Mac Mini :: Intermittent Audio Dropout - CPU Load?
Jun 13, 2012
I recently purchased a new MINI (2.3, i5, 2GB RAM) and I am totally disappointed with the performance. Specifically, I am fed up with the terrible audio stability. I have a MOTU Ultralite MK3 Hybrid and generally use the Firewire interface, but this problem also happens when I'm just using the internal audio. I've never experienced this before on any of the MINIs I've had (this is my third) nor on my old G4. Now, on what should be the best of the lot, I can hardly stand to listen to anything while trying to do anything else on the computer. Even simple things like opening a JPG in Preview causes the audio to cut out when the file is being opened. Virtually every move interferes with the audio and causes a dropout. It is worst of all when using any kind of browser and trying to have a YouTube video play in the background while surfing on another tab. I used ot be able to do this all the time without dropouts on my last Mini, but this thing seems to have a serious CPU bottle neck and I don't know where to even begin to try to find out what's going on. I'm really heart broken by this because I am not working and spent money I can't afford to replace my last computer and now I'm stuck with this junky thing that can't even play an MP3 and open a JPG at the same time. It's like the whole process of dealing with multiple threads has been trashed somehow. What happened with these new MINIs? Am I the only person having this problem? Why can't my computer deal with ANY kind of multitasking without crapping out on the audio? It shouldn't be like this. It wasn't like this before.
Info:
Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 2 Replies
ADVERTISEMENT
Aug 2, 2005
When I make a slideshow with music in iDVD, it plays fine on my Mac, but after burning the DVD, there is a short audio dropout at each transition between photos when I play the DVD on my home DVD player. Am not sure if this is a player problem, or what I can do to get around it.Your answer can be technical.
View 1 Replies
View Related
May 20, 2012
I have owned my MacBook Pro since June 2010, and have always used a pair of independently powered (via adapter) external Dell speakers for audio output. Since upgrading to Lion about 1 month ago, I was having intermittent audio issues, which were resolved by re-starting my computer (not ideal but it worked). Today, the speakers just stopped working. The internal speakers work, but when I plug the externals into the headphone port, they don't produce sound. Earbuds in the same port also don't work (but the earbuds are good). The external speakers are being recognized by the sound panel in system preferences.
Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 1 Replies
View Related
Jul 4, 2012
I have a MacBook Pro 2012 (Lion) and am connecting to my monitor via the mini displayport and a VGA adapter. This worked fine for a while, but now is intermittent. It's not the cable or the monitor as I have tried with several and get same results. The port works fine with an Apple monitor and no adapter. I've seen several threads on this, but no solutions other than starting up with monitor plugged in which I've done.I updated the OS and it worked fine yesterday, but today not working again.
Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 1 Replies
View Related
Sep 8, 2009
I have a March 2009 Mac Mini that was working fine under Leopard when sending out a signal from mini display port to hdmi and then to a Samsung HDTV. Now when I upgraded I get more options for monitoring HD signals but my TV signal drops out intermittently. I suspect this is a bug with Snow Leopard and HDMI. Anyone have any inklings on how to solve this issue?
View 1 Replies
View Related
Nov 2, 2008
In short, we got a new Mac Mini on Friday. I hooked it up to the wireless keyboard/mouse from the Dell dimension 2400 we are replacing. It seemed okay at first but developed issues the first day. Intermittent mouse drop outs, and loss of internet being the worst symptoms. I am thinking of ditching the Mini and getting something else.
View 10 Replies
View Related
Jan 13, 2011
I want to hook my Macbook Pro up to a Sony Bravia (not sure of the exact model). I went to the Apple Store, and was given these two items to hook it up. Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support. Belkin High Speed HDMI Cable - 6 feet
We successfully hooked it up last night, and the video worked. I was told in the store that this setup would not transfer audio, so I already knew there would not be sound coming from the TV, rather from the Macbook instead. My Q is: What's the easiest way to get audio to come from the TV? I'd rather not buy external speakers to plug in, if I can help it.
View 20 Replies
View Related
Apr 28, 2012
I have attached my Mac mini to my Sony TV (to use as a moniter) - there hasn't been any trouble with the picture but I cannot get any sound.
