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lnikj

macrumors member
Jun 10, 2012
63
36
The guy who told be the unit was being replaced, also told me they escalated the issue to the engineering team. All he could say was that they are looking into audio issues like this, and are looking at a possible firmware fix. He also said to expect the new unit to have this issue. lol. I asked if there was any way to track the issue with the engineering team. He said no and they could only do it internally, and the issue was not in the public domain, yet.

Shameful. It is at best unethical that they continue to sell computers with a fault (that they have known about for 6 months). It ought to be illegal to sell them without a warning.
 

Howard2k

macrumors 603
Mar 10, 2016
5,672
5,587
Shameful. It is at best unethical that they continue to sell computers with a fault (that they have known about for 6 months). It ought to be illegal to sell them without a warning.


6 months? Did you mean to post this reply in July last year? :)
 

tehStickMan

macrumors 6502
Jul 19, 2018
341
157
Australia
Well I'm waiting on my third unit, so I'll report back on that front.

The second unit had worse speaker hiss than the first. The other issues like glitching and popping remained.
 

Sonic

macrumors regular
Aug 4, 2006
206
63
getting this more regularly after the security update in High Sierra. Apple Care as usual want me to erase my HD and reinstall from scratch. frustrating.
 

zedsdeadbaby

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2016
145
64
getting this more regularly after the security update in High Sierra. Apple Care as usual want me to erase my HD and reinstall from scratch. frustrating.

Installed it on a new partition to test it before downloading to my working volume, noticed this too...
Recommend people do the same... Create a 30 gig new partition and clean install High Sierra on the new partition and use Internet Recovery to instal to that new partition. (Shift+Option+CMD+R installs the OS that came with your machine. Unfortunately, this won't install earlier versions than Security Update 002).
Boot into it then install the new security updates and test...

Also, I hate sounding like a broken record but File A Complaint with Customer Relations...
And when they get to the part of their spiel about "submitting feedback to Apple" tell them your feedback is too long and ask to send them a written statement of feedback.
(This is where my case is now... I'm submitting a lengthy written document outlining to issue with PDFs of every thread I can find, then submitting all of it to the Customer Relations agent.)
 
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mylittlepwny

macrumors member
Apr 5, 2018
52
27
I have a 2018 15” MBP w/ i7 & 560X and I have only ever heard the macbook speakers crackle when playing Cities Skylines and the game is really stressing the system. No other application makes the crackling sound, even ones that push the system as hard. It is not so bad that I want to return it, just an occasional crackle under heavy load.

I had a problem with speaker hiss out of the headphone jack at first when I setup my eGPU but I traced the problem back to my monitor’s built in speakers. External speakers (with better electrical isolation) don’t exhibit the problem. Don’t forget to check everything, even speakers and monitors that work fine with other systems.
 

tehStickMan

macrumors 6502
Jul 19, 2018
341
157
Australia
My 3rd MBP (vega20) just arrived. Exactly the same issues.

I've now had:
  • 3x MBP2018 15in
  • 1x MBP2018 13in, with all the issues, but I think some of the crackling/distortion was fixed in update. It has hiss definitely, and still bugged audio
  • 2x 2016 MBPs I encountered in Apple shops
  • MBP2017 15in that had hiss
7 our of 7 recent MacBooks have some form of audio issue. 4 out of 4 2018 models.

Either I'm extremely unlucky, or 100% of 2018 line is affected in some way, and people just can't hear it.
 

bevsb2

Contributor
Nov 23, 2012
4,938
14,972
My 3rd MBP (vega20) just arrived. Exactly the same issues.

I've now had:
  • 3x MBP2018 15in
  • 1x MBP2018 13in, with all the issues, but I think some of the crackling/distortion was fixed in update. It has hiss definitely, and still bugged audio
  • 2x 2016 MBPs I encountered in Apple shops
  • MBP2017 15in that had hiss
7 our of 7 recent MacBooks have some form of audio issue. 4 out of 4 2018 models.

Either I'm extremely unlucky, or 100% of 2018 line is affected in some way, and people just can't hear it.


Since you believe that 100% of 2018 MacBook Pros are affected, it seems that requesting multiple replacements would meet Einstein's definition of insanity.
 
