derKlecks

Q: Massive problem with audio interface

Hi there.

 

I recently bought a brandnew iMac 27" Haswell i7. I encountered problems with my Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 audio interface. These are buzzing, clicking and noise immediately or after 3 minutes or so. I tried everything, re-installed the driveres several times, nothing, really nothing worked.

 

Then I bought an RME Babyface audio interface - and guess what? It's the same problem. I also have a massive sound noise after some minutes or the recording channel in Garage Band drops completely.

 

What is wrong here? I already tried using a different power plug, tried all USB ports, turned off WiFi, HDD sleep mode, etc. Nothing worked.

 

Do you have an idea?

 

I appeciate your help,

Adrian.

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 25, 2013 1:29 PM

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Q: Massive problem with audio interface

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  • by gasaert,

    gasaert gasaert Dec 27, 2013 6:54 AM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 6:54 AM in response to derKlecks

    Just adding my voice to this ever growing post. I recently bought an iMac (late 2013, i7, 1TB Fusion Drive) to replace my aging early 2009 iMac. I am also having major issues with my audio interfaces. Both my Behringer fc202 and Phonic Helix Board 12 Firewire MKII exhibit the issues mentioned here (drop-outs, clicks and pops). Really shocking considering how much money I have spent.

     

    I am slowly loosing my faith in Apple as this latest issue come of top of other stability/compatibility problems I have encountered (other issues, not relating to this thread). Hope they fix this soon otherwise I am getting a refund.

  • by adam swink,

    adam swink adam swink Dec 27, 2013 12:49 PM in response to gasaert
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 12:49 PM in response to gasaert

    Hey Gasaert,

     

    The next update will most likely fix this issue for most audio interfaces (USB and Firewire). I have numerous sources telling me so. Hang tight.

  • by Strad43,

    Strad43 Strad43 Dec 27, 2013 1:08 PM in response to adam swink
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 1:08 PM in response to adam swink

    Can anyone provide insight about simply running a session in Pro Tools (or similar applications)? Even without using an interface, I cannot successfully record in Pro Tools on my late 2013 FD iMac. It will be great if playback issues with interfaces are resolved in the update, but I am still concerned about audio recording, as it is a related but separate problem with the new iMacs.

  • by Robert Martin 1,

    Robert Martin 1 Robert Martin 1 Dec 27, 2013 1:48 PM in response to Strad43
    Level 6 (8,040 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 1:48 PM in response to Strad43

    It' snot just ProTools. There are problems recording in Apple's own Logic. Fingers are crossed for next release of system software.

  • by gasaert,

    gasaert gasaert Dec 28, 2013 8:26 AM in response to adam swink
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2013 8:26 AM in response to adam swink

    Hi adam,

    Thanks for the heads-up. Will keep my fingers crossed for the new release to fix this!! Not ready yet to go back to windows .

  • by buckleyscave,

    buckleyscave buckleyscave Dec 29, 2013 12:10 PM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2013 12:10 PM in response to derKlecks

    Has anyone tried using a new imac running mavericks that has either an SSD drive or 7200 HD?  I'd like to know if it's the fusion drive or mavericks or the new iMacs?  I've tried 3 different models of Apogee Duets and an RME Babyface on my imac with Fusion drive. Apogee's tech help have acknowledged the issue via email and said they're working with Apple on the issue but not told me how I can get myself up and running. If I can I would like to change the fusion drive to a SSD but don't want to waste anymore time and money if it's not going to help. 

  • by adam swink,

    adam swink adam swink Dec 29, 2013 12:39 PM in response to buckleyscave
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2013 12:39 PM in response to buckleyscave

    Welcome to the forum. This issue is very complex. I have wasted too many hours researching and gathering information from users and App Developers on this issue.

     

    If you read through this entire thread, you'll see a few people who have returned their Fusion Drive iMacs for a SSD or HDD has fixed their audio interface problem. The quickest way to fix the problem is to split your drive or boot of an external drive:

    http://www.macworld.com/article/2015664/how-to-split-up-a-fusion-drive.html

     

    Booting off an external has fixed my MBox Pro 2 > Firewire > Thunderbolt  (I use both my internal and external)

     

    There are multiple problems with the new iMacs in general, which you can find at:

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/24165345#24165345

     

    However, there is another problem with the SSD and HDD iMacs too that are causing USB2 > USB3 problems... and the Duet may be one of them...

     

    I have sources confirming MOST USB and Firewire problems have been fixed with the next OS update... However the Duet was not completely fixed according to one source (who's comments were deleted because of confidentiality agreement etc. ...)

  • by RichBo61,

    RichBo61 RichBo61 Dec 29, 2013 12:37 PM in response to buckleyscave
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2013 12:37 PM in response to buckleyscave

    I have a late 2013 iMac with the 7200 rpm 1tb drive running Mountain Lion. I am using a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB interface. I initially had clicks and pops when I tried recording into Motu DP8. I checked with Focusrite support and downloaded a class compliant mode application that they mentioned for Mavericks issues, but solved my problems. I am holding off on upgrading to Mavericks until I'm sure things will work. I can record and playback without any issues, but can't say for sure if it's because I'm still on Mountain Lion. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can offer anything else.

  • by Wattsy69,

    Wattsy69 Wattsy69 Dec 30, 2013 3:37 AM in response to adam swink
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2013 3:37 AM in response to adam swink

    Relly no Apogee Duet Fix.

    Dont know if i should return or not.......

    I am using the Apogee Duet iOS with a brand new iMac.

