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LookToWindward

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2015
281
23
Hi,

I've noticed on Mac Pro 5,1 that the sound through the internal speaker is not very loud compared to a 3,1. Is this a known "feature" on all 5,1's or is it just this one?

Thanks a lot
Dave
 

bax2023

macrumors regular
Nov 14, 2023
124
158
Serbia
For the start, reset the NVRAM to eliminate settings issue.

Before startup chime, hold buttons below until you hear chime 2nd time.
mac-how-to-reset-nvram-keyboard.png
 

RumoredTone

macrumors member
Nov 12, 2004
55
6
Do you use external speakers as well? The volumes for different sound outputs can be set independently in the Sound system preference. You can raise the volume for "Internal Speaker" while leaving "Line Out" at a different level for your external speakers.

My 5,1's internal speaker is perhaps a bit quiet too, but I can't remember if this stood out as quieter than the 3,1 I had previously. I use external speakers, so the startup chime is usually the only time I hear the internal speaker. I actually appreciate that I can set the volume to a minimal level separately for the chime.

Hope this helps!
 

Macschrauber

macrumors 68030
Dec 27, 2015
2,979
1,487
Germany
Test the internal speaker with the OS, Control Panel Sound, switch to internal speaker and set to play feedback when changing volume. This should get so loud until it hurts a bit. If not, the speaker may is gone south

internal speaker of the Mac Pro is that loud that it hurts a little when it does the boot chime at 100% - but I am very sensitive to loud noise.
 

LookToWindward

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2015
281
23
I'm only using the internal speakers at the moment and I've checked the Sound Prefs and tried what you say both on 3,1 and 5,1, the 3,1 it quite a bit louder than the 5,1- I'm playing the same Youtube vid on both machines.

The 3,1 is as you describe, it hurts my ears a little

I have installed an Brave Browser Extension that boosts the volume and I have to take it to around 180% - 200% on the 5,1 before they are roughly equal in volume
 

h9826790

macrumors P6
Apr 3, 2014
16,656
8,587
Hong Kong
I'm only using the internal speakers at the moment and I've checked the Sound Prefs and tried what you say both on 3,1 and 5,1, the 3,1 it quite a bit louder than the 5,1- I'm playing the same Youtube vid on both machines.

The 3,1 is as you describe, it hurts my ears a little

I have installed an Brave Browser Extension that boosts the volume and I have to take it to around 180% - 200% on the 5,1 before they are roughly equal in volume
If you can boost the volume to the same level, then most likely it's software issue. Otherwise, no matter how you boost, the hardware can't exceed its max output.
 
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LookToWindward

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2015
281
23
If you can boost the volume to the same level, then most likely it's software issue. Otherwise, no matter how you boost, the hardware can't exceed its max output.
Yeah, look that way. Just don't understand why the 3,1 is so much louder
 
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