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Premal212

macrumors regular
Jan 26, 2017
249
127
London UK
My 3rd MBP (vega20) just arrived. Exactly the same issues.

I've now had:
  • 3x MBP2018 15in
  • 1x MBP2018 13in, with all the issues, but I think some of the crackling/distortion was fixed in update. It has hiss definitely, and still bugged audio
  • 2x 2016 MBPs I encountered in Apple shops
  • MBP2017 15in that had hiss
7 our of 7 recent MacBooks have some form of audio issue. 4 out of 4 2018 models.

Either I'm extremely unlucky, or 100% of 2018 line is affected in some way, and people just can't hear it.

I want to try them out in the store, there's actually quite a bit of destructive testing I want to do on them. See what is what. But yeah agreed, I have had faults on all mine, apart from the 2016 MBPs, they didn't have the coreid overload, that just crashed whenever I did something heavy with the graphics like using illustrator
 

duckrabbit

macrumors member
Jun 21, 2012
54
0
On my machine (Vega 20), I've noticed that there's an audible crackle whenever changing volume with both built-in speakers and headphones.

However, if I launch a DAW (either Logic or Propellerhead Reason) this stops occurring. As soon as I quit the app, the issue returns.

Not sure what's happening...
 

zedsdeadbaby

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2016
145
64
I have a 2018 15” MBP w/ i7 & 560X and I have only ever heard the macbook speakers crackle when playing Cities Skylines and the game is really stressing the system. No other application makes the crackling sound, even ones that push the system as hard. It is not so bad that I want to return it, just an occasional crackle under heavy load.

Mojave or HS? And how long are you playing for?

A lot of people, (including myself), find the same behavior. The issue doesn't show up unless continuously playing sound for about an hour. I can make the issue show up in any application that plays sound as long as I leave sound playing continuously for an hour or more... I'm not finding CPU impacting the issue, I can just have iTunes playing, nothing else and the issue will kick in after about an hour of music playing. As soon as I quit all applications it goes away for another hour then comes back.

I also notice that if I have iTunes playing but hit pause before the issue starts, it resets whatever "timer" causes the issue to kick in. Then it's another hour or so wait before I see the problem again. For me it's been consistent to the point of predicting when it starts...

Not saying your machine's behavior isn't different, especially if you're on Mojave... There are a lot of users though who describe the issue starting after an extended period of time, many of which also find CPU isn't influencing whether the issue shows up. This may be what separates HS's behavior from Mojave's...

I had a problem with speaker hiss out of the headphone jack at first when I setup my eGPU but I traced the problem back to my monitor’s built in speakers. External speakers (with better electrical isolation) don’t exhibit the problem. Don’t forget to check everything, even speakers and monitors that work fine with other systems.

Are you using thunderbolt for audio? With an interface the behavior may be different. AFAIC though the real issue is that this insanely expensive laptop has issues with its own hardware, hardware that's part of the price tag... Incredibly unethical..
[doublepost=1549159126][/doublepost]
On my machine (Vega 20), I've noticed that there's an audible crackle whenever changing volume with both built-in speakers and headphones.

However, if I launch a DAW (either Logic or Propellerhead Reason) this stops occurring. As soon as I quit the app, the issue returns.

Not sure what's happening...

I see this too. Even on the restored volume I mentioned a page or two back where the issue has mostly gone away... Although the bursts of distortion, (what most people call crackle), are gone I do get weird little pops when adjusting the volume.

Also get pops when playing back short 'one shot' audio samples in a wave editor, typically when the sample finishes playing. Makes editing audio pretty frustrating... It's not due to sounds not fading to the zero crossing either, I've checked...
 
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loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,880
1,507
I also notice that if I have iTunes playing but hit pause before the issue starts, it resets whatever "timer" causes the issue to kick in. Then it's another hour or so wait before I see the problem again. For me it's been consistent to the point of predicting when it starts...

I had the same thing happen when using High Sierra. When the crackling occurs after about 45 minutes of playing music (almost exactly to the minute), I hit pause right before or when the crackling sound happens, then immediately hit play again, and it plays for awhile and then comes back. Maybe a caching problem or buffer issue?

