Describe the bug
When FluidVoice uses the MacBook built-in microphone in closed-display (clamshell) mode, Direct Core Audio starts and receives buffers, but dictation produces no text. Apple silicon Mac laptops disconnect the built-in microphone in hardware when the lid closes, so continuing to capture that device cannot produce usable audio.
Apple documents the hardware microphone disconnect here: https://support.apple.com/en-asia/guide/security/secbbd20b00b/web
Reproduction steps
- On an Apple silicon MacBook, select MacBook Pro Microphone in FluidVoice.
- Connect power, an external display, and an external keyboard or pointing device.
- Close the MacBook lid so macOS remains active in clamshell mode.
- Start dictation, speak, and stop dictation.
Expected behavior
If an external input is already selected, FluidVoice should keep using it. If the built-in microphone is selected, FluidVoice should temporarily use the current external default input when available. If no external input is usable, it should stop immediately and explain that the lid must be opened or an external microphone connected and selected.
Actual behavior
FluidVoice continues capturing the built-in microphone, reports a successful audio start, and finishes with an empty transcription.
App Version
1.6.6
macOS Version
macOS 26.5.1
Architecture
Apple Silicon
Logs or crash report
Input: MacBook Pro Microphone
Capture: Direct Core Audio, 48000 Hz; buffers received
Result after closing the lid and speaking: empty transcription
No crash occurs.
Describe the bug
When FluidVoice uses the MacBook built-in microphone in closed-display (clamshell) mode, Direct Core Audio starts and receives buffers, but dictation produces no text. Apple silicon Mac laptops disconnect the built-in microphone in hardware when the lid closes, so continuing to capture that device cannot produce usable audio.
Apple documents the hardware microphone disconnect here: https://support.apple.com/en-asia/guide/security/secbbd20b00b/web
Reproduction steps
Expected behavior
If an external input is already selected, FluidVoice should keep using it. If the built-in microphone is selected, FluidVoice should temporarily use the current external default input when available. If no external input is usable, it should stop immediately and explain that the lid must be opened or an external microphone connected and selected.
Actual behavior
FluidVoice continues capturing the built-in microphone, reports a successful audio start, and finishes with an empty transcription.
App Version
1.6.6
macOS Version
macOS 26.5.1
Architecture
Apple Silicon
Logs or crash report
No crash occurs.