Interested in a Mac audio test software for assessing your own Mac’s internal or external computer speaker system? You can test Mac audio quite easily to conduct a laptop or desktop Mac speaker test for your particular model of Apple computer. A quick Macbook speaker test I did used a slow, progressive sweep of audio frequencies down from the high treble end, or bass end up to get an idea of what the true capabilities of my particular MacBook’s computer speakers are. In my case, it an 11” MacBook Air with ridiculously small built-in speaker drivers buried underneath the keyboard. From what my ears can discern, its up around 160Hz that low frequencies become detectable. For even mildly thumping bass you really need to get down below 100Hz and ideally into the 10-50Hz sub-woofer range. If you’ve recently bought some speakers for Mac audio and music you can find out how low and high they go.


This partial screenshot shows an example of testing your Apple laptop’s speaker frequency response abilities. In this case, a sine wave sweeping from 0Hz to 200Hz to get a more precise sense of where low-frequency audio can be heard. You can get an idea of how much bass my MacBook speakers are capable of - and where you might want to adjust your iTunes Equalizer bands for clean and optimal low-frequency response.

The program - Audio Test - for OSX can be purchased from the Apple App Store for $4.99.

Tags: Mac audio test, test Mac audio, Mac speaker test

I'm not sure if it's more Marketing than truly significant Technical Superiority - but Apple wants to brag about the sound quality of the MacBook Pro Retina Display model on it's website. At least the Retina MacBook, like it's 15" MacBook Pro counterpart have the decency NOT to bury the speaker system UNDER the keyboard like lesser Apple laptop models in an effort to provide better sound quality and frequency response.

"You haven’t heard it all until you’ve heard the speakers inside the all-new MacBook Pro. For something so thin and light, the sound is huge. And with a wide dynamic range, optimal balance, and a crisp, expressive quality, these speakers might sound too good to be true. That’s because we labored painstakingly over the design to maximize the quality of every decibel you hear."

Some laptop computer manufacturers in the PC world who've partnered with some major audio brands such as Altec Lansing and others to deliver notebook computer speakers to brag about. Remember, at one time, such as during the Slot-Load iMac, and G4 Cube era - Apple and Harman Kardon teamed up on Odessey and iSub speakers to deliver a vastly superior audio experience.

These days though, portability, smaller-form factors ala the MacBook Air and now razor-thinner MacBook Retina place internal computer speaker systems under tremendous pressure to fit into ever smaller spaces. Well, at least in15" MacBook models, the other aspects of component miniaturization (from SSD drive modules to denser battery technology to ever-shrinking logic boards) DOES leave a bit more room for advancing micro-speaker design implementations as well. The one thing speaker cones need most is surface area to deliver full-range frequency response - and it's precious little space they're provided with as the compromise.

On a recent trip to my local Apple Store I have to at least concede this: The Retina Display MacBook's speaker system sounds a hell of a lot better than the one's buried under a MacBook Air's keyboard, that's for sure.

Tags: MacBook Internal Speakers, speakers in MacBook

Looking for decidedly better music and audio quality for your Apple MacBook Pro or Air? Check out Edifier's design on a 1-piece USB powered laptop speaker system that's engineered better than most. This portable computer speaker features dual 1.25" Tweeters and Midrange drivers as well as a 3 x 1.25" bass driver that's lightyears ahead of the tiny micro-speakers Apple deems good enough for your Mac laptop audio experience.

Edifier USB Soundbar Speaker

Multi Driver Travel Speaker

The Edifier Sound To Go is approximately 10"x1.5" right-sized for even the smallest MacBook Air on up - in a slim design that's easy to carry in your Mac laptop bag. Additional features of this speaker include an on-board volume control button and 3.5 mm audio input jack for other devices you may want to connect.

Tags: usb soundbar, portable laptop speakers, usb powered speaker

Macbook users rejoice: There's finally a great full-range portable speaker option to pump out the low-frequency audio you've been missing from your Mac laptop. Twelve South's 2nd generation USB bus-powered sub-woofer recently hit the shelves - the Twelve South BassJump 2. Not since the original Harmon Kardon iSub for slot-load iMacs have we had the missing piece - a separate USB woofer to complement the total sound spectrum your Mac laptop wasn't delivering. I'm really fond of Gay club music remixes, and this lets me enjoy decidedly better bass on my MacBook Air.

Special system software lest you shape your MacBook Pro or Air sound with its EQ Software Control Pref Pane for OSX. Featuring a 3" - 77mm bass frequency driver - it combines audio from your MacBooks internal speakers to provide balanced frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz - all powered from a single USB cable. The software lets you customize the Bass Jump sound cross-over frequency and volume to your liking and it comes with a neroprene case for safe travel.

The BassJump is compatible with Aluminum iMacs - and styled to match. For some, this may be a solution to extend the already reasonable frequency range of the iMac's built-in speakers. (Which are better than any other Macintosh model.)

Tags: usb woofer, portable woofer, subwoofer, twelve south

For more discriminating ears - and looser wallets - nobody delivers well designed and engineered audio products like Bose. They're the kind of company you pay premium price for, and enjoy their products for years to come. For portable audio - the Bose SoundLink wireless mobile speaker gets A LOT of things spot-on right.

Bose Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Wireless High-Quality Audio

Featuring up to 8 hours of playback time on a battery charge - the SoundLink's Bluetooth supports and remembers up to 6 different Bluetooth pairings for quick connectivity. You can set up your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone - and more - and it instantly remembers it's relationship with all these devices. On-top speaker controls let you easily control power adjust volume and track/playback directly from the unit itself. A 1/8" Aux input for non-Bluetooth audio devices is also supported.


Ah but it's the GUTS of this mobile speaker that set it apart: Here, you see a pair of very high-quality speaker drivers for EACH channel combined with a front and rear bass radiator design that delivers a frequency range no other wireless, portable speaker of this size can match.

Tags: wireless speaker for mac, ipad bluetooth speaker, best bluetooth speaker

There ARE lower-cost alternatives to Apple iTunes Store to build your music library - Affordably.

Tags: cheaper than itunes, MP3's play anywhere

Ipevo's got a great solution for high fidelity stereo listening on the go: The Ipevo Tubular A2DP Bluetooth Speakers for Apple iPad, iPhone and Mac computers. The Tubular speaker system features a USB rechargable lithium-ion battery, easy Bluetooth Pairing and onboard Volume controls. Integrated cable management for the satellite speaker and USB recharging wire wrap securely inside. A smart snap apart design enables wide stereo separation when needed, and when used as a desktop computer speaker angle towards your ears for optimum listening. It all adds up to a great portable Bluetooth speaker solution - around the house or on the go.

Ipevo Tubular BlueTooth

Charges via USB, 6-8 Hr Playback
3+3 Watt Travel Speakers

Tags: ipevo bluetooth, ipad speaker, apple ipad bluetooth, rechargeable speakers, portable computer speakers