I went to Mojave, and so far it "seems" to fix that issue (not totally sure still). I think it might be a T2 issue, but when I talked to Apple support, they (of course) did not agree. Again, they said that updating will probably resolve the issue...but...currently, I prefer High Sierra due to some software I use.

UNLESS someone sues Apple, this probably will not be taken care of.

I am not a big supporter of being "sue happy", but if apple knows about the issue (and will not fix it for High Sierra), then that might go against some consumer laws about working when bought "out-of-the-box" policy. Not an acceptable solution to "just update".

If apple released the MacBook Pro 2018 later with Mojave, probably there may not be a case of the crackling since it is "sum-what" fixed so far with Mojave updates. I personally am glad that they released this model with High Sierra due to still some 32-bit support, but they should at least fix High Sierra also.

You cannot tell me (apple) that it is not fixable in High Sierra. Mojave is an extension of High Sierra. It might also (thought) to be something with the "snapshot" backup or something with the new format. But...nevertheless, they should fix the issue regardless. Why do they think they are not obligated to fix this? $4,000 plus laptop...?
 

tehStickMan

macrumors 6502
Jul 19, 2018
341
157
Australia
On my machine (Vega 20), I've noticed that there's an audible crackle whenever changing volume with both built-in speakers and headphones.

However, if I launch a DAW (either Logic or Propellerhead Reason) this stops occurring. As soon as I quit the app, the issue returns.

Not sure what's happening...
Heh, yeah, this is the 'audio pop and crackle' thing.

Try it on youtube video, while spamming the volume. The volume feedback stream will get muted at points, and the youtube audio stream will get massively garbled.
[doublepost=1549238942][/doublepost]
Since you believe that 100% of 2018 MacBook Pros are affected, it seems that requesting multiple replacements would meet Einstein's definition of insanity.
If 100% of products are affected, that would warrant a total product recall. But zero word from Apple so far.

I mean, if you wanna buy possible entirely faulty products and put up with it, that's your prerogative.
 

Howard2k

macrumors 603
Mar 10, 2016
5,672
5,587
I had the same thing happen when using High Sierra. When the crackling occurs after about 45 minutes of playing music (almost exactly to the minute), I hit pause right before or when the crackling sound happens, then immediately hit play again, and it plays for awhile and then comes back. Maybe a caching problem or buffer issue?

I went to Mojave, and so far it "seems" to fix that issue (not totally sure still). I think it might be a T2 issue, but when I talked to Apple support, they (of course) did not agree. Again, they said that updating will probably resolve the issue...but...currently, I prefer High Sierra due to some software I use.

UNLESS someone sues Apple, this probably will not be taken care of.

I am not a big supporter of being "sue happy", but if apple knows about the issue (and will not fix it for High Sierra), then that might go against some consumer laws about working when bought "out-of-the-box" policy. Not an acceptable solution to "just update".

If apple released the MacBook Pro 2018 later with Mojave, probably there may not be a case of the crackling since it is "sum-what" fixed so far with Mojave updates. I personally am glad that they released this model with High Sierra due to still some 32-bit support, but they should at least fix High Sierra also.

You cannot tell me (apple) that it is not fixable in High Sierra. Mojave is an extension of High Sierra. It might also (thought) to be something with the "snapshot" backup or something with the new format. But...nevertheless, they should fix the issue regardless. Why do they think they are not obligated to fix this? $4,000 plus laptop...?



I’m running 32 bit apps on Mojave.
 

loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,880
1,507
I’m running 32 bit apps on Mojave.

My reason too, but this might be a lost cause because apple has given plenty of warning that 32-bit apps will have issues or stop working when Mojave matures or is the last OS is work with 32-bit apps.

My 32-bit app that is most important to me is an apple (older) product that they have made clear that they ended any support for it. So I am out-of-luck.
 

8SlaiN8

macrumors member
Sep 16, 2018
69
22
My reason too, but this might be a lost cause because apple has given plenty of warning that 32-bit apps will have issues or stop working when Mojave matures or is the last OS is work with 32-bit apps.

