Audio pops persist after Audio Update 2007-001 (#2): Other issues at play

As noted yesterday, some readers continue to report audible speaker popping, which started with the Mac OS X 10.4.10 system update, even after the application of Audio Update 2007-001 (or 10.4.10 v.1.1, which contains the Audio Update). Though, according to Apple, the problem was (is) only extant on Intel-based Macs, some users are also reporting the problem on PowerPC-based Macs.

One reader writes:

"I've got a MacBook 2 GHz Core Duo with 2GB RAM and a 160GB drive running 10.4.10 and ran the Audio Update 2007-001. It improved the problem a bit but I am definitely still getting the pops and slight hiss."

Another adds:

"I have a non-intel PPC g5 2gh and have been experiencing the popping sound since the last update. I am, of course, unable to install the audio "fix" because it will only install on intel based systems."

It now appears that in at least some cases, the problem may be due to underpowered USB speakers. We've previously reported various other issues caused by a lack of adequate USB power, usually solved by disconnecting other power-drawing USB devices from the same bus or adding an externally powered USB hub.

One MacFixIt reader writes:

"I began experiencing popping issues when listening to iTunes playback of music stored on my computer.

"What turned out to be my issues after hearing popping and squelching noises were heard in music that I knew did not have it was that I was attempting to run a usb hub without it's power source turned on. I've misplaced the power adapter as was attempting to use it with two items plugged in: a set of soundsticks and a printer (which was not always on)

"After unplugging multiple devices and leaving one item plugged into the hub, the noises and pops disappeared. Additionally, I replaced the USB hub and used the remaining port on my computer for one of the two pieces of equipment listed above, namely the soundsticks. Popping noises disappeared, music sounded fine."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Audio pops continue after Audio Update 2007-001: a followup
• Mac OS X 10.4.10 special report

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