intermittent bad static in garageband

This problem is very, very, widespread among anyone that uses a Mac to record audio using the USB Audio Codec (e.g if you use a USB turntable or USB mic). It seems to be a bug that's been present since 10.4.11 (and is certainly still around in 10.5.5).

It's a bizarre thing, the static sometimes kicks in after a few seconds, sometimes 20 minutes. If you look at Audi/Midi Setup, you can change the sample rate to 48 KHz. But you'll notice, when the static kicks in, the sample rate will have changed itself to 44.1. Change it back to 48 KHz (in Audio/MIDI Setup), and the static stops immediately. Bizarrely, it'll often not then reoccur for a good long while.

Still, it's incredibly annoying. If you're trying to record an LP, you generally have to wait until at least half way through one side, then the static will kick in, then you can stop it, then you have to start over again and you'll probably get the whole LP done before the static reoccurs.

Incidentally, it makes no difference at all whether the USB device is plugged via a hub or direct to the machine, or what software you use (I've tried logic, GB, cubase, audacity, sound studio and amadeus) or what version of OS (since 10.4.10) you're using.

Im having the same problem. Sometimes I can't even record at all. Sometimes it's not too bad before it starts getting all static-y again....I really would like some help from apple or someone that knows something.

yep, same thing happens to me. i used my 008 mic lots with an ibook/tiger a year ago and it worked fine. took a break and came back to recording a month ago with a macbook pro/leopard and it works great for maybe 2 minutes then BAM! distored, delayed, crap. restart gb and its ok. for maybe another 2 minutes, or 5, or 30sec.

ive sent an email to mxl this morn, but sounds like the prob is with apple/leopard. we'll see

come to think about it, ive gotta do some skype recording. i wonder if the distortion is limited to gb, or is system wide?

I too have had issues with static, when using my electric guitar and GarageBand '08 (via Tascam US-122L USB Audio/MIDI Interface). Had guitar and lead checked, bought another computer, had Interface Unit checked - still static, and as with you, it is intermittent and varying from subtle to complete crackle.

I get the same problem! Just traded my dual core G5 running tiger in and got a mac pro running leopard and now anytime that I add a second vocal track to any project I get this super annoying static/feedback throughout the song. I have an 8 core mac with 6 gigs of RAM. How is there ANY static or latency problem at all?

Same here, using an ION USB turntable. I can't even record a full side of an LP without having to interrupt for several minutes before static goes away. Of course, then it comes again! Arrgh.

So there is no work around about this bizarre static? I've read and tried several fixes that don't work at all. Apple's advise about "feedback" doesn't seem to apply to this kind of static. Of course you shouldn't place your mic in front of the speakers, etc.

"Aggregate Device" to the Audio MIDI Setup worked for a while (meaning: no dice); tried connecting the turntable to a different outlet "in order to prevent double-ground"; changed from USB hub to no hub; etc. Static comes back no matter if I use Audacity or GarageBand, by the way.

If it's such a widely spread problem, why it hasn't been solved? I am losing the enthusiasm I had when buying my turntable! Sigh.

OK. I'm curious if you're getting static with the software instruments or mics? or both the same?