My 32-bit app that is most important to me is an apple (older) product that they have made clear that they ended any support for it. So I am out-of-luck.
it shouldn't affect you in any way. In fact, some of apple's own apps or system elements are 32bit
 

loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,880
1,507
it shouldn't affect you in any way. In fact, some of apple's own apps or system elements are 32bit

I use iDVD that has issues with metal 2 and has become non-fuctional with every Mojave update.

iDVD is old....yes, but I have clients who still use hard media (non-U.S. countries).

Apple made it crystal clear that they have no thought period about or care any longer about hard media (cd,dvd, blu-ray etc.). Goes against their business plan. Understand...but they axed the technology too early. Many non-U.S. countries still use it, even in 2019.

Not everyone desires or wants all cloud or streaming base internet dependant service. As an option of many is good...but not the only and forced because Apple had a "beef" with Sony back in the day.

Anyway, no good third party alternatives. myDVD and others apps look like kid toy stuff and does not compare to iDVD. Awesome app in the day, but sadly had its day.

All of that said, I have little hope beyond High Sierra to be able to use any of my 32-bit audio stuff with the 15" MacBook Pro 2018. Have to use older systems for it. Tried VMWare etc., but audio issues occur in simulation apps. :(
 
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Krubbadoo

macrumors member
May 29, 2015
36
8
To anyone not sure about how to test the speakers buzz , bursts or crackling, here is what I did to reproduce it every time:

I am a pro audio User and use among other DAW's Logic Pro X.

- Open Logic pro X
- In the audio preferences put your latency buffer size to 64 Samples.
- Load an Alchemy Patch (heavy one) Instrument track
- Put a Hi CPU reverb as an insert. (Chromaverb)
- Record let's say 8 bars of this sound
- Loop this 8 bars and play it back

While playing the track (let it be in Record Armed mode), Open youtube and play a video.

The buzz should happen but beware of your speakers volume as it could blow them!

This is of course on the internal speakers as a sound output device @ a 44.1 Khz sample rate

I returned my 6 core 2.6 after experimenting this as an accident (looking at a Logic Pro X tutorial while my Logic Pro was open)

Was able to reproduce the loud bursts (LOUD buzz sounds) and sample rate sync error messages each and every time.I am pretty reluctant to buy anything T2 related after this...


I can't believe I sold my 2015 Quad 2.5 4 core for this machine... :(

Good luck everybody.
 
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alexballvideos

macrumors member
Mar 11, 2017
78
50
Has this been fixed with the 10.14.3 Supplemental update? It seemed pretty hefty at 900MB+ just for a FaceTime fix?

I just picked up a quad-core 13 Pro Yesterday (I mainly do FCP X and Lightroom). Waiting nervously now on while a custom order 15-inch Vega 20 comes.

Have been trying to get any pops or crackles with no luck today??? play music from Spotify and iTunes for over an hour, all g
Opened Logic Pro X up and followed Krubbadoo instructions ( I think, I haven't used Logic for ages). Tried with Headphones also...

Ha ha, ohh ****, literally after typing this I get random popping in headphones just swiping the mouse around with the youtube website, its like rollover states on links/buttons are triggering the pops. Can't get any playing videos as yet
 

loby

macrumors 68000
Jul 1, 2010
1,880
1,507
Hoping this supplemental update will fix the issue..? Anyone know so far?
 

Marketh

macrumors regular
Jul 21, 2018
134
122
Manchester, UK
Has this been fixed with the 10.14.3 Supplemental update? It seemed pretty hefty at 900MB+ just for a FaceTime fix?

I just picked up a quad-core 13 Pro Yesterday (I mainly do FCP X and Lightroom). Waiting nervously now on while a custom order 15-inch Vega 20 comes.

Have been trying to get any pops or crackles with no luck today??? play music from Spotify and iTunes for over an hour, all g
Opened Logic Pro X up and followed Krubbadoo instructions ( I think, I haven't used Logic for ages). Tried with Headphones also...

Ha ha, ohh ****, literally after typing this I get random popping in headphones just swiping the mouse around with the youtube website, its like rollover states on links/buttons are triggering the pops. Can't get any playing videos as yet
I agree the supplemental update seemed suspiciously weighty to just include a Facetime fix. There's no change in T2 firmware, but (wishful thinking) I would love Apple to give us detailed release notes.
 
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