Random Audio Drops

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Level 1

8 points

Random Audio Drops

I've been having this problem on all of my sessions where audio on individual tracks will cut out from anywhere between 0.5–2 seconds. I don't have any trial plug-ins, my CPU usage seems fine, and I don't have tons of automation.

Here's a link to a soundcloud file demonstrating what is happening to the guitar track:

https://soundcloud.com/aaron-feeney/audio-glitch-test/s-FzeFdYz2Pvf

I've made sure both Logic and my computer are up to date software-wise. I did recently switch to this computer from a MacBook Air, and I made sure that all my plug-ins were registered onto this computer. It's showing up in the bounced files as well.

Anyone encounter this problem before and get it fixed?? What did you do?

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 2, 2020 7:10 AM

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Answer 1

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AaronFeeney Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:51 AM in response to AaronFeeney

I FIGURED IT OUT.

I disabled every plug-in I had on the session and the culprit ended up being Izotope's Ozone Imager. This wasn't a cracked or trailed plug-in, but it was free and I think was an older edition.

EDIT: It wasn't yet authorised on my new computer. I thought I had authorised all of my plug-ins through iLok, but didn't think about all the plug-ins not on iLok.

Thanks for rackin' your brains with me. Glad to finally have this fixed.

Best,

Aaron

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Answer 2

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,274 points

Apr 2, 2020 7:22 AM in response to AaronFeeney

I don't hear the drop out on the file you posted. This could means it is a playback problem on the computer.

The likely cause is an issue with audio handling on new macs with the T2 chip. You can find many posts on the subject in the Web.

What is the exact model of the Mac?

WD

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Answer 3

AaronFeeney Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:00 AM in response to Wilddrums

It happens to the acoustic guitar at around 1 second and it comes back just after it turns to 2 seconds. Are you sure you can't hear it?

These are my Mac Specs:

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

Processor: 2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7

Memory: 16Gb 1600MHz DDR3

Graphics: Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB

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Answer 4

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,274 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:14 AM in response to AaronFeeney

OK I got it. Yes I can hear it now. Sorry.

Looking at your Mac specs, the problem is not related to the T2 chip.

Are you sure you don't have any volume automation somewhere (Track or Region)?

Do you use a control surface? If so try to unplug it.

TS

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Answer 5

AaronFeeney Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:18 AM in response to Wilddrums

I do have automation on a few tracks, but it's all very very minimal. Regardless, I disabled all of the automation, restarted the project and played it without automation, and the problem still persisted. I'm using a Scarlett 18i8 for my interface, and have unplugged that– the problem persists.

When I start the project, the volume drop always plays in the same spot (where it happens on the recording). However, if I go back, it plays through that part as normal, but will still happen other places throughout the track on different instruments.

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Answer 6

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,274 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:30 AM in response to AaronFeeney

That's odd. Can you hear the drop in the original recorded file? Look in the Project files browser. You can also try to listen it directly from the Finder.

If other members of the forum have better ideas they are welcome.

WD

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Answer 7

AaronFeeney Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:36 AM in response to Wilddrums

The drop doesn't occur when I just play the original file in the project files browser.

This is such a weird and annoying problem, especially when locked down at home! Thank you for trying to help me out!

Best,

Aaron

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Answer 8

Wilddrums

Level 5

4,274 points

Apr 2, 2020 8:47 AM in response to AaronFeeney

OK. So it is something happening at playback and it shows in the bounce. I can only suspect something in the project itself but you said it happens in other projects as well. What bugs me is it is random.

I suggest you start a clean new project with no plugins and automation. Then import the audio file from the first project. Same thing? Just to clean out things, you can close all applications and restart the computer before.

Yes, being self-isolated has it issues. Many friends asking for technical help.

WD

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