System-level output clipping on MacBook Pro with external audio interfaces (Not happening on Windows)

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Level 1

4 points

System-level output clipping on MacBook Pro with external audio interfaces (Not happening on Windows)

MacBook Pro (M4 Pro), Tahoe 26.2

Recently got a MacBook. I’m using an Audient iD4 MKII as my primary audio interface. For some reason, I’m getting output clipping during normal music playback - both the hardware LEDs and the iD Mixer (Audient software) are showing red. I’ve tested this with another interface (Novation Audiohub 2x4) and it’s clipping there as well.

The weird thing is, I tested both interfaces on a Windows 11 laptop and everything works fine there. I can only trigger clipping on Windows if I intentionally push the master fader in a DAW, but otherwise, it’s perfectly clean. It feels like a macOS issue where the system-level output is boosted slightly above 0 dB.

In terms of the sound itself, I don't hear any audible distortion; I only see the red clipping indication. Still, I’m worried — could this actually damage the audio interface in any way?

Does anyone know why it’s happening and if it’s possible to fix it? Is this a software/system bug, or does it look like a MacBook defect?

1) iD Mixer on Mac (0 db and it is clipping) - watch test video

2) iD Mixer on Win11 (0 db and no clipping) - watch test video

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.2

Posted on Jan 18, 2026 12:21 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

24,444 points

Jan 21, 2026 6:48 AM in response to Lex_Vegas

Lex_Vegas wrote:

Recently got a MacBook. I’m using an Audient iD4 MKII as my primary audio interface. For some reason, I’m getting output clipping during normal music playback - both the hardware LEDs and the iD Mixer (Audient software) are showing red.

As a first step, check all the gain controls on the Audient and in your Mac. In the Mac, check the gain controls in your DAW or other app you may be using ... as well as in Audio MIDI Setup (Audient device, channel volume sliders).

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

203,451 points

Jan 20, 2026 9:56 PM in response to Lex_Vegas

"System-level output clipping on MacBook Pro with external audio interfaces (Not happening on Windows)"

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Troubleshoot the Mac Audio:

What to Try:

Use Compatible Devices and Software:

Research this device, and make sure you are using a compatible Mac model and macOS version for your audio deivce.

Unmute the App:

If an app has its own audio input and output settings, then perform things on the app itself.

Remove External Devices:

Verify what your output item is.

Disable Bluetooth:

If there are any microphones nearby, then they may be getting in the way via bluetooth.

Go Here: Control Access to your Microphone on Mac.

See if an app is permitted to use your microphone.

Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Based Macs Only) Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. updates), system configurations (i.e. for Sound) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM.

Boot into Safe Mode:

When you boot into Safe Mode, items load by default, with certain settings and caches set aside. So, hold down the shift key upon boot. See what happens then.

Create a New Administrator:

See if creating and logging in as a new administrator does the trick. There may be something misconfigured in your current user - something that is getting in the way. Go to: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Unlock > Click: "+" > Create the new administrator

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