MacBook Pro Retina Sound Issues

I have the same exact problem on my base Retina MacBook Pro. It's very annoying and it didn't do it before I upgraded to Mountain Lion.

I also have this problem. It happens so frequently I almost have gotten used to it... until I realize what's happening and then I get really angry/frustrated. I don't like to listen to music/ watch YouTube videos like this. Please fix it!

Mine was doing this very infrequently, but then tonight it was doing it every few seconds while I was listening to music. I thought it was Spotify, so I quit and relaunched, but it was still doing it. So then I switched to iTunes, and the sound persisted. It's like a crackling sound, or a little pop. Really annoying. I'm two months into owning this computer, and the amount of problems with it are staggering.

I have the same problem, any fix for that?

Same here

Same issue here. Just paid $4,000 for this thing. The audio problem is ridiculous, isn't apple suppose to be making the best quality products out there??? I'm returning immediately.

Same probelms here too.

The same issue occurs on my Macbook too. What a shame Apple!

I had a similar but probably much worse case. Every time the sound card went to start up, (starting the computer, starting a YT vid, adjusting the volume with alerts on, etc...) It would begin with a LOUD pop!

I took it back and got a new one (exchanged laptop)... Not before the 'genius' claimed to have fixed it by restarting the rMBP with some keys pressed down. (he did not fix it whatsoever and made an embarrassment of himself)...

DEMAND PERFECTION. Don't take no for an answer.

Good luck everyone.

I've also had this problem with my macbook, however in my case im 99% sure its to do with the graphics card. When ever my macbook is using the 'lesser' intel HD graphics 4000 it is constantly crackling, however when it's using the Nvidia 650m graphics card, there are no problems with sound whatsoever.

Since it changes automatically, I downloaded gfxcardsatus and change it manually each time i listen to music.

Hope this may be of some help!

I have the exact same experience as pyemcg. The integrated graphics causes crackling and popping in audio and the discrete graphics works fine.

Im terrifyed right now. I just got home, sat down and plugged my headphones into my Mid 2012 MacBook Pro Retina to start producing some music. As fast as I adjusted the volume on the MB a loud noise was heard in the right ear. I played a song in iTunes to discover that the sound was slightly distorted and very noisy in the right ear while you could hear the music normally in the left ear. I switched between an additional pair of headphones and a pair of speakers but got the same result. I checked the preferences and rebooted the MB without any luck.

I have two theories why Im having this problem. Earlier today I plugged my computer into a soundcard via 1/8 RCA-cables, allowing me to play music through my schools monitors. The soundcard had Phantom Power enabled but I disabled it quickly when I realized. The cable I used was also a bit dodgy, it was noisy and didnt work properly. Could this malfunctioning cable or the fact that I Phantom-powered my MB have fried my AUDIO JACK?! I contacted my teacher but he said that this cant be the reason for my issue.

My other theory, and this is the one I beg to be the reason behind the problem, is that a software update caused the issue. A couple of hours ago I updated my MBs software. I dont remember what kind of update it was though, probably quite a few since I havent done it for a while. I read on some forums that people have had problems with the retina MB and the sound after certain updates. Could this be the reason?

Im frustrated, frightened and very eager to make some techno. Any help or tips would be eternally appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!

/Anton

I actually posted a question like this too. Before Mountain Lion, I hadn't had any of these crackling issues. Even when I play music really softly, I hear crackling and whatever. It's really annoying. I know I didn't blow these speakers because I don't play music loudly. (And even if I were to, shouldn't MacBooks be able to hold up?) What the heck.

I've also had this issue since recieving my Retina MacBook Pro. I automatically updated it to Mountain Lion, so I have no comparison. Maybe if enough people comment we'll get a fix at some point.

I got mine with mountain lion already installed as well. The computer has been working like a charm ever since two days ago. I still have the problem with the sound. The issue occured after I updated OS X 10.8.1 to 10.8.2! What system does your computer run? Could it be a software issue with the 10.8.2 update maybe?