I am using a VGA (I know that doesn't send audio over) plugged into the 'PC In' port at the back of my tv, and I am using an audio cable with a normal headphone-type jack on one end (going into the headphone port on the back of my mac mini) and the red/white cable going into the HDMI-in red/white ports on the back of my tv. I can't figure out what is going on - I tried plugging the red/white cables into all the input ports on the back of my tv, just in case, but no luck.
Info:
Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.4.11)
View 8 Replies
View Related
Jul 1, 2010
I do have a copy of the the Mac Mini SL Client software but I don't have another Mac to create the USB restore disc in order to load the client on the Mini Server via usb drive. I don't intend to use the Server Software and don't want to 'activate' the license so I can resell it instead. Can I just use the Server to create the bootable restore disc without 'activating' the Server License and locking it to my serial number? Or is there another way to create the restore disc if you don't have access to another Mac to run disc utility?
View 6 Replies
View Related
Aug 4, 2010
With the new Mac Mini models, you can have audio out via HDMI or the line out. I am thinking to hook the mini up to an LCD TV/monitor via HDMI (sound on the monitor) and also to my other TV/sound system via the mini DP and audio out.
I assume when the mini turns on it'll activate both displays (if they are turned on), and from what I understand you can have two displays running. I'd only want one at a time so I'd have the other display switched off. But can the mini output audio to either both, or whichever system I am using? I've read a lot of posts but can't find a definite answer. I only want audio (and video for that matter, but can turn off other screen) to one TV at a time, but do I have to go into the OS audio settings each time I want to swap between the two?
I'm also thinking of using Plex and keeping it open at all times, just sleeping the mini when not in use. Can the mini only output to one source, requiring manual switching to the other (i.e. going from HDMI to audio out)?
View 6 Replies
View Related
Jan 19, 2009
Ok so I bougth a Time Capsule over a month ago and recently Ive started having problems qith my connection and signal strenght, whiche constantly goes up to the minimun messing up with my internet, and when I enter to the airport utility the connection improves temporaly.
Anyone with same problem, is there a solution?
I have a Mac Book Pro with latest mac os x 10.5.6 and time capsule firmware 7.3.2
View 1 Replies
View Related
May 9, 2009
Short version: Paritioned Mar 09 Mini to have a 32 gig partition for Windows 7.Formatted Partition 3 BOOTCAMP to NTFS, now only have Windows 7, no option to boot OSX. Is it recoverable without reloading from the install discs?I believe this is user error on my part. Actually, I'm quite sure of it.
I have been trying to get Windows 7 installed on my EEE PC 901 on and off since it came out with RC1. Keep on running into troubles. So I think, why not boot camp it with my March 09 Mini? There's plenty of space, I'll give it a nice little 32 gig partition, install Steam on it, get some Left 4 Dead action..Well Boot Camp goes fine. I set up a 32 gig partition. I put int the Windows disc when prompted. Fine.
It goes to ask which partition to install to. I of course select Parition 3, BOOTCAMP. Cannot install to this partition... um... Hrm. Well there's a format button. It will format that partition to NTFS. Okay, I went ahead and did that.
Windows 7 installs, no problem aside from having to update the Realtek drivers for audio. Install Left 4 Dead. Works fine. Even resync the BT mouse and keyboard so I can be extra lazy. I've had my fun though, and then I go to get back on OSX. It goes to a white screen, then loads Windows 7.
I'm doing something wrong. I look it up online. Oh, hit the options key or hold it to choose an OS. No recognition, an off-white screen, then Windows 7. Oh, I'm using my BT keyboard, it must be that. I hook up a USB keyboard. Nothing. Hold X to boot directly to OSX. Fine. Oops, same thing.
Now I'm thinking back to choosing to format Partition 3 from whatever it was to NTFS. But unless I am missing something, OSX should still be recoverable without having to reload everything, unless I somehow flummoxed the MBR, right?Someone slightly more savvy want to chime in?
Correction: My friend was just over and is a big Mac guy. First question was, "you did put the OSX disc back in to complete the process once Windows loaded, right?"Problem solved? It just finished with the drivers, restarting, and now holding the Alt key will bring up the option.So that was it? Wow. Sorry about getting riled up for apparently nothing. Another question as an offshoot, since this does seem to be working rather well, can I expand that partition later on without screwing up OSX? I really don't have anything installed on the Mac side aside from iLife, Office08, and Boxee.
