audio from the MBA is very poor, low mic volume, mic cuts out. I guess off to the Apple store to have it repaired under warranty.

Thanks for the solution,

lepappl

I just received a new MacBook Air 13" five days ago, and same thing - people I speak to on FaceTime complain the volume is too low, despite the fact that it is on the highest setting. I had the the 11" Air and it did not have this issue at all.

I just bought my 13" MBA and was very disappointed when i realized I was experiencing this issue. I read in a different forum to try flicking the area of the microphone a few times. I tried it and cannot believe that it actually worked! Unbelievable. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about the quality of the microphone if it can be made to work by flicking it. I assume a similar jossle could make it not work.

Same issue with my recently purchased 13" MBA. Interestingly enough the problem only seems to be with FaceTime. When using iChat no one comlains about not hearing me. I was worried it was just due ot the placement of the mic. Glad to hear it is not, but I still can not understand why Apple put the mic on the side. If the screen is just too thin for the mic to fit, it seems they would at leat put it on the top surface near the top of the keyboard. This has been my only dissapointment with my MBA. Other than this, I love this computer.