Terrible noise interference from Thunderbolt4 Ports

The only thing that's changed with my audio setup is the new M1Max MBP.

I'm copying files to an external hard drive right now and hearing very loud digital communication noise in my speakers, which are running from a Motu Ultralite mk4 interface - which is professional quality.


The hard drive and interface are both running from the same usbc hub, which on my 2017 Mac Mini worked without any problems. Now with the M1Max I can hear the digital 01010101.


I've also experienced that when an audio application is importing samples into RAM (kontakt sample libraries), I also hear this interference.


Overall the audio technical experience with this new laptop are very disappointing.

I really hope these issues get addressed in upcoming software updates.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Feb 4, 2022 3:21 AM

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Posted on Feb 4, 2022 4:47 PM

You may want to use the grounded AC Cord to power your laptop since the Duckhead adapter which ships with the laptop does not have a Ground. Here is the one for the US, but each region should have their own version:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable


If that does not help, then make sure all of your connected hardware devices are connected to the same electrical circuit and each device with a power cord is properly grounded.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 4, 2022 4:47 PM in response to serversnake

You may want to use the grounded AC Cord to power your laptop since the Duckhead adapter which ships with the laptop does not have a Ground. Here is the one for the US, but each region should have their own version:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable


If that does not help, then make sure all of your connected hardware devices are connected to the same electrical circuit and each device with a power cord is properly grounded.


Feb 5, 2022 4:28 PM in response to serversnake

Try running a minimal configuration to see if you still have the issue, then adding in each device until you have the issue. It is possible it is some combination of devices that just are not playing nice with each other. Try connecting a device directly to the laptop with an Apple branded adapter if necessary in case the hubs or connection shared with a device through a hub is causing a problem. I know this is difficult trying multiple combinations, one at a time. You may want to connect each device by itself just to make sure a single device isn't causing the problem with the M1/Monterey.


Monterey is known to have some issues with certain devices (not necessarily what you are reporting, but still you never know). I also know the M1 Macs last year also seemed to have some compatibility issues with some devices. I would not expect the M1 or Monterey to cause this issue, but you never know.


You may want to check your home wiring by using a testing device like this just to make sure the home wiring is Ok, although this device only checks for the basics, but it should be enough for your purpose. In fact you may want to replace or bypass a surge/power strip as they do go bad over time.

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electrical-testers/gfci-outlet-tester


Feb 5, 2022 1:58 AM in response to HWTech

Unfortunately it did not make any difference.

Also worth noting that the noise is present at the physical output stage of the audio device, and not within it's own DSP signal path - so I'm pretty confident to rule out the audio device itself being the problem.


I tested this by muting the internal channels within the devices software, but leaving the physical output unmuted. And I could still hear the electronic noise, which is related to devices being read / written to that are plugged into the hub.


I've also tried these things which yield no difference:

  • Different USB hubs
  • Different Ports
  • Even when the audio interface is exclusively using a hub, while the harddrive is plugged in to a different hub on a different thunderbolt port, there is still interference...
  • Tried with a high quality, silver plated specialty USB cable made for digital audio.


Very disappointing.


Last thing I will try is to try a different sound card, but need time for that.



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Terrible noise interference from Thunderbolt4 Ports

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