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Really bizarre audio issue on my MacBook Pro.

Tags: Apple, Apple

2018 13″ Macbook Pro running Catalina.

When I use my headphones, I hear a crackling noise, and it also is heard through the microphone (so if I’m on a call, others hear the crackling noise as well).

I have tried using other headphones. Here’s the bizarre part though: even when I plug the headphones into a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C adaptor dongle, the issue persists. But when I use USB-A headphones plugged into a USB-C adaptor, there is no issue.

So there appears to be something about using 3.5 mm (aux/headphone jack) input, regardless of whether or not it’s through the laptop’s headphone input or through USB-C, that causes this issue. I can’t for the life of me figure out why this would be the case. And again, I’ve tried using other headphones with 3.5mm inputs and the issue persists.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Topic

I guess the first question is,

In reply to Really bizarre audio issue on my MacBook Pro.

is what brand of 3.5 mm-to-USB-C adaptor dongle is this.

Normally a dongle is referred to by where it comes from and where it goes to.
So is this actually a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or do you have USB-C connector fitted headphones

The only constant

In reply to Really bizarre audio issue on my MacBook Pro.

The only constant in this puzzle seems to be that 3.5mm to USB-C dongle. I can only assume, that it is faulty, which does happen from time to time.
So, my suggestion would be to either borrow a similar, but different one, or buy one that is either Apple’s official or not cheap.

[Author]

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