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

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).

"None of these worked. It feels like the issue might be related to the MacBook or macOS (Core Audio) itself, as if the output level is being boosted by default at a software level."

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Getting this Fixed:

I might comedown to reinstalling the macOS. So, who is the seller of this Mac? If not Apple, then see if you can return it, and take this as a learning experience, knowing to always purchase one form Apple, or an AASP, to avoid fraud, and the like. If Apple, then see if you can go through them. To see ig purchasing AppleCare is an option to you, go here: Find Information About your Warranty or AppleCare Plan - Apple Support

Where to get this Serviced...

A. Take to an Apple store:

You'd setup a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store, taking it in for service. There, it will be diagnosed, and you'll be provided with your options. IF not an option, the see if Mail-In service is available to you.

Or...

B. Take this to an AASP:

See an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) in your local area...

Contacting an AASP: 

1. Go Here: Find Locations - Apple Authorized Reseller
2. Click: Service & Support
3. Enter: your location information
4. See: if there is an AASP nearby
5. Contact: an AASP that shows up, and find out more about the services that they offer to fix the iPhone

Troubleshooting this On your Own:

A. Reinstall then Software:

If you are using any Third-Party apps here, contact eh developer. You may need to reinstall the app, as there is always the chance of a bug in the install.

B. Restart the Mac:

Having just installed the update, restart the Mac.

C. Single-Out this User:

For troubleshooting purposes, create a new Administrator user. Log into it, and then see if you get this error. If not, then it is an error with the current user. If so, then it is an error with the entire macOS. Trash this user once this has been tried.

D. Clear Temporary Internet Files

Try clearing your Temporary Internet Files (Cookies & Cache) of Safari. Cookies perform remembrance of certain site-entered data. Whereas Cache keeps a snapshot of the last time you visited a site.  Use this Link: Clearing History and Cache - Apple Communities

If nothing above works...

E. Reinstall the macOS:

Nothing would be lost. It's just that misplaced items would be placed back to where they should be and corrupt system files would be replaced by clean files. Go Here: Reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Use the third bulleted method: [command + r]. IMPORTANT: To prevent data loss, be sure to back up your Mac with Time Machine, prior to the reinstall.

"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