External USB DAC audio dropouts on Ventura and M1

I have the same issue. I have a collection of high-res Flac and DSD files and every time I edit my photos using Adobe Lightroom Classic on my M1 MacBook Pro the music starts to drop out here and there. It seems to be overloading the RAM or something like that. I've tried different DACs using Roon (for local Flac and DSD file) and Apple Music (streaming). I'm on the verge of getting a DAP, this is quite annoying, this shouldn't be happening on such new hardware. Apple can you please look in? Thanks.

Currently running Sonoma 14.3.1 on a MBP M1 with 64GB of ram. I'm using an RME UFX III, and previously and Apollo Twin X Quad. Both experienced the same issues.

One of the previous theories regarding memory pressure cannot be the case in my instance. I will begin to experience dropouts 5 minutes into the machine being turned on, with simple tasks like web browsing while listening to music.

The odd part about this entire situation is that the issue was resolved for a decent amount of Sonoma's lifespan, but has returned in recent iterations.

This might be my last straw for Apple Silicon growing pains. I don't need thunderbolt connectivity anymore, and this machine is surely causing more inconvenience than benefit.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 inch 2023 M2 Kia Sonoma 14.5 my issue is completely related and also GROWS OVER TIME .

For months now battling this issue every night for hours , okay not every night but the hours involved are ridiculous trying everything under the sun . Using this MacBook Pro for audio production at home with a MOTU 828 Mk3 Hybrid connected via USB 2.0 into a USB with a USB type A to USB C dongle ...

Audio Dropouts , call these stutters if you like but stutter elicits a fast drop and rescue , it's not that fast , also very important is a side of crackle , in my mind's eye it's that little character from the Kellog's snap crackle and pop , and to be fair the sound could easily be described as snap crackle or pop. Many times I've thought I've SOLVED it and it returns , lets' say GROWS OVER TIME. The audio production setup I refer to included a dock that provided network connectivity various USB variants etc display port etc , I've tried a DELL as well as an HP , further testing required of course eliminating devices between and testing but the MOTU is always connected directly to the MacBook with the USB dongle as its a USB 2.0 device connection from the MOTU and the MAcBook takes USB C of course . This is with Ventura and Sonoma and reading all these issues it does seem like a flaw in the apple silicon & MacOS... The MOTU still has a Firewire 400 port dressed up as 800 , I haven't had success with that but it's an option to try , maybe maybe , this is a battle , hard to give up a machine that can do so much , yet can not successfully stream USB 2.0 audio. This MOTU device has zero issues and many of the inputs are live and zero latency through their own console , this audio never has any issues , the issues are USB audio playback ... the issue is the device , the MAcBook .

Studio M1 Max

13.3.1

FiiO K7 DAC into USB A

I'm not getting dropouts, but I am seeing the DAC randomly disconnect or disappear as an available option. The computer isn't going to sleep but this usually happens when the computer has been inactive for a while, and then I try and change the track and DAC will be gone. I don't do anything besides jiggling mouse or just waiting 30-60 seconds and then it shows back up. Probably an issue with Apple Silicon :(

I have the same issue. MacBook Pro M1. Before installing Ventura I didn’t experience this. After upgrading it is very prominent. I am running all USB through a Dell Ultrasharp monitor usb-c connection to mac. I have a separate power supply for my audio interface and always have the mac plugged in so shouldn’t be a usb power issue.

I am running a UA Volt 276 via USB into Dell Ultrasharp. The monitor is connected to MacBook via USB-C cable. I’ve also tried connecting directly(or as close to direct) volt to max using a USB-C to USB 3 dongle.

When listening to Spotify through the volt outputting to monitors, it’s almost as if the usb device loses connection and reconnects very quick. Restart seems to help for a bit but not for long. This wasn’t happening for the latest osX release, for me

Are you sure you didn't have it before Ventura? Asking cause I can't remember and I'm ready to wipe and reinstall the previous MacOS (Monterey).

Also having the same problem with a EVO4 Audio Interface connected via USB C (on the interface) to USB A 3.2 on my Dell U3223QE .

At first I thought it was a browser issue (I use Brave), as I consume a lot of Youtube Videos on my browser, but after switching through 4-5 different browsers, I released that it must be either the cable or the ports. I have tried new cables but no luck.

I can also confirm that the issue is temporarily resolved after rebooting my Mac. I have reached the point where I need to reboot my Mac at least once a day...previously didn't do that for weeks.

I'm getting audio dropouts with a similar setup (M1 Max MBP). Don't have dropouts when running the same DAC from my linux desktop. If this won't be fixed my next laptop will definitely not be a mac.

Setup:

M1 Max MBP

Fiio K7 USB dac (tried USB hub and apple usb-c -> usb-a converter)

I am experiencing these issues as well.

M1 MacBook Pro running Ventura.

I first noticed the dropouts when using an External DAC to listen to music - it randomly drops audio for a split second. I had assumed this was the SMSL amp being faulty. The dropouts occur munch more frequently when I have Chrome running.

However today I plugged in a Volt 276 to record guitar. I noticed the audio input was also dropping. I tried different cables and the issue continues.

I have also noticed that restarting improves the situation - for a short while.

My MBP2021 has the same issue. The dropouts occur every several minutes when the MacBook is under heavy load, e.g., programs taking a lot of memory. This bug is easy to reproduce, but why hasn't it been fixed for over two years? It's just straight annoying that I cannot enjoy music with my Hi-Fi equipment. Apple products have a good reputation for media creators, but now, it does not have a stable connection to DACs which a 200 bucks basic laptop can easily do, which is a shame.

I have been having this issue since owning a M1 Pro laptop. I noticed it using a Topping Dx5 DAC/headphone amp. I have since noticed a glitch with my Logitech webcam, connected via ProDisplay XDR which is in turn directly connected to the MacBook Pro. My video glitches and I drop out for less than a second.

Not a huge deal for Zoom calls but the audio drop outs (again, little stops, music will start right back up) is so disappointing. I thought at first it was because I was going through a hub but now I plug directly into the side of the laptop and get these. Sonoma 14.2.1

That’s a great point I believe this is the link to use: Product Feedback - Apple

I have the exact same issue. I use an M1 Mac mini as a music streamer and have to restart it every single day because it develops these dropouts. Upon restart everything is perfect, but after a couple of hours the dropouts return. Very occasional at first but becoming progressively worse/more frequent. Then another restart fixes the problem: Repeat. Ad infinitum. It does my head in.

Having the same issue with Macbook M1 Max and M-Track Eight USB audio interface. Works fine in my Windows laptops and older Macbook. I've had this since day1 also and have tried "high quality" usb cables etc.

This is preventing me from doing my job so I'm now selling the laptop and buying a Thinkpad.

I have the same issue. MacBook Pro M1 14 Inch + Saffire USB Audio Interface (the old one before the red scarlet series). It drives me crazy. I haven't actually realised there might be a temporary reliefe after a restart. I am at least starting to try that out. I am playing my guitar and bass through my interface at home and it makes it impossible to play for longer sessions or play along with a song. I really hope there will be a fix at some point. Will report the issue through official channels asap.