New MacBook Pro drops optical audio out through headphone jack
Diving deep into Apple's specifications, AppleInsider has learned that optical audio output capability found on previous MacBook Pro models does not exist on the 13-inch MacBook Pro with function keys, and is likely not on the higher-end models either.
The technical specifications for the new MacBook Pro on all 13- and 15-inch models list the audio port as simply a "3.5-mm headphone jack" with no other amplifying information. In the 2015, and earlier, MacBook Pro, and every other Mac model with optical audio out on the 3.5mm jack, the listing is amplified with a statement like "support for audio line out (digital/analog)."
Additionally, the system profiler's report on the 13-inch MacBook Pro has no listing for S/PDIF Optical Digital Audio Output, while the 2012 and 2015 Retina MacBook Pro models do.
AppleInsider contacted Apple about the matter, and was told that the feature was removed due to a lack of customers using the functionality. Additionally, we were told that "plenty of USB-C zero-latency professional peripherals are available now, or coming very soon" featuring optical audio out connectivity.
The 2016 MacBook Pro isn't the only Apple device to lose optical audio out connectors. The TOSlink connector on the Apple TV media playback device was removed between the third and fourth generations of the device, and in its place was put a USB-C port allowing for unit service and screen capture features when connected to a computer.
The 2016 MacBook Pro family, announced Thursday, is a major redesign to Apple's flagship notebook, and comes in screen sizes of 13 and 15 inches, with core models starting at $1,799 and shipping in two to three weeks. AppleInsider was at the event, and was able to spend some time with all the latest hardware.
The technical specifications for the new MacBook Pro on all 13- and 15-inch models list the audio port as simply a "3.5-mm headphone jack" with no other amplifying information. In the 2015, and earlier, MacBook Pro, and every other Mac model with optical audio out on the 3.5mm jack, the listing is amplified with a statement like "support for audio line out (digital/analog)."
Additionally, the system profiler's report on the 13-inch MacBook Pro has no listing for S/PDIF Optical Digital Audio Output, while the 2012 and 2015 Retina MacBook Pro models do.
AppleInsider contacted Apple about the matter, and was told that the feature was removed due to a lack of customers using the functionality. Additionally, we were told that "plenty of USB-C zero-latency professional peripherals are available now, or coming very soon" featuring optical audio out connectivity.
The 2016 MacBook Pro isn't the only Apple device to lose optical audio out connectors. The TOSlink connector on the Apple TV media playback device was removed between the third and fourth generations of the device, and in its place was put a USB-C port allowing for unit service and screen capture features when connected to a computer.
The 2016 MacBook Pro family, announced Thursday, is a major redesign to Apple's flagship notebook, and comes in screen sizes of 13 and 15 inches, with core models starting at $1,799 and shipping in two to three weeks. AppleInsider was at the event, and was able to spend some time with all the latest hardware.
Comments
I've never used that option on my MacBooks, but it seems like a shame that they changed it--if they did.
This support article (which may just need to be updated) certainly implies that nothing has changed:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202730
Play high sample rate digital audio on Mac computers
The audio hardware in some MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and iMac computers supports 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz digital audio when connected using optical output.
These computers support up to 192 kHz sample rate for audio playback:
edit: Pipped by boltsfan17.
ready go
There is NO logical reason for the headphone jack to be on the new MacBooks if the iPhone 7 doesn’t.
The issue isn't about latency, but (for me anyway) RFI. I use an external DAC (Chord Mojo) and the best sounding connection method is currently optical.
That said, I use this on my late 2009 iMac which is still going strong so it doesn't affect me right now. I do wonder if they'll do the same with the desktops when they refresh them.
Interesting. I'm sure there's a reason, even if it is just that putting the TOSlink hardware in there took up space or added 3 cents to the build cost.
The real question is whether people are going to actually miss it, or just complain loudly that Apple are getting rid of functionality in favour of design, while ignoring the possibility that there are USB-C or Thunderbolt solutions for the same thing. (But that requires...a dongle! Or at the very least a $30 cable.)
I'm not talking about the signal path of actual recording, which any Pro would insist on being a high-end external unit.
An example might be a musician performing on an external keyboard which triggers a Mac-based software synthesizer. While a fancy set of headphones run through an outboard DAC would be great, a compact & inexpensive set of headphones would be sufficient for the musician to perform. Later in the production process someone would want to listen through something high-end. But going to that trouble during performance isn't that critical.