volume fluctuation on macbook air

I'm starting to believe that this is far more widespread than we think it is. With the number of people getting replacement units that have the same issue I think that this is probably a problem a majority of people are having, it's just that the majority of those people aren't noticing.

I felt like such a nut on the phone to some senior Apple bloke today saying "I'm not imagining this, damnit! Just Google 'Volume Fluctuation MacBook Air, I'm not crazy!". 😟

I really hope that they find that this is a software issue. I've just got my replacement unit and it has the exact same issue. It was CTO direct from Apple. Can you imagine how much this will cost them if it is in fact a hardware problem? Also, if hardware, what could it be? Speaker connection or?

Just want all to know that the BOOM application I have installed is still working well at correcting this problem. I have now watched several videos from various sources and applications, and none of them manifest the problem with BOOM installed and turned on. In fact, I own the "The Life of PI" and when watching in iTunes without BOOM on, the volume drops at the 4:29 mark. Once BOOM is back on, no fluctuation. Nice thing about BOOM is not only does it help boost the paltry volume of the MacBook Air, but it also allows one to pick a custom EQ setting for the mac (similar to EQ on the iPhone).

All of that said, I think the volume fluctuation is a software issue that will need to be addressed by Apple. If it were hardware, iTunes music player would also manifest the problem which is currently not the case for me. I had thought of taking my MacBook Air in for a return since I am still well within the 14 day period, but based on the experience of many who have done so, it appears the replacement models have the issue as well.

That's somewhat positive to hear.

On a side note, has anyone tried the latest Preview of Mac OS X 10.9 or the current beta of Mac OS X 10.8.5 to see if they fix the issue (not that you're actually allowed to talk about it but perhaps you could hint)?

I've been unable to track down any release notes for 10.8.5 to see if it mentions audio / volume issues on the 2013 MacBook Air.

I have used my mid 2013 MacBook Air with the latest version of OS X 10.9 and the problem is still there.

Hi from Hannover @sebastianfromberlin

Thanks for the feedback on the current developer preview of 10.9. That's unfortunate. I've not yet installed Windows 7 under Bootcamp, perhaps someone could test that as well or has someone already tried that?

Nothing abnormal for hardware from graphics card stress test

This is fairly ridiculous at this point. I am on my second Air, both have the volume problem and both have the photoshop problem. Does anyone know if Apple has even acknowledged anything yet? They really need to acknowledge the issue and let people know they are trying to fix it.

As it stands I'm going to take this one back and try one more time on another Air. They did a lot of things right with the Air, but a few things wrong.

Actually...Boom seems to have fixed my audio issues also.

Watched 2 movies without any sound fluctuation.

Nevertheless...Apple needs to open up their eyes and recognize this as a isssue!

Shouldn´t have to buy an app for $7 to have a core function work properly!!

This makes me think it is indeed a software issue (bug?) within OS X....

Anyone else tried this app, What were your results?

https://itunes.apple.com/app/boom/id415312377?l=en&mt=12

Check this video... volume drop all the time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-ycQufrgK4

Boom solved my problem as well. I was going to replace mine. But I think now I will keep one I already have. But Apple need to solve this soon.

MAJOR UPDATE

So I went to the apple genius bar today and asked him about the problem. He said that it was recently noticed by apple and APPLE HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A SOFTWARE ISSUE. He informed me that Apple hopes to patch it by the next update but if not it will still be as soon as possible. So there you go, everyone keep your macs

I am on Windows 8 via Boot Camp and I can tell you that the issue is not present at all.

it's a software issue, and I hope Apple will fix it soon

Today my bag strapped broke and it fell to the floor; despite the MBA 13" being in a sleeve inside the bag, I have a slide dent on the right edge. This is worst than any volume fluctuating, so yeah, now I just need to go lick my wound.