View 10 Replies
View Related
Apr 15, 2009
I have just read a ton of forum posts and want to make sure I am going to buy the right accessories to make my new Mac Mini all it needs to be to run my home theater.1. For 5.1 audio, do I need to buy this product and then just use a standard Optical audio cable to plug into my receiver?2. The new Mac Mini comes with a mini DVI to DVI connector correct? So all I will have to buy is a DVI to HDMI cable?3. Is OWC (other world computing) the best place to buy upgrades for the mac mini? I have looked at the videos on youtube and it seems like something I should be able to do no problem.
View 10 Replies
View Related
Jun 6, 2010
With a sharp fingernail I seem to have damages the internal ribbon cable that connects the audio card in my 2009 Mac Mini, and am looking to source a replacement, preferably in the EU. I'm currently in the UK.The part number is 922-8809.
A Google search reveals a few parts suppliers in Europeland, but they are all charging silly prices for the cable, and US suppliers impose ridiculously high postage charges.
View 3 Replies
View Related
Aug 12, 2010
I have the 2009 Mac Mini and was wondering if the mini display port has audio output. Does anyone know? I just want to minimize the amount of cables going to my tv.
View 6 Replies
View Related
Aug 8, 2008
I have been searching the forums for information on this, but have only found incomplete leads.
How can I get Digital Audio out of my G4 mini? Has anyone done that?
I am trying to integrate the mini into my home theater, and would like to get 5.1 sound out of that for my DVDs, Rips, etc.... and also pipe my music over a digital cable.
I know the Mini's audio jack doubles as a Digital out, and I could get that to pipe audio into my receiver's toshlink jack, but I cannot find any cables that would provide a digital 8mm jack in one end and a toshlink or coax jack on the other..... any ideas?
Alternatively, are there any USB or Firewire sound cards that could help me. I found one by Griffin, but that is meant to connect to 5.1 PC speakers, and does not give a digital toshlink or coax output. Are there any out there that I could use to do this??
View 2 Replies
View Related
Jun 22, 2010
I have an '09 mini that I think I'm looking at replacing with the new '10 mini server, but I have an audio question...
I currently use the digital output of my mini to feed my amp for my HTPC setup. I also have an Airport Express that I stream audio to for my zone 2 audio on my amp (it has to be analog on zone 2).
Well my airport express recent died and killed my zone 2 music.
My question is... can I stream the audio out of the mini in iTunes and control where it goes? I'm assuming that I can plug a stereo jack in the head phone jack on the mini, but will be live along with the HDMI port? I do most of this audio management via the iPhone remote.
View 4 Replies
View Related
Jun 1, 2009
When I start my Mini Mac, I press + hold alt. Then press windows when it starts up, it goes as far as the loading screen. Then the whole screen turns black and it restarts the computer. I tried putting it in safe mode, and putting it back were the last time it didn't have a problem, but both options just do the same thing as before. I don't want to delete windows.
View 4 Replies
View Related
May 25, 2010
For some reason, certain websites (like IGN, Mac Rumor Forums, Gamespy) take 5 minutes or longer to load on my Mac Mini than on my other machines. I have a PC running Vista, Mac Book Pro, iPhone, and iPad and they have no issues loading these websites normally. Both my Mac Mini and Mac Book Pro are running the exact same setup and have 10.6.3. This happens with in both Safari and Firefox. It isn't my wireless router because the other machines are fine and don't have this issue. I did however reset the router a few times to see if that might be it... and no go. Still the same. I have the latest versions of the browsers too.
View 1 Replies
View Related
Sep 22, 2010
I'm thinking of getting a mac mini and moving my iTunes library to it and accessing the media via home sharing on my laptop. Is it possible to have my iPod/iPhone plugged into the laptop and sync it with the Mac Mini via home sharing?
View 1 Replies
View Related
Apr 18, 2012
How do you load a mini dvd into the side slot?
Info:
iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.3)
View 3 Replies
View Related
Jun 20, 2012
had to reinstall my software on my mac mini, can't get my application install to disc.
View 1 Replies
View Related
Jul 3, 2008
I have currently acquired a few old Macs. I have got an iMac G3 SE with a slot loading drive. The computer is fine all barr the slot load drive - it has died. I have also got a PPC Mac Mini with a suggested logic board failure.
