Ask HN: Why does MacBook randomly shifts sound balance on connecting headphones?
Macbook Pro M1 randomly shifts the sound balance to either right or left after connecting headphones or earphones. This happens probably 1 in every 20 times. What is the reason for this?
2 comments
It's mostly shifting right and it's an issue that existed forever. The reason for it is that the microphones were positioned on the left side, and OS X thinks it's smart enough to move the balance to the right, so that music/audio doesn't interfere with microphones (might be helpful during calls). Skype used to do the same.
I am using a small app called Balance Lock https://apps.apple.com/us/app/balance-lock/id1019371109?mt=1... to automatically restore the balance. No affiliate with the author of the app in any way.
I am using a small app called Balance Lock https://apps.apple.com/us/app/balance-lock/id1019371109?mt=1... to automatically restore the balance. No affiliate with the author of the app in any way.
AFAIK there's also another bug that's Bluetooth specific, where Bluetooth headphones + high CPU usage will slightly shift the balance and accumulates over time. I was surprised ~1 year ago that the balance was 20% right on my laptop. I don't know whether this is solved on more recent laptops/macOS though.