    27-inch, Late 2013

    Processor  3.4 GHz Intel Core i5

    Memory  32 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M 2048 MB

    Software  OS X 10.9.1 (13B42)

     

    The Brand new Apogee Duet works fine 100% with my iPad Air. When using on my iMac it will work for 5-10 min then no sound. If using iTunes match the song will hang like it downloading. If I pull the USB out of the Duet it will start playing instantly through the iMac speakers.

    Im an noticing a drop out 80%of the time if it is working and I jump to another Application. Like from iTunes into Youtube and 100% of the time if I do it once or twice.

    This is causing me major problems as I purchased the Mac and the Apogee Duet to Record. I not able to do this........  

  • by buckleyscave,

    buckleyscave buckleyscave Dec 30, 2013 12:58 PM in response to adam swink
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2013 12:58 PM in response to adam swink

    Thanks Adam. The thread you have created is very helpful. https://discussions.apple.com/message/24165345#24165345%2324165345

    I'll keep an eye on it to see what if any improvements are made by apple. My imac is currently back at apple where they are "testing" it. I know they're going to say it's all working fine. I'm going to push them to replace the fusion drive with a SSD. Will let you know how I go. So far all apple have said is that because the problems occur with a 3rd party device it is not their issue...

  • by ges8ges,

    ges8ges ges8ges Dec 30, 2013 5:55 PM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2013 5:55 PM in response to derKlecks

    OK, I'll add my voice to this discussion.

     

    Late 2013 iMac

    Latest Mavericks and latest Logic Pro X

     

    Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP had horrible noise, then occasional clean sound then cut out entirely.  Could not get to work correctly.  Firewire to Thunderbolt.

     

    Tried Motu 4 Pre.  Cutouts, noise, complete stoppages.  Unusable.  Tried with Firewire/Thunderbolt and USB.

     

    Went back to my old Roland 25-UA EX with USB.  It works better than the others, but still gets noisy at times.

     

    Bought this iMac for music recording.  Sure hope this is fixed.

  • by rmiller85,

    rmiller85 rmiller85 Dec 30, 2013 8:06 PM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2013 8:06 PM in response to derKlecks

    Adding my system to the list... will be contacting Apple Support tomorrow, but it sounds like I won't have much luck until the OS gets patched...

     

    Brand new 2013 27" iMac, Fusion Drive, Mavericks (10.9.1), and am having the same issues with my external usb audio interface (Mackie Onyx Blackjack).  In any audio program, recording will start fine but will eventually turn into clicks,pops, and garbled digital noise--regardless of the buffer and sample rate settings.

     

    Needless to say, I can use the exact same audio interface on my MBP running 10.9.1 and have no issues whatsoever.  I'm very dissapointed in Apple.

     

    -Rick

  • by dliusion,

    dliusion dliusion Dec 31, 2013 2:28 AM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 31, 2013 2:28 AM in response to derKlecks

    Imac 27, 2013 Fusion DRive 3TB, Mavericks, 10.9.1-  Mackie 1220 firewire 400 to thunderbolt.  All sources of audio-  crackle/ pop cut out.  Macbook pro x2  no problems.  I rebooted computer- returned it to Apple- got new computer ( same model)  again same thing-  Read this thread and it appears to be the Fusion drive- but regardless I bought this machine to be faster, better.  My Old Imac 27 inch- no problems-  I think I am going to have to return it. I have had my second one for 24 hours now and am too fustrated.

  • by Luuk Degen,

    Luuk Degen Luuk Degen Dec 31, 2013 3:52 AM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 31, 2013 3:52 AM in response to derKlecks

    Similar problems here.

    - Brand new Imac, 27', i7 haswell, 3.5 Ghz, 16 MB, 3TB Fusion

    - Apogee Duet USB2

    - DAW software used: Ableton Live (32 bits, vs 9.1), Reason 7, Logic Pro

     

    Initially, I had installation problems with the Duet. Not recognized by soundprefs, audio/midi panel, daws. Startup problems after 'imac sleep' (old issue re-appearing!), reboot-loop. After switching via powered hub, things got better, most of the time.

     

    Big latency issues with all DAWs. Have tried all settings I could find. Remarkably, when I brought down the sample buffer size, my Daw as usual showed me the lower latency, but in reality the latency wasn't affected at all.

     

    I hope Apple, audio interface manufacturers and/or DAW vendors are aware of these issues and their consequences. Would help if they don't shift the issues to eachother, take their responsibility and work together where needed. And keep us informed what's going on.

  • by kogan,

    kogan kogan Jan 1, 2014 5:22 AM in response to derKlecks
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 1, 2014 5:22 AM in response to derKlecks

    I experiencing same problems.

    iMac 2013 1TB Fusion Drive.

     

    Audible glitches and pops during recording / rendering and big distortion when I recording something like signal from external compressor to my audio interface.

    Tested on: Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 / Virus Ti Snow on Ableton Live, Studio One

     

    I also created windows partitions via bootcamp and tested all stuff on Win 8 with Studio One. All works fine. It's obviously Fusion Drive issue (bootcamp partitions can't be installed in FD)

     

    Waiting for apple fixes (not soon) so now I'm going to split up fusion drive.

     

    P.S. I don't have any problems with USB. Focusrite just released some Class Compliant Mode patch. But I have a problem with Virus TI Snow connection because new iMacs have only 1 usb hub (( It always warn me that my audio interface is into same hub as my virus. Maybe someone know the fix?

     

    I have to say that this is already replaced item. Previous one was with a display yellowing issue... Apple((

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