1

I've got a 2013 MBP-Retina with Cinema and Thunderbolt Displays (1x each). It used to be that the default audio output was one of the integrated audio devices in a display, and I could control the volume from the keyboard (or the slider) as usual. However, somehow the system has gotten into a state whereby the audio indicators change with the keyboard, but the actual output volume does not. I can change the output volume for a specific device from system settings, but the system volume controls seem not to affect it.

What's going on, and how do I get back to normal?

Improve this question
3
  • I have several bugs open with apple where the audio stays with the internal speaker even when a thunderbolt or miniDP monitor is connected. Have you checked the sound prefs to be sure the system output is going to the Cinema Display currently?
    – bmike ♦
    Commented Feb 11, 2014 at 0:07
  • Yep, it's going there. I was able to get the levels set kinda in the middle, and then after a reboot the keyboard buttons seemed to set the overall system level, so I guess I can live with that. It just seems like the global volume control should always directly affect whatever the current device is.
    – Ben Collins
    Commented Feb 11, 2014 at 3:25
  • Aah - the system stores volume level(s) in NVRAM, so you might try clearing that and setting your preferred output levels. I could see you might have discovered a bug where the system reverts to internal levels after a reboot, not preserving (or perhaps preserving for too long) the settings for other sources?
    – bmike ♦
    Commented Feb 11, 2014 at 14:41

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

I had the same problem and was able to fix it by running this from the command line, which unloads the audio kernel:

sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext

When I load the kernel back up, as indicated in the link below, the problem comes back.

Also see "Restarting sound service?".

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .