No audio on LG display via USB-C

Question

Level 2

453 points

No audio on LG display via USB-C

I just picked up an LG 27UD88 display for a MacBook. The monitor supports USB-C and claims to support audio over USB-C. The MacBook is connected solely via the supplied USB-C cable.

MacBook powered & charging? ✅
Video working? ✅
Display USB hub working? ✅
Audio working through display speakers? ✖

The MacBook definitely sees the LG monitor as an audio output device. System Preferences > Sound > Output lists two options

Internal Speakers (Built-in)
LG Ultra HD (DisplayPort)

However, when the LG is selected, there is no audio. Volume level on the display is maxed.

Any suggestions?

Posted on May 6, 2016 6:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

xywh

Level 1

4 points

Feb 10, 2017 5:07 PM in response to dianaliverman

How? I have tried multiple sets of speakers and headphones - my Mac, like the original poser, recognizes the LG Ultra HD as an output device - but it says "the selected device has no output controls." It does not play through anything I connect to the audio jack.

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Answer 2

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Mar 11, 2017 1:11 PM in response to Apple Chao

The OP's monitor had no speakers. So, if you have the same problem, no built-in speakers, then the solution is obvious.

Otherwise, you should start your own posting with specifics of your issue, instead of adding to an issue that was resolved a year ago.

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Answer 3

hero182

Level 1

14 points

May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

Could you check if the monitor actually has speakers built in? I was considering this monitor, too, but i think it only has a 3,5mm speaker out (which could refer to the option "internal speaker").

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Answer 4

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

May 14, 2016 3:23 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

The technical specifications for the monitor make no mention of a speaker.

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Answer 5

Kevin O'Shea Author

Level 2

453 points

May 14, 2016 3:22 PM in response to Kevin O'Shea

You both figured it out (a day after I did). Despite the controls prominently controlling volume and a lot of other audio related items in the menus, it all only refers to the headphone jack.

Live and learn.

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Answer 6

Kevin O'Shea Author

Level 2

453 points

May 14, 2016 3:31 PM in response to hero182

FYI, I returned the monitor and went with the Acer H7 instead. It's not 4K, but unfortunately the 4K isn't especially helpful on a Retina MacBook unless you want everything really small (running in native resolution) or really big (effectively 1080p in the 'enhanced' mode). If you want a normal 27" resolution (e.g. 2560 x 1440) from the LG, you can do it, but it's using their built-in scaler and it's pretty fuzzy.

The Acer is native 2560 x 1440, does have speakers (not that they're fantastic or anything) and also has another side benefit for me - the sleep/power light isn't nearly as bright as the LG, which really stood out in a dark room. Neither is anywhere near as nice as an Apple display, but oh well...

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Answer 7

Oct 15, 2016 9:53 AM in response to Kevin O'Shea

You can plug any decent speakers into the back of the LG monitor audio port and it works fine. Am getting great audio on my small Bose speakers this way.

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