Recently my 2024 Mac mini with Apple M4 chip running Tahoe 26.5.2 does not output Apple Music to USB audio devices. I have a Focusrite Scarlett18i8 with a USB connection to the Mac. The USB indicator on the Scarlett is lit.
A microphone plugged into the Scarlett18i8 works fine so it's just the USB connection from the Mini to the Scarlett that does not work.
I have also contacted Focusrite about this issue.
Try this
Update Focusrite Control & Interface Firmware
Focusrite issues regular updates to patch compatibility issues with newer macOS architectures.
5. Check for macOS Updates
Because this is a recognized CoreAudio issue within the macOS 26 cycle, Apple deploys patches in minor updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to see if a newer build is available for your M4 Mac mini.
Try this
Update Focusrite Control & Interface Firmware
Focusrite issues regular updates to patch compatibility issues with newer macOS architectures.
5. Check for macOS Updates
Because this is a recognized CoreAudio issue within the macOS 26 cycle, Apple deploys patches in minor updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to see if a newer build is available for your M4 Mac mini.
Since you are trying to output audio to your USB-based Scarlett, check AudioMIDI setup to make sure that your Scarlett is set as the device for sound output.
See Set up audio devices in Audio MIDI Setup on Mac - Apple Support for more details.
I have worked on this issue most of the day. I have not gotten any response from Focusrite to my queries.
The Focusrite Control 2 App displays Scarlett 18i8 and 44.1kHz with a green dot, which is what I setup.
The Music app/library may not be working right or is corrupt. It says 102.9 MB on Disk shows with a date of 2/17/2026 but I have added files since then. Music works fine on my iPad and iPhone so the Music Library on the Mac has gotten hosed somehow. That seems similar to the initial issue with Focusrite?
A mic on Analogue Input 1 works.
I have verified I have all the latest versions of software. I spent more time today trying things to no avail.
In Audio/MIDI setup under Scarlett 18i8 USB I have Clock Source Internal selected. I have tried all the options and no difference. The headphone output does not work either.
I opened "Configure Layout for "Scarlett 18i8 USB" that provides a noise signal to test the output settings. That works fine so the signal from the Scarlett to my speakers is good. I don't see anything in the Apple Music app that could be causing an issue.
2024 Mac mini with M4 chip does not output Apple Music to USB audio devices.
