MBA 2020 - Audio distortion at high volume (try with a video)

[whoisfederico]

I have a problem that's making me crazy. I returned a MacBook Air because the sound of a song was distorted at maximum volume from the left speaker.Now I've received the new MacBook Air (also 2020) but this time it even seems to come from both speakers the distortion. I'd like some help to understand if I got two broken Macbooks or it's a common problem: start this video watch and the first 5 seconds you'll hear (at full volume) the distorted notes.
Can you hear the first five seconds perfectly without distortion?
Thank you guys for all your help!

 

[James Pearson]

I've got the same on a 16" 2020 Macbook Pro.

This fixes if for a while:

Reset the SMC of your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

The SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

support.apple.com

It has come back 3 times so far, but that resolves it each time... hope this helps until Apple stores reopen

 

[whoisfederico]

I've got the same on a 16" 2020 Macbook Pro.

This fixes if for a while:

Reset the SMC of your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

The SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

support.apple.com

It has come back 3 times so far, but that resolves it each time... hope this helps until Apple stores reopen

I tried to reset it but unfortunately it didn't work. I can't tell if it's a hardware or software problem, and if all MacBook Air have it.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

If the sound of every song is distorted then I'd say there's something wrong - overall, the audio system should be designed to play the typical song at full volume without distortion. However, when you say "a" song, then it's possible that the recording of that song is at fault.

Ultimately, it's possible to push any audio system to distortion. The question is whether you have to push hard to make it happen, or it happens at more moderate settings. And, of course, a recording that contains distortion is always going to sound distorted.

 

[whoisfederico]

If the sound of every song is distorted then I'd say there's something wrong - overall, the audio system should be designed to play the typical song at full volume without distortion. However, when you say "a" song, then it's possible that the recording of that song is at fault.

Ultimately, it's possible to push any audio system to distortion. The question is whether you have to push hard to make it happen, or it happens at more moderate settings. And, of course, a recording that contains distortion is always going to sound distorted.

I tried that song on Apple Music and YouTube and the problem is the same. On other songs I don't particularly notice this problem. But I notice it on voices when I transfer an iPhone call to the Mac, for example.

 

[James Pearson]

I'm waiting for the Apple Store to reopen (in the UK) to deal with mine. in the meantime I've used Sound in System prefs to only use the left speaker (which is fine for me)

 

[Gaelle]

I have a problem that's making me crazy. I returned a MacBook Air because the sound of a song was distorted at maximum volume from the left speaker.Now I've received the new MacBook Air (also 2020) but this time it even seems to come from both speakers the distortion. I'd like some help to understand if I got two broken Macbooks or it's a common problem: start this video watch and the first 5 seconds you'll hear (at full volume) the distorted notes.
Can you hear the first five seconds perfectly without distortion?
Thank you guys for all your help!

I have the same problem on my macbook air 2020!
Did you find a solution?

 

[Aayush Ambekar]

yes I have it too plus mine keyboard rattles whenever there's a distortion

 

[TOnMac]

Same issue, MBA M1 2020, distortion originates from resonating keys at certain frequencies. Very noticeable on piano pieces.