MacBook Pro speakers sound muffled after macOS rollback

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro speakers sound muffled after macOS rollback

I just got this laptop. The speakers sound as if they're wrapped in cottonwool. I've had to use a 3rd party EQ (I work in music/audio) to adjust the sound to something reasonable - that involves running a slop across the whole spectrum.

This is not what I expected, or what was reported to me by other people listening to the same machine. It's not right. The laptop came with Tahoe installed but I had to roll it back to Sonoma, because Tahoe is not supported/tested yet for the software I use. Could this have something to do with it? Could rolling back the OS affect the way the audio playback is processed?

Thanks, any insights will be helpful.

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Macbook Pro speakers/playback

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.8

Posted on Oct 2, 2025 8:13 AM

Reply

Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

154,228 points

Oct 2, 2025 11:23 AM in response to AntMonster

That is entirely possible. You can confirm it for yourself by upgrading macOS again. I understand the software you use is not yet tested or supported.

If you were to ask Apple, they would tell you "downgrading is not supported" ending that discussion before it starts.

If it's a real problem you could always return that Mac and purchase a replacement from their Refurbished Mac - 2024 - MacBook Pro - Apple product page. There is no guarantee it won't come with Tahoe already installed, but it probably won't since Tahoe is so new. New Macs will have Tahoe installed but refurbished Macs built prior to its release are indistinguishable from new in all other respects.

Reply

Answer 2

AntMonster Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 2, 2025 12:14 PM in response to John Galt

What would an OS update have done which would have affected the audio playback? Plugging headphones into the 3.5mm jack, I get great quality as expected. I don't think it's a system wide audio processing issue (ie with CoreAudio) but something more particular to the speaker playback. I'm imagining something like a firmware update that was bundled with Tahoe (or Sequoia maybe)? As I say, I work in music and sound - a compromised audio system would obviously be a serious issue.

Unfortunately, a return/swap is not an option in this instance. I'm ok to upgrade to Sequoia if it resolves this, but Tahoe is 100% not an option at this stage...not until the various devs give the thumbs up to go ahead. A reinstall to Tahoe only to have to do this roll back again (it was a long exercise) is far from ideal...

Thanks for your reply!

Reply

Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

154,228 points

Oct 2, 2025 12:51 PM in response to AntMonster

What would an OS update have done which would have affected the audio playback?

Theoretically nothing. However...

I don't think it's a system wide audio processing issue (ie with CoreAudio) but something more particular to the speaker playback. I'm imagining something like a firmware update that was bundled with Tahoe (or Sequoia maybe)?

...

A reinstall to Tahoe only to have to do this roll back again (it was a long exercise) is far from ideal...

I agree with all that.

Developers who actually keep up with Apple's frequent macOS updates tend to be rare. All of them had plenty of time to prepare with prerelease versions available to them months in advance, but it can be a full time, thankless job.

Reply

Answer 4

AntMonster Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 2, 2025 9:21 PM in response to John Galt

I don't know how developers are supposed to cope with keeping up with the OS and hardware conveyor belt. But also - "still testing" 2 weeks after the official release suggests to me that they're picking up issues.

Is there any way to verify which firmware changes were implemented with Tahoe? I can't find anything and this is unfamiliar territory. I am concerned now that if there's an issue with the audio then there may be issues with other hardware components, like the TB ports or battery charging.

Reply

Answer 5

AntMonster Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 2, 2025 9:22 PM in response to AntMonster

I realise that I haven't given the device model. It's a 16" Macbook Pro M1 Max. It should sound amazing.

Reply

Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

154,228 points

Oct 3, 2025 4:29 AM in response to AntMonster

Yes that is an important piece of information. You wrote you just got that Mac, and I assumed it was new. That Mac was discontinued two years ago.

Reply

Answer 7

AntMonster Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 3, 2025 10:08 AM in response to John Galt

Yes - well, I did just get it. It's a refurb. In excellent condition. Does this throw any more light on the matter? Perhaps you have suggestions on how to approach the problem? Thanks

Reply