volume fluctuation on macbook air

The "clack clack" sound you're describing would be the audio digitally clipping. The "feature" which this is supposed to be is raising the sound level to above 0db (digital max) and you get unpredicted results. "Unpredicted" in the digital-to-analog world here meaning snap crackle and pop.

PS: I'm preparing to return this laptop to Apple (meaning backing up and finding a replacement box and all that). It doesn't help to know that this is a software issue when all previous evidence points to Apple not fixing stuff like this. If they fix it later on, maybe I'll get an Air again (perhaps it'll even have retina and OLED by then 😉 ).

I have confirmed the REAL ISSUE SOURCE!

I was guessing if it is a software problem due to my similar experience with my Professional Audio Interface.

Appearntly, there is nothing we can do with the default driver in OSX. I checked out the SoundCard. It is an onboard kind of Intel HD(Not Realtek HD ALCxxx!) So, I tried to installed Windows 7 64bit under BootCamp to see if I can confirm the software issue.

Good news, after the installation of Win7 64bit with proper BootCamp Drivers. The sound plays PERFECT in any way. Therefore, Bang! The lack of SoundCard Driver is the majoy issue on OSX!

"Mr. Steve Jobs, getcha f**king a*s out of that grave. We needya kick some as*es! 😉"

I have returned the second one and waiting the third one, but now i´m not sure 100% what to do. I'm looking for alternatives...

Quantum Joe

This is a family forum, that kind of behavior is not allowed. 😊 Be considerate

As I told you before, this is a hardware problem so your third one is going to end up being the fourth one until such time that they actually replace the part of the hardware in the Airs. Quantum Joe claims he found a solution, I personally don't have the Air anymore because I returned it and got the Pro instead. So maybe try what he did but I still doubt it would fix the issue a 100%. Good luck.

Sorry about my behavior, I just want God to return Steve back ~~ (and if that would happen, I will give Bustin Jieber to the God instead. ... <--- kiding... : )

Indeed, I am not happy with what Apple did after Steve's gone.

I've never claim that I've got a SOLUTION for the problem. I was sharing a confirmation of the problem source.

As what I mentioned above, I've found out if I switch to Windows 7 and install all of the BootCamp Hardware Drivers. I have no problem with playing sound source without "clicking sound", which means the problem source is based on software, the driver.

Anyway, I now feel sorry I might have got people who have read my reply misunderstood.

I've just realized I was only talking about another issue from the MBP Air soundboard. I haven't got any physical vibration problem so far. So I may get it in the future due to other guys reply. Thanks for mention anyway. ; )

So, everybody who has a MacBook Air 2013 have this problem and don´t return it? I don't understand this. It is a very serious problem! We are talking about a 1500€ computer!!

Delievana

Re: volume fluctuation on macbook air

Oct 17, 2013 3:22 AM (in response to Cambyses)

So, everybody who has a MacBook Air 2013 have this problem and don´t return it?

no absolutely not. This is a room for those with problems. extremely few people have this problem

Mine works fine as do most everyone's

don't walk into an emergency room and assume "the whole world is sick"

Same here regarding this. most everyone never even heard of this occurrence much less have same

peace.

This issue is not present on my new MacBook Air 13" Mid 2013... This discussion has regressed into a separate issue / topic - it should be raised under it's own discussion to give it maximum visibility. My guess is the "crackling" and "popping" are inside your heads (brain farts)... seek medical attention and get outside ;o).

Good luck!!

Yeah yeah, we are using the Macbook Air wrong, right? 😉

I´m telling my experience, -my bad experience- with the new Macbook Air 2013. Nothing else. If you don´t have any problem with it, good. Better for you! But I have had the same problem with TWO of them, and i´m waiting the third one.

And yes, i want the maximum visibility for this problem, to prevent people and review their computers. I´m sure that many of them don´t know they have this problem.

Regards

Don't listen to the people that are saying there is no problem with it. As you mentioned many people are not aware that the problem exists with the Air. If you go to Garage Band and record something and replay it, you will hear the fluctuation problem clearly. And Apple does not want to acknowledge the issue because the recall could potentially cost them millions of dollars and a lot of unhappy customers.

Apple released a patch for the volume fluctuation issue months ago. This thread should be archived

I don't think so because if that was the case the patch should have been available with the Air that I got like a month ago. There was no patch and at any rate I was told by Apple reps that it was a hardware problem. I returned mine and got the Pro.

Here's a screenshot of the update from July where apple fixed the volume fluctuation issue. Go look at page 12 or 13 of the discussion where everyone is discussing the issue being resolved. My Air had the problem but the update fixed it. https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/274933040