I have a DAC connected via USB on my Mac Pro 2019. I keep on setting the sample rate to 192KHz but every time I shut it down, it defaults back to 44.1KHz.
I have to go into the Audio MIDI Setup to keep on changing it back to 192KHz. Any permanent solution? I don't mind putting it to sleep so it doesn't change but I also boot in Windows Bootcamp so that effectively shuts down Mac OS.
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Further research today led me to this audiophile site that acknowledges the Mac OS behaviour. Unfortunately no matter what Mac OS version we are all using, it will be the same. So unless Apple changes this, it will always down convert it. The work-around being what we manually do or use a third-party player that will take control of the core audio settings (which is basically manually changing the format).
"What really matters on a Mac OS is how the player takes control of the settings in core audio of you machine. Open up "Audio- and MIDI-settings" and show the audio window. Play files with different sample rates and bit-depth from iTunes and you will se that core audio doesn't change. That means a sample rate conversion is taking place. Now download and run an app like the BitPerfect and make the same test. You should now observe that the core settings are actively adapted for each and every song you play in iTunes. This is what players like Amarra Music Player, Pure Music and Audirvana also does; they take active control and optimize the core audio settings to avoid any local real-time sample rate conversion."
Source: http://www.2l.no/hires/
Further research today led me to this audiophile site that acknowledges the Mac OS behaviour. Unfortunately no matter what Mac OS version we are all using, it will be the same. So unless Apple changes this, it will always down convert it. The work-around being what we manually do or use a third-party player that will take control of the core audio settings (which is basically manually changing the format).
"What really matters on a Mac OS is how the player takes control of the settings in core audio of you machine. Open up "Audio- and MIDI-settings" and show the audio window. Play files with different sample rates and bit-depth from iTunes and you will se that core audio doesn't change. That means a sample rate conversion is taking place. Now download and run an app like the BitPerfect and make the same test. You should now observe that the core settings are actively adapted for each and every song you play in iTunes. This is what players like Amarra Music Player, Pure Music and Audirvana also does; they take active control and optimize the core audio settings to avoid any local real-time sample rate conversion."
Source: http://www.2l.no/hires/
No solution to date even under Big Sur. It’s an Apple OS issue as it doesn’t occur with the same peripherals under Bootcamp Wi does 10. It recognizes and maintains the settings after a power shut off. With Apple it resets all settings.
Like you I have a shortcut to the Audio MIDI. It’s a pain when you have a couple of these connected.
Hi Rodney,
We appreciate you reaching out to us about your MacBook Pro. Rest assured that we’ll do our best to assist you or get you pointed in the right direction.
We understand that you are looking to keep the high sample rate settings on your device. The article below may help.
Play high sample rate digital audio on Mac computers
If you need further assistance, let us know if you meet the right set up to play high sample rate digital audio on your device.
Cheers!
Rodney,
Thank you for these additional details. We recommend that you reach out to us here so we can take a closer look into the issue: Get Support
Take care!
Hi Rodney,
I don't suppose you found a solution for this?
I've got a similar problem and have been reverting to keeping a shortcut of 'Audio MIDI Setup' in my dock; but would much rather not have to.
Thanks
Thanks again, Rodney.
I'd come across BitPerfect in a couple of articles but was reluctant to install a third-party app for this particular job.
It's frustrating, but in the grand scheme of things, I'll manage with the manual method for now.
Best of luck your end!
Zubin
I saw this article and it doesn’t address why the sample rate doesn’t lock to what has been set after a restart per my posted question.
Ah, that's annoying.
I'm on an older iMac with OS 10.11 so doubt a fix will appear for me .
Thanks for letting me know though, and I hope you manage to get yours sorted.
Rodney,
Thank you for keeping us posted. Have you had the chance to check if the persists on a different user account? The article below can help if you do not have any other user account to test with.
Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac
Also, do you also switch off your DAC when you shut down your MacBook Pro? Have you had the chance to check if the issue persists if you do not switch off your DAC?
These details can help us isolate the issue.
Take care!
It doesn't matter if it's a different user. Once the Mac restarts, it defaults back to 44.1KHz. It is a known issue among the audio community. Apple has not fixed this even with Big Sur.
Windows 10 memorizes the settings in Bootcamp whether you shut the computer, the DAC, and everything else down. It just knows what settings you applied prior.
The DAC will naturally disconnect from Mac when you power the computer down because it's a USB connection. So the fact that Windows 10 on the very same computer memorizes your settings and Mac Big Sur does not means it's an OS implementation issue. Not the DAC.
Sample rate defaults back to 44.1KHz after every restart. Why?
