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Audio interfaces to M1 mac mini?

I can't get any audio interfaces to work with new M1 mac mini. I've tried Thunderbolt and USB.

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 6:50 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 10, 2020 3:02 PM

Hello databanka,


It looks like no one has responded to your question. Here are a couple things that might help others respond to you:


  • Which kind of audio interface are you trying to use?
  • What happens when you try to use it?
  • Are you using an Aggregate Device that you set up in the Audio MIDI Setup application?



Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.


Take care.


42 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 10, 2020 3:02 PM in response to databanka

Hello databanka,


It looks like no one has responded to your question. Here are a couple things that might help others respond to you:


  • Which kind of audio interface are you trying to use?
  • What happens when you try to use it?
  • Are you using an Aggregate Device that you set up in the Audio MIDI Setup application?



Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.


Take care.


Jan 28, 2021 8:54 AM in response to databanka

I haven't been able to get my Audio 2000s AMX7343 mixer to record anything to my computer. I've tried everything I could possibly think of. The only telltale sign that the problem lies within the computer recognition of the device is the fact that the mic works perfectly when output to speakers alone. Logic won't show any signs of life, nor does the Sound option in System Prefs. I went through Logic's preferences hundreds of times, made an aggregate device for the mixer, etc. Nothing has worked. The messed up thing is that my boss's smaller Peavey 6 BT mixer works fine, it can record without any issues. However, this mixer has alot less inputs and options to work with. So it would be a huge disappointment if I have to put up my mixer on a shelf just to look pretty and collect dust in my office.

Jan 28, 2021 10:58 AM in response to Peymon

It has it listed there as a USB device, but there is no sound showing up on the input levels when i try the mic. Though if i plug in the mixer and mic to a speaker system, the mic works through the speakers. Bluetooth only works as an input from the computer, like to play music through the mixer to speakers, not as an output back to the computer to record. It's been a serious headache.

However, as an update, I will say that this mixer is doing the same thing on two other computers I tried, a 2017 Macbook Pro as well as a Windows PC. All say the device is connected, but will not read the mic signal. It makes absolutely no sense.

Some good news is this does give a clue that the issue is with the mixer, not my Mac Mini. I have contacted the manufacturer and hope to hear from them soon. If anyone else has any suggestions please don't hesitate to reply. I've had this mixer sitting on my desk for a month and I'm growing desperate lol.

Jan 28, 2021 11:15 AM in response to Peymon

Yep its a shotgun condenser mic, the Deity S-2S. I pretty much keep the phantom power button clicked on at all times because this is the main mic I was hoping to use. I love the way the mixer is designed, the sliders are great and looks sturdy. I've been itching to record with it, but it has just given me grief unless I have it connected straight into a speaker, no recording mediums involved :(

There aren't a lot of videos on this specific model either, so I don't know if I am an isolated case or if there are other people out there with the same issues as me. Either way, knocking down potential causes is the only way to figure these things out :)

Jan 28, 2021 11:58 AM in response to woodmeister50

Ouch! Honestly, why wouldn't you want to know your product better? We know the product is in its infancy. But, do you really not have the answer to which audio interfaces are compatible and if not, why? I'd like to purchase what I need from you today. With this, even disregarding the interface I'm presently using. I just need one audio interface to work with your product. We're positive it's easier for Apple to start on a list for us considering the feedback you've received so far and the sale of the product gathering its revenue. With Apple's knowledge of your product to date, would you help me? I'm purchasing an M1 Mac Mini 512 16G today. It would be an awful lot more researching on my part (as well as all of Apples patrons considering the purchase for the same reason) to do. With at least a heads up of known suggestions, we can move forward on our own, at least, by process of elimination what our individual needs may be. The age old "cop-out" hasn't changed, the bureaucracy is the same. If we are Apple users, it's pretty safe to say that we stay in that family forever. Hence, which audio interface does Apple suggest trying with Logic ProX on the M1 using no foreign plugins? PS Please stay family with your reply. Much appreciated.


Feb 28, 2021 7:03 AM in response to databanka

my firewire saffire pro 28 was a complete no-go, even with the necessary adapters. seems like those just aren't going to work, so i gave it away and switched to a 3rd gen 2i2. at first it was just randomly disconnecting in the same manner that the saffire pro did. but it's been over a week and no problems so far.


still seems like big sur presented some significant problems for legacy equipment.

Mar 7, 2021 1:31 AM in response to databanka

A few things I always check when connecting an Audio Interfaces to a Mac:


1) When MacOS sleep the harddrives the audio and MIDI drivers may become unmounted. To fix this go to System Preferences->Mac Energy Saver:

a) Turn OFF 'Put hard disk to sleep when possible'

b) Turn ON "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off"


2) Connect Audio interfaces directly to computer and not through a hub - especially when debugging. If you have to go through hub then make sure it's powered.


3) Turn on system in the following sequence:

Step 1 - power on connected audio interface

Step 2 - power on computer

Step 3 - power on speaker monitors

Step 4 - Wait a few minutes for background startup task and syncing to finish


4) Turn off system using the opposite of the turn on procedure


5) Run laptop off of powered outlet and not internal battery. powered USB and Midi devices quickly draw down the battery and when the level is low the MacOS power management becomes more aggressive by throttling and powering off what it perceives is nonessential.

Audio interfaces to M1 mac mini?

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