USB Audio Problems Late 2013 iMac - Clicking / Popping / Dropouts

Definitely agree with you, this is 100% linked to the USB interface. I have an Arcam rPAC, gives me flexibility on the audio output - system sounds from the built in speakers, music etc. to the external amp/speaker. Having done lots of testing, it is clearly related to the USB interface, I can create the same problem with the same audio on both an iMac (late 2013) and an old MBP from way back... But only via USB, built in speakers never exhibit the problem.

For me, it is only when the audio goes silent, mixing in Logic Pro X, a simple reverb allows me to precisely control when the pop will occur, i.e. when the waveform goes to nothing...

It really is rubbish from Apple 😟

I have the same problem and went through the same research . Band new imac with mavericks and my audio sound card audio kontrol from native instruments . I get continuous clicks pops using it in my daw , or I tunes internet I just cant use it , I really don't know what to do as apple support told me they have no issue check with native instruments . I called native instruments they told me it's not their problem and have no solution . At this point I want to bring a hammer and knock the mac into pieces I feel robbed.

I am at a point where I need to decide whether or not to get a refund for this iMa

You have 7 days from the date of purchase to return the system to Apple for a full refund no questions asked.

After that no refund is given,

regards

I'm also having audio issues on my new late 2013 iMac via the USB headset. Audio starts playing fine and then static starts creeping into the audio until it drowns out the sound. Only way to fix is to unplug the headset and then plug it back into the USB port.

I've tested the headset on other PCs and my older iMac and the issue doesn't show up.

I've re-installed Mavericks on the iMac, without nuking my data, but that still doesn't solve the issue.

I've logged a case with Apple support and they had me run a program which gathered up a bunch of information to send to their engineering team. No updates yet so far.

Just one question for those that also have this issue. Did you restore your data from a Time Machine backup, or is this issue also happening on the Mac that's fresh out of the box?

I'm wondering if this issue could be caused by restoring data from my Time Machine, but I don't want to go through the hassle of nuking my entier hard drive and having to reinstall everything from scratch just to fix this issue.

the Imac I tested is fresh out of the box . I wonder if someone got a fresh IMac ( with USB 3 argument going on ) and managed to run an external USB sound card on it with out problems ???????

New iMac purchased 11/12/13 - Haven't been able to get it to work correclty with ANY USB audio interface..works great using just on board speakers - I too use Kontakt and record music...so this is pretty frustrating...does your machine have a fusion drive? I've read that it may be the cause...along with the possiblity of some power issue with the USB2 - USB3 conversion and devices that don't have their own power supply...

So many people buying their products and so many not sure if they should return before time is up or wait out the possibliy of a patch..

Hi jonesy60 my drive is SSD not the fusion .its terrible situation as the main reason I got it was for home studio . If I wanted to browse the internet I could have used an ipad am not sure whats the use for it right now . If you know that no device provider yet utilize the usb 3 why would apple restrict the ports mainly to 03 not give option of 02 .what where the beta testers reporting , shouldn't they had one one from the music making folks it's pretty obvious external sound cards in market won't work :(

New iMac, late 2013 27" build 13A603 came with Mavericks

I'm not having issues with any external sound card (I don't have one) but I am having popping and clicking on my external B&W M-1's. These are connected via USB. One fix is to simply use an AUX cable, but then you loose the external DAC which is built in, and the sound quality goes way down. Unfortunately I just noticed it or I would have returned to Apple. I really hope they come up with a solution. I'll be calling them on Monday.

fdas

I have the exact same issue with my Apogee Duet USB and a brand new CTO iMac 21" (Late 2013) i7, Fusion drive 1TB.

Audio pops, clicks and gets choppy after 5-10 minutes or so.

I am having similar Issues with MOTU ultralite Mk3 ...Looks like its new iMac

Hi zbaig , are you using your Motu with the FireWire thunderbolt converter ? Technically you shouldn't have a problem unless you are one of those with the fusion drive ?

I have a late 2013 iMac with the same problem. I thought that it was my thunderbolt to FW and using old hardware so have tried using a Steinberg UR22 USB audio interface and have the same exact problem. My wife has a 2011 iMac so I installed the USB Audio driver and tried with her machine. It works perfectly. Both iMacs are running Mavericks.

As someone else has written, I only bought this for writing music so I’m stuffed.

I called Applecare and was told to reset the SMC - nothing!

I will take back to the store and see if they can fix.

I have the Scarlett 2i2 and have the same problem , New iMac, Fusion drive. I will contact Apple to add to the urgency.