So let me preface this by saying that this is NOT a post asking how to get rid or soften the startup chime with any number of 3rd party prefpanes or apps.
Very recently, I've noticed that my startup chime has turned drastically softer - and I know that I did not deliberately install anything to make it softer.
All my other sound remains unchanged, including from the laptop's own speakers. Changing system volume still has no effect on the chime volume. Yet, the chime volume is almost inaudible now - which is a good thing since I don't have to bother with Pssst or StartupPrefPane. However, I'm curious why this happenedI guess one explanation might be that the internal speakers for the chime, if separate from the laptop's main speakers, simply broke
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The chime should use the internal speakers, so that should not be the issue. I'm not 100% sure on that though, but from when I've taken Macs apart I haven't noticed any special speakers at least. Will have to look into that and get back to you if I find any evidence either way.
Strange, anyhow - try resetting PRAM and see what happens? If you don't know how: On startup, hold down Command (Apple) + Option (Alt) + P + R until you hear the chime a second time, then release. That resets the PRAM, which among other things contains the chime settings so if they had been changed for some reason that should reset it to the original settings.
It's a quick and risk-free way of checking at least -
You are correct that the Bong
uses the system speakers (left/right/bass). The Bong on my machine varies depending on the system volume level when I restart it. I just tried it out. You might try Zapping the PRAM to reset everything.
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Strange, my 'bong' has been silent over the last few days as well...
I'll try reseting the PRAM
Startup Chime
Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by taelrak, Sep 6, 2007.