Mac OS X 10.1: iBook or iMac Sound Out of Phase, Left and Right Channels Sound Reversed

Symptom

iBook

When using the analog sound output port with headphones or external speakers, the audio is out of phase. This can have the effect of distorting or removing certain elements of the audio. For example, bass frequencies may be reduced or other instruments may appear to be "missing."

iMac

When listening to the built-in speakers, the audio is out of phase. This can have the effect of distorting or removing certain elements of the audio. For example, bass frequencies may be reduced or other instruments may appear to be "missing."


The parenthetical product descriptions (Summer 2000) and (Summer 2001) refer to the summer of the Northern Hemisphere.

Note: iBook (Dual USB) is unaffected.

Solution

Update to Mac OS X 10.1.2 or later. Use the Software Update pane of System Preferences, or download the update from Apple Software Downloads (http://www.apple.com/swupdates/).