Does anybody think there is a chance i could replace the broken slot load drive in the iMac with the working one from the mac mini? i don't want to start opening the iMac up if someone already knows theres no chance it would work.
View 2 Replies
View Related
Mar 26, 2009
Just picked up a new mac mini, loaded it up with 4 gigs ram, using the latest version of OSX (10.5.6). Love it so far...When trying to load the latest (last) drivers from Tascam for the US-122 device, the device isn't recognized. I am logged in as admin. Tascam doesn't show up in Preferences-sound, Garageband etc. Lights don't work on the unit (with the exception of the phantom mic switch light that turns on when switch is selected). So I know that the USB cable and port is working on the mini...
Cable and Unit are all good, in fact I have also a macbook that has been upgraded from Tiger to 10.5.6 and the Tascam unit works GREAT. I have installed, removed, then reinstalled their driver, no success. Emailed Tascam, they said their driver works with 10.5.6. Anybody else experiencing problems with the new mini and Tascam US-122 device, or suggestions on how to get this little guy to work?
View 1 Replies
View Related
Mar 31, 2012
After restarting, Safari suddenly doesn't load any webpages. It shows all the top sites in the favorites area and actually updates some to the most recent versions, but when you try to get to the site it shows the loading bar to about an 1/8th of the way and then just pin wheels. Firefox works fine. I have used the reset to no avail. Have the current version and have been running it for a while with no problems.
Info:
Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
View 14 Replies
View Related
Jan 4, 2011
I know this has been talked about before....just cant find the answer.... I have hooked up my mac mini to my tv via an HDMI line but there is zero sound except for what is coming from the mini itself. Its a long run so I used Cat5 wires and HDMI extenders.
View 4 Replies
View Related
Sep 3, 2009
I am planning to hook my Mac Mini upto my LG tv this weekend (37LG7000). DVI to HDMI cable for the video signal, and a 3.5mm single audio cable into the back of the TV for the audio..
What would the sound quality be like? Will it be ok? I know i wont get surround sound or anything.. but hopefully it will still be crisp audio...
View 2 Replies
View Related
Mar 21, 2010
So I have a Mac mini used as my home theatre (or rather, will be) and I have it hooked from mini-displayport to HDMI and that gives me video. Great! No audio, though.
So, how do I get audio? What connection and cables do I buy (could you maybe link from [URL] if I want to plug it into the back of the Mac mini and then plug it into the back of my HDTV.
(A bit low on money right now so I just use the speakers built into my TV for audio instead of full fledged speakers. I assume that will change what I need to do, right?)
View 4 Replies
View Related
Jan 12, 2009
I have a mac mini coming this week which will replace my appleTV in the lounge.
I have some questions about how to hook it all up to give me as much flexibility as possible.
I'll be connecting to my HDTV (Sony 40W4000) via HDMI (using a DVI-HDMI adapter). I realise this won't give me audio.
I run my satellite box, DVD player and appleTV through a HDMI switcher to the TV, so firstly, will the mac mini play nice with a switcher box?
Secondly, is there any way of getting audio both to my TV in stereo, and to my amp via optical? Thinking not as there is only one audio output socket which is either 3.5mm line out *or* optical toslink.
If not, then my TV would take precedence as i'll mostly be using it to watch TV. I haven't checked my TV manual yet, but how have people found using separate audio feeds (L/R RCA) into a TV that has HDMI? I'm concerned that the mini audio might bleed through when I'm watching satellite TV or a DVD - how does the TV know when to use that audio vs using HDMI? Not even sure my TV can take a separate signal.
How are people getting audio to their TVs? Might I need to look at using VGA (although that'll have issues with exact scan etc at least it should let me input separate audio, with the bonus of PiP)
Lastly, if I am forced to pipe optical to my amp as the only way to get audio from the mini, does it pipe everything down optical or only 5.1 soundtracks etc? eg are system sounds sent down optical as stereo, and will normal stereo soundtrack movies (mp4/.avi etc) play ok?
View 3 Replies
View Related
Jan 15, 2010
I have a mac mini with leopard snow
how i can switch off the audio when i start my mini mac?
View 1 Replies
View Related
