diff --git a/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix b/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
index cba57b16739b..535949eb8f5a 100644
--- a/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
+++ b/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
@@ -3481,10 +3481,14 @@ pythonPackages = python.modules // rec {
 
     buildInputs = [ python pkgs.portaudio ];
 
-    installPhase = ''
-      python setup.py install --prefix=$out
+    buildPhase = if stdenv.isDarwin then ''
+      PORTAUDIO_PATH="${pkgs.portaudio}" python setup.py build --static-link
+    '' else ''
+      python setup.py build
     '';
 
+    installPhase = "python setup.py install --prefix=$out";
+
     meta = {
       description = "Python bindings for PortAudio";
       homepage = "http://people.csail.mit.edu/hubert/pyaudio/";