2018 Macbook Pro 15`Inch Crackling Speakers

Apple recently released a second High Sierra update to 10.13.6 for the MacBook Pro's released in July 2018. (The first one dealt with the throttling issue.) That should be available on the App Store for those MacBooks only. It appears to have solved the issue for some of the users that have reported on it.

I've gone through the Security Update 2018-002 'receipts' from the install. It had a ton of bridgeOS files in the update so my money's on this one introducing the issue... If you have automatic updates from the app store turned on than it would have installed itself sometime around the last day of October or first few days of November... (If you got your machine before then... If you bought it after I'd guess there's a good chance it came pre-installed.)

If you want to verify if it's installed on your machine use the "Go to folder" option in Finder's "Go" menu.

Paste in: /var/log then look for the file install.log

Copy and paste the file to your desktop then open it with text edit. Use the search function in Text Edit, (CMD+F)

and paste Security Update 2018-002. 

If you don't have automatic updates on than you might see it more than once. Look for the line that says starting download of ... Security Update 2018-002.

So far the consensus on MacRumors and most forums is bridgeOS is the culprit. (This also explains why I can roll back and no longer have the issue...)

If you have a backup prior to the update being installed you might try adding a new partition or APFS container and restoring to that volume, then setting it as the startup drive and stress testing it... (Do not wipe your current volume. Seems a number of people have had issues removing their original volume then trying to clean install their OS...)

Anyway, would be curious if anyone else finds this works for them...

I installed Mojave from scratch and problem disappeared. Not upgrade. Just from scratch.

I've been having the same issues when I'm using my computer by itself. (2018 MBP i9, 32gb ram, 1tb hdd) No bluetooth devices or usb plugged in. BUT!

When I'm working from my studio I have it plugged into a external usb audio box and it NEVER HAPPENS.

Link for the box I'm using is below. This isn't a fix for the problem when you're trying to use the laptops speakers but does lead me to believe that if you use a external audio interface you may not experience any issues.

https://www.amazon.com/Peavey-3001370-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B004A4PSEU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peavey+usb&qid=1547740596&sr=8-1

Yes. I just upgraded to the beta version of Mojave and my speakers have not crackled since; however, I have lost functionality of some of my software until they are updated.

None as of yet however I have contacted apple and they are aware of the issue. Update should be coming soon to fix this. Workarounds for temp fixes are to open activity monitor and kill 'coreaudiod' or to use a pair of bluetooth headphones not wired headphones. Which the AirPods are so hence no crackling sound.

1. go to Activity Monitor and search for “coreaudiod.” Select it, then use the gear icon in the tool bar and click Quit. 2.use the Audio MIDI Setup app. Go to Audio MIDI Setup > MacBook Pro Speakers. Change the format from 48khz to 44,100hz to reset core audio.

-maybe it will resolve.

I'm copying this from another forum site and another poster. Please post feedback on whether this patch has solved the issue. Maybe I'll put in an order for a new Macbook Pro after all!

I had the same trouble too, cracking speakers, with my first replacement. Apple yesterday released an update 2 software for 10.13.6. I am testing the story with the new update. I open Pro Logic X, then I listen to iTunes, I change frequencies in the MIDI. EVERYTHING seems NORMAL now. I am testing this for the first day, I will continue listening while I write.

Perhaps Apple solved the problem with this new update. Cross fingers!

Luis in Madrid.

I've already been through this. I spent a month going back and forth with engineering about this. No resolution yet...

Speaking from the experience of wasting a month expecting Apple to do anything, I'd recommend anyone who wants this addressed to call Apple support ASAP, then ask for Customer Relations. Once you get Customer Relations on the phone tell them you want to file a complaint.

They'll ask for your case number. They may ask you to sumarize the issue, why you're filing a complaint, etc. When you're done giving them the summary be sure to tell them you want to submit files to support your case, then send stuff in like video or screen captures you've recorded of the issue happening.

I've been following a ton of these threads, the only thing that's going to get them to look at the issue sooner than later is to file complaints... Logging the issue with support clearly hasn't been working.

It look like the speakers crackling has solved in latest mojave beta.

You could try it.

I purchased the 2018 MacBook Pro 15” 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 16 GB 2400 MHz DDR4 about 2 weeks ago to record music and general purpose computer work. I particularly like the bigger 15 inch screen for my work. I also experienced a repetitive crackling sound while streaming video and audio from various streaming sites (xfinity tv, Sirius, iTunes) soon after bring it home. I returned the 1st MacBook Pro to the Apple store, was told by the salesperson they had not heard of this issue and was given a replacement. Upon setting up the 2nd MacBook Pro and streaming audio I discovered the 2nd unit had exactly the same issue. After 30 minutes or so of listening to music the periodic crackle would start. I found that I could temporarily stop the noise by going into the Audio Midi Setup app and changing the bit rate from 44,100 Hz to 48,000 Hz. The noise would stop for awhile and then return. I too am confused as to what to do next as I like the computer but I am afraid I will be stuck with a lemon once the 14 day trial period is over for me to return it. I found this video online which shows exactly the noise I am hearing. https://youtu.be/AyPzhk3CkIY

I returned the 2 2018 models to apple and bought a 2017 15” macbook pro at best buy and so far it doesn‘t have the crackle.

All the Apple rep needs to do is take a new Macbook Pro 15’ out of the box and set it up to listen to some streamed audio. In an hour or so the audio should start crackling as the 2 new ones I experienced did.