Apple Studio Display: Sound Issues
Troubleshooting speaker or microphone issues
Identify issues
Display speaker output can’t be selected
Display microphone isn’t working
Display microphone input can't be selected
Microphone sound is garbled
Ticking or buzzing sounds recorded using the display’s microphone
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Ensure that the microphone and speaker openings are not covered by tape, sticky notes, or other obstructions. Carefully remove any obstructions.
Note: Studio Display has two speakers and three microphones. Refer to the repair manual or user guide to identify their locations.
Plug the display power cord into an electrical outlet. Use a functioning, compatible Thunderbolt cable to connect the display to a compatible Mac. Turn on the computer, listen for the display fan, and verify that an image appears on the display to ensure that both the computer and display are on.
Move the display to a different location and plug the power cord into a different electrical outlet, then check whether any noise is eliminated.
Note: Noise may be related to interference from other electrical devices operating near the display or plugged into the same power outlet.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
Run the Display Resource Inspector (DRI) diagnostic suite.
Note: This diagnostic suite will check for the presence of USB interfaces and cameras, and will test functionality of the speakers, microphones, and camera.
On the computer, go to System Settings > Sound, and verify the following:
Output tab:
Display Speakers is available and selected
Output volume is not muted or set to zero
Input tab:
Display Microphone is available and selected
Input volume slider is not set to zero
Go to System Settings > Sound > Input tab and verify that the input level indicator moves when you speak into the Studio Display microphone.
Play a sound and verify that you can hear sound through both Studio Display speakers.
Use the computer to record a sound file using the Studio Display microphone, then play the sound to verify that the sound isn’t distorted.
Listen to the recording for any ticking or buzzing sounds. If you can hear ticking or buzzing sounds coming from the speakers, you may need to replace the power supply boards.
Open and inspect the display
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the display's repair manual to open and inspect the display. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether the replacement resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
If the power supply boards are causing ticking or buzzing sounds, replace the power supply boards.
If the issue is isolated to speakers, replace the housing, which contains the speakers and microphones.
Replace the logic board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.