High pitch squeal related to Firewire audio device after 10.6.2 audio patch

So the recent Mac Pro audio update 1.0 (applied on 10.6.2) has reduced my CPU temperature with audio playback (Presonus Firebox Firewire audio interface) and that is great. Also haven't had any machine crashes (grey screens) recently which is also great.
The problem is that when the Firebox is plugged into the firewire port of the Mac Pro there is a constant high pitched whistle of slightly oscillating frequency. If I unplug the Firebox the whistle goes away in a few seconds.

After prolonged use in a quiet room (the kind of room you need for audio recording / mixing work!) the noise is enough to drive me crazy.

I read a post on another forum with other people having the same problem. Can anyone comment here on seeing the same thing? Is there any known work around or fix for this?

When the CPU is under heavy load (e.g. H.264 compression etc.) the noise subsides only to return when there is normal load (i.e. half a dozen apps running).

Help!
Thanks

Mac Pro Early 2009 Quad, Presonus Firebox, Firewire, 24" LED Cinema, Mac OS X (10.6.2), Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 8:23 PM

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46 replies

Feb 24, 2010 12:25 AM in response to meridiandevv

I wonder if this bug is a bit like the audio bug itself - in that to those who don't experience it, it can be hard to conceptualize.
Hence more hard detail of the bug must help nail it down. Help bring it to Apple's attention.

Anyone without Apogee, Presonus Firebox, RME Fireface800 or M-AUDIO ProFire 610 Firewire audio devices is unlikely to get one, hence will never hear the bug. The general tendency seems to be that any who do not experience a bug are indifferent to it, some even deny what they have not been impacted by.

Maybe it is so obvious that anyone experiencing it thinks detail is unnecessary.
For a week I've been asking for an MP3 sample that demonstrates the bug realistically (in a way that is undeniable).

I'm just asking for more facts and clarity.

Feb 24, 2010 1:13 AM in response to cl-user

Hey cl-user

thanks for the help you are offering. I was busy towards the end of last week so I had no time to investigate into the problem. But I uploaded two audio examples ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXOgHpcqqNo) on the thread I created on MacRumors Forums. I have just written to Apogee today, they have generally a good support but I made the experience that they advice you to contact Apple as soon they don't think they are related to the problem.


It's totally in my interest that this problem has to be solved fast. So if you have some ideas and stuff I can try to provide information, just let me know !

Please you guys check out my thread on MacRumors Forums too.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=866341

People on Macrumors don't give much attention regarding this problem too.

Feb 24, 2010 12:10 PM in response to cl-user

This is not a firewire device issue per se. The noise comes from the Mac after the Audio update. It didn't happen before.
Also, under high processor load, the noise stops.

I've since moved to my Tascam USB audio interface and re-applied the Audio update. When this is resolved I will move back to the Presonus firebox now on the Mac Book. I can't wait around for Apple to fix this.

Mar 8, 2010 2:51 AM in response to Martin Pace

I have contacted Apple Feedback.
I have contacted my Interface manufacturer (Apogee Digital).
I have contacted Chris Foresman from Ars Technica (the guy who did a great job on a news report of the earlier audio/heat/performance problem with the 09 Mac Pro's). I didn't receive any answer from him. Maybe I should write again (?)...
My Interface manufacturer answered me, but sometimes they just ignore me and I have to write again. They are not interested in the problem at all and they don't take me serious.. Their answer to my problem is : "Take your interface to an Apple store and test it there.."

I also have created a detailed thread about the problem on MacRumors Forums too. There is no interest by the Users from the other forum as well. I have a bad feeling about the issue and I don't expect that Apple will fix it (at least not soon). It took Apple a looooooooong time for just looking a the audio/heat/performance problem and it took them just 1-2 weeks for solving the issue. I'd say, there have to be more users reporting this problem.

I just ordered yesterday a Sonnet PCI-E Firewire 400 Card for my Mac Pro. Let's see if this will fix the problem ! Anyone tried this yet ?

Mar 17, 2010 8:39 PM in response to meridiandevv

I have the same issue with my Apogee Duet. The high-pitch sound is driving me batty! Batty, I say! It's like a dog whistle for humans. I guess you would call it a human whistle. Except I can't run away like a dog. I have to stay here in my studio and get work done.

The update cooled my computer down immensely, but now this issue is preventing me from using my machine for its intended purpose -- recording audio.

Disconnecting the Duet removes the whistle, but of course, then I can't use it. This stuff is so frustrating when you've spent this kind of money...

Mar 25, 2010 4:30 PM in response to meridiandevv

Hi people. I have the same problem here (mac pro early 2009 4x2,66ghz nehalem). I checked with APOGEE DUET, FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE 24 DSP, MOTU 828MK3, TC ELECTRONIC IMPACT TWIN, M-AUDIO PROFIRE 610 and STEINBERG MR816X. Before the audio update all was perfect, since the **** update it is an horror. It is a clearly problem wich comes from the mac pro. We have to put the word in the air and make noise to be listened. My mac pro is my work tool and if I can't use it I'm loosing money. ALL WE NEED A SOLUTION KNOW !!!!!!! (I tried everything, also tried pci-e card sonnet allegro fw400 but it don't give the solution)

APPLE MAC PRO EARLY 2009, 4X2,66GHZ NEHALEM, 3GB RAM DDR3 ORIGINAL, 128GB SSD SAMSUNG, 2X1TB WD BLACK AND SEAGATE BARRACUDA-7200RPM, 1X SAMSUNG 1TB 5400RPM. OSX 10.6.2 WITH ALL UPDATES.

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High pitch squeal related to Firewire audio device after 10.6.2 audio patch

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