Level 1

29 points

External USB DAC audio dropouts on Ventura and M1

I have been experiencing this since day 1 with my M1 Max MBP. It happens with any external audio device that interfaces via USB. It does not happen with AirPlay, though Airplay is also unstable. This has been an issue since I setup the machine new on Monterey. This seems to be a fundamental architecture issue with the M1. After a reboot the issue goes away for a while. It seems related to the level of multitasking and memory usage - as the machine gets loaded down, the issue comes back. A reboot is not a solution, but I believe it's why many people have claimed the issue is fixed when they remove and then reinstall their hardware. I am hoping this is on Apple's radar to fix before I do something drastic like buy a thunderbolt based audio interface that has dedicated drivers.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 9:28 AM

Top-ranking reply

xotic_wav

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Aug 7, 2024 2:21 PM

I have found a temporary solution for this specific device setup. I'm running an M1 Max Macbook with the Fireface UFX III, and for over 8 months the problem was persistent. I finally tried running the UFX III in USB 2.0 mode through a singular port on the device with no connection adapters and my dropouts have been nonexistent. From what I can deduct, the issue seems to stem from USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 4 functionality.

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55 replies

corbijn

Level 1

14 points

Aug 8, 2024 1:35 AM in response to jeffd55

Just wondering how this is going. It looks like many have been using the support communities but what we really need is someone from Apple to step in. Significant Trust is being lost here - the products are not functioning as designed.

I have just reported a bug relating to this issue, but it says no-one will get back to me. It would be great though to get some communication recognising there is an issue and what is happening to fix this.

Apr 19, 2023 7:18 AM in response to supasnail2

I forgot to mention that I connect to my amp via USB (XMOS) - next time the dropouts occur (and they will) I'll try using airplay to the Mac Mini and see if they persist.

May 9, 2023 12:23 PM in response to austinzippy

Hi!

Macbook Pro 14' M1

Ventura 13.3.1 (a)

Volt 1

I have the exact same issue.

Aug 15, 2023 11:27 AM in response to austinzippy

My USB 2.0 Audio Interface won't even show up in Audio Devices, but shows in System Information. Used to work on Monterey. HELP APPLE

Cosmo M3

Level 1

35 points

Aug 31, 2023 11:51 AM in response to austinzippy

Was this ever resolved?

This issue started to happen since updating to the latest version of Ventura.

MacBook Pro M1 with the DAC connected via USB.

jussi666

Level 1

8 points

Sep 4, 2023 2:51 PM in response to Cosmo M3

Nope not resolved. I've also sent them a feedback message but they never replied.

Cosmo M3

Level 1

35 points

Sep 26, 2023 4:18 AM in response to corbijn

I frequent that forum as well and I'm updating to Venture 13.6 as we speak.

Dec 5, 2023 10:46 AM in response to austinzippy

Same isuue on M1. Not solved with the latest updates, but it crash a little less.

using Tidal on a musical fidelity dac, connected via usb c

Feb 20, 2024 9:58 AM in response to austinzippy

Sam issue here. i thought it was tidal causing iterrutions, then figured out they happen on other platforms as well. then DaVinci Resolve started making funny things with audio. Dropouts, out of sync even though on mac speakers everything is synced properly and so on. This is mindblowing. Apple must fix this or we are not able to use any audio on our machines.

Aug 7, 2024 4:57 PM in response to Astora_Sound

USB 2.0 can be toggled through the settings menu on the front of the interface. Theres no way to do it through Totalmix or the FireFace USB settings on the Mac itself. Additionally, your interface will need to be unplugged from the Mac in order to switch connection types!

You do not need a specific USB 2.0 cable, the ones provided with the unit will work. Everything is backwards compatible :)

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External USB DAC audio dropouts on Ventura and M1