Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

2013 Macbook Air 13" Microphone Input Volume Issue

I just got the 13-inch Mid 2013 MacBook Air with 1.3 Ghz Intel Core i5, 4GB DD3 Ram and 256 GB SSD.

I am using a Bose MIE2i Mobile Headset with it.

I have no trouble using the microphone on my iPhone 5, but when I connect the same headset to my macbook air, the microphone volume is very low. On Facetime Calls, Skype calls, it is really hard for the other person to hear me.

I have increased the Microphone volume in System Preferences all the way, but it has not helped either.

Is there a software fix for this or will I have to go into a service center to get this checkout?

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 22, 2013 6:00 AM

38 replies

geode858

Level 1

5 points

Sep 13, 2013 4:38 PM in response to aggarwal.achal

Hi guys!

I've got good news, it seems like Apple was aware of this issue after all! The latest OS X 10.8.5 update fixes the microphone input volume issue! I've tested it with my Klipsch S4i and it seems to work fine without holding down any of the buttons!

One thing I noticed is that noise reduction is no longer available available for external microphone inputs. The previous workaround I posted which requires you to hold down the volume button allowed me the option for noise reduction in the "Sound" panel under "System Preferences".

Nevertheless, it works alright but background noise can be heard. Hope this helps!

You can get the update from the Mac App Store under the "Updates" section or you can manually download the update from here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1676

Cheers!

Sep 13, 2013 6:47 PM in response to geode858

Downloading now!

Sep 14, 2013 1:06 AM in response to aggarwal.achal

Confirmed. 10.8.5 fixes the issue.

Sep 14, 2013 7:47 AM in response to aggarwal.achal

Yup, fixed here, too! Hooray.

Raemahn

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2014 2:35 PM in response to aggarwal.achal

This does NOT work for me. I have a BOSE headset with mic (single button) that works on my iPhone but not on my MBA 11" 2013 running OSX 10.8.5. I plug in the headset while holding down the button and it doesn't change from the Internal port to the External Microphone. Is anyone else still having this problem?

alfst

Level 1

0 points

Mar 20, 2014 9:33 AM in response to Raemahn

I have the exact same problem that you have, Raemahn. 2013 MacBook Air with Bose MIE2. The cheap Apple earpods are working perfectly fine. I will not switch to them just because Apple restricts fantastic third party headsets. This is ********. Apple should not do stuff like this. I can't believe they did this on purpose. Does anybody know if this is a problem on MBP as well?

Jul 18, 2014 7:37 AM in response to alfst

I still have this issue on a 2013 Mac Book Air / OS X10.9.5 freshly installed and a just bought Noontech Zoro HD. Fortunately the trick by geode858 does work, but it looks so weird there is still no serious fix by Apple.

Mar 28, 2017 9:37 AM in response to aggarwal.achal

test

2013 Macbook Air 13" Microphone Input Volume Issue