For the most part, I have never had a problem with OS X. However, that changed with the recent 10.4.10 Tiger upgrade. The new operating system update powers off the external audio ports when not in use. While this may sound like a good idea, in practice it causes problems. Amplified audio speakers and headphones create an audible snap, crackle, or pop whenever audio begins to play and repeat the sound 30 seconds after the audio stopped. This can easily become annoying when only the occasional new mail notification or contact list sign on bring your speakers to life.
I’m now regretting updating my MacBook, as the sound is enough to drive me insane. Hopefully Apple fixes this issue soon, but to ensure they do, I’m asking for your help. If you’re affected by this new audio power management change, send Apple a quick feedback message. The more people who submit feedback, the more serious Apple will consider this issue. In the mean time, I recommend constantly playing iTunes with the sound muted. It’s not the perfect solution, but it allows me to keep my sanity.
23 Comments
I was wondering why my iMac had started powering off the audio. It’s been annoying the hell out of me too. I wonder if there’s a way to disable that feature?
Unfortunately, not yet.
I now get popping when nearby electrical devices are operated too! Running Rogue Amoeba’s “LineIn” (Input: Silent; Output: default; Pass Thru active) does at least solve the popping problem. Unfortunately this temporary “fix” doesn’t help the fact that my UVC webcam is no longer showing up as an audio input device (so no Skype). There are enough audio-related reports in the Apple support Forums for Apple to take notice.
Well, I’m sure Apple is aware of the audio issues; I’m just not so sure they consider it a critical issue. I’m hoping they release a 10.4.10b within the next week instead of making us wait for 10.4.11 or (gasp) Leopard.
Not sure if you saw this fix by youngman yet Ronald but you can copy over the AppleHDA.kext from 10.4.9 to resolve the issue. Worked for me but YMMV.
No, I didn’t see the fix. Apple has been deleting / locking threads related to the audio issue, so it’s been a pain to track. Thanks for making me aware of that.
Ron I tried the AppleHDA.kext swap before resorting to LineIn as above. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me so as Shaun says your mileage may vary; the problem is apparently not as simple as one would hope.
Did you install it via the 10.4.9 Combo updater using Pacifist? That’s what I’m in the process of doing now. I’ll be sure to let you know my results.
Exactly.
How about deleting System/Library/Extensions.kextcache and Extensions.mkext then rebooting?
Bugger… must have missed that bit. However, I have now done so but the popping persists. By webcam mic is still disabled too
Looks like I’ll have to revert to 10.4.9—not a problem since outside the US I can’t order an iPhone anyway (it requires 10.4.10 apparently).
Hmm, reverting back to 10.4.9′s AppleHDA.kext didn’t help my popping either. Well, it was worth a try. Back to bugging Apple.
Why would they do that? But I’ll refrain from updating my iBook then…
Probably because there are so many people complaining about the issue that most of the threads are getting out of hand.
Forgot to ask, since I got a PowerPC iBook would the issue still be there as well? Or is this just for Intel MacBooks?
I believe it’s limited to Intel Macs, but don’t quote me on it.
Just to confirm, doing an archive and install to revert to 10.4.9 has resolved the audio popping and restored my USB audio input. I will stay at 10.4.9 unless they release 10.4.11 – in which case I will wait a week or two to see if it is safe to “upgrade”.
Stumbled across your thread while googling for “apple audio pop fix”.
It is amazingly annoying. Frankly I’m pissed that Apple hasn’t resolved this yet, though I’m sure they’re spending all their time on that over hyped, over rated, over priced iPhone. Who ever came up with this idea to “safe power” should be fired. Has the entire QA/Testing department been fired? Oh, probably not, they’re just too busy with the iPhone. Next thing you know they’ll be charging us for the fix!
Er, meant “save power”, it’s getting late.
re:”I will stay at 10.4.9″
Not if you want an iPhone to work with your Mac. It requires 10.4.10. That’s how I got fucked. I normally don’t upgrade for a few weeks or so for a shake out but the iPhone crew insisted.
Now we’re all part of the happy 10.4.10 family.
Thankfully mgabrys that’s not an issue for most of the world, since the iPhone is a USA-only toy. It won’t be available here in NZ for at least a year, which should give Apple plenty of time to fix the popping problem—and meantime all you American beta-testers can help them debug the iPhone so it’s a better device by the time we get it
Apple just put out an audio update which fixes the popping issue. Yah!
Hi
I just bought an iPod Touch and it seems like I have revert from 10.4.9 to 10.4.10… I have an iBook G4 what would you say I should do?