Q: FaceTime making strange clicking sound since OS X 10.10

AppleCare escalated it to their engineers, who are telling the rep I'm working with that it's a hardware issue. I find it somewhat dubious since it only affects FaceTime (?). Although considering Apple has replaced the logic board on this early 2011 MacBook Pro twice, I shouldn't be surprised.

I am planning on getting a new laptop this year with my tax return, I doubt I'll be buying another MacBook.

UPDATE:  After two logic board replacements, the issue still persisted in my early 2011 15" MBP.  They were going to replace the speakers, but I never got around to testing that out, as the computer kept having other issues, and the GB ended up giving me a new computer (to replace a nearly four year old machine!!!).  Right when I was starting to get frustrated with Apple, they go and provide amazing customer service.  So I'm sorry I can't tell you guys whether or not a speaker replacement would have done the trick, but I'm glad to have a brand new machine.  Still a fan of Apple, even though they haven't figured out that this is likely a bug.  They'll figure it out eventually.  Look how many people have viewed this article and posted to it!!  Hang in there, folks.  It will be resolved!

I'm glad to hear you got resolution, happygodavid.

I have this same issue with a late 2011 MBP.  It seems to affect things when using the built-in mic and speakers at the same time:  FaceTime, Continuity with iPhone calls, and just today on a GoToMeeting session sound was cutting in and out.  Got the popping if I tried to adjust the volume.

Calls used to work fine.

Please fix this Apple!

Well problem solved I think. Took the Mac BookPro to Apple and asked them to junk Yosemite and reinstall Maverick. So far no problems with face Time.

I am having the same issue with facetime crackling an popping while trying to make calls.  I am running 10.10.1 and 8.1.2 and the issue remains.  Any help on who to contact or potential solutions to this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Same issue here, it is really very annoying. I have an early 2011 MacBook Pro 15" 2.0 GHZ i7  running  OSX 10.10 and my IPhone 5 is running iOS 8.1.2. I would be really glad if that issue could be solved soon!

Just heard back from the rep I have been working with.Their engineers said it is a known issue with this specific model range (early 2011 MBP) and is being "investigated."

Apple's engineers recommended one of two options: buy a new machine with a new(er) audio setup, or wait for a software update.

As much as I like my MacBook Pro, it looks like I'll be getting that new Surface after all.

What an arrogant reply, sure go out and drop another $1500.00 on one more apple product. I had a similar experience with Volkswagen several years ago when the a/c just quit. Took the car to the dealer and in a typical dealer attitude they informed me it was a simple fix! Don’t use the a/c or buy a new unit, needless to say that was it for VW.

So I've read through most of this, and I don't see an actual answer.  Apple has actually told people to get a new computer?  So every four years we need to buy a new computer?  That's a little much.  My computer runs just as fast as a new computer.  Aside from not having USB 3.0 and a retina display, it will hang with my roommates 2014 Mac Pro all day long (I upgraded to a Crucial SSD and have 16GB of RAM).

So can someone here at Apple give us a satisfactory answer, please.  I'm looking for something along the lines of, "We understand your frustration, and yes, this is a problem that is due to our designing of this feature and it obviously is not a hardware issue since it only is affected when making calls paired with an iPhone (i.e. not Skype or regular Facetime calls)."

Ending with the most important part... "We have people working on this problem for you, and we will let you know when we have a patch for this issue worked into one of our updates for you." 

I'd love to see that.  I'm proud of my computer and it's integration with my phone, and I use it those functions often.  Not only does it personally affect me when my call suddenly is filled with popping sounds and the other person not hearing me, but it really kills my sales pitch to others around which usually revolves around the statement, "You get a Mac and/or an iPhone instead of the other guys product because Apple products simply work the way you'd expect them to, every time."

Is customer service being neglected? A simple acknowlegment by Apple would go a long way in restoring confidence in the corporation and products. Between the frustration in trying to make appointments with the Genius Bar and this on going problem my confidence is waning with Apple. Let’s face it, Apple command a premium price for their products with this they used to have outstanding customer service are we witnessing the nickel and dime the customer attitudes being displayed by the management? I hope not!!

I have the same issue, Apple any resolution??

The same thing here. I have Late 2011 MacPro

Same problem here: MBP Late 2011, latest Yosemite, iPhone6 latest iOS !

With new entries on this subject every second day what will it take for Apple to simply acknowledge the problem and offer a solution to it’s loyal customers? After installing Yosemite and immediately realizing this was a huge mistake I looked for answers to reverse the mistake. First reaction was to call Apple thinking that if anyone would have a remedy it was them. Wrong! My conversation with them was pleasant but yielded little in results to the problem. In fact I sensed a touch of denial to the well documented situation. When I mentioned the amount of responses of people having the same issue the answer given in response was less than stellar. Apple even went so far in saying that this was the first time they heard of this problem! Obviously they fail to check this site. Ok, not much in the way of a solution being offered I resorted to common sense. Maverick = no problem normal functionality, Yosemite = problems with some functions namely Face Time solution get the later operating off the computer and reinstall Maverick. Bazinga Face Time is full operational and performing as designed no snap, crackle, pop!