Q: Mavericks 10.9.2 out... Audio issues fix included!

Thanks again, AoS and colleagues.

I have created an Apogee support ticket and asked a few questions about the Duet FW driver updates. When/if I get a response, substantive or otherwise, I'll report back here.

I updated to 10.9.2 - and still having issues.

My specs are:

  Model Name:          iMac - 27" Late 2013

  Model Identifier:          iMac14,2

  Processor Name:          Intel Core i7

  Processor Speed:          3.5 GHz

  Number of Processors:          1

  Total Number of Cores:          4

  L2 Cache (per Core):          256 KB

  L3 Cache:          8 MB

  Memory:          32 GB

  Boot ROM Version:          IM142.0118.B00

  SMC Version (system):          2.15f2

I have my OS and all apps on an external T-Bolt HD.

I use T-bolt converted to FW400 cord... to a Focusrite Saphire PRO14.

Using Logic Pro 9.

About 10 seconds after clicking record, i get SSSHHH (loud hiss) - for about 5 seconds. And it's recorded that way.

Been the same since I got this iMAC - I was hoping buying the external T-Bolt drive would be my interim solution, but its not.

5 months and 5 grand later... I was better off before.

I had an older iMAC with all this same gear and software and no problems for years (except the computer getting slow).

I had all my problems fixed with 10.9.2  but prior to that Ihad downloaded the latest drive upgrade from Focusrite.

I'm using a regular Focusrite USB 8i6, so no thunderbolt connection at all.

But I advice you to reach to Focusrite technical suport, they are very good  and willing to hrlp their customers.

my gear :

  Nom du modèle : iMac 21" late 2013

  Identifiant du modèle : iMac14,3

  Nom du processeur : Intel Core i5

  Vitesse du processeur : 2,9 GHz

  Nombre de processeurs : 1

  Nombre total de cœurs : 4

  Cache de niveau 2 (par cœur) : 256 Ko

  Cache de niveau 3 : 6 Mo

  Mémoire : 16 Go

A very puzzling response from Apogee, which I reproduce below, to my inquirty about new OS 10.9.2 drivers for the FW Duet:

Any thoughts on this?

In one sense the tech person was correct, the Duet(s) use both the Firewire & USB "driver" built into the operating system. Both units will work (on a limited basis) without installing any of the Apogee interface/control software.

However, the interface software that provides all of the features available on the hardware can cause recording playback problems, but the Apogee software is not a "driver". I thought Apogee had released a 10.9.2 software package and that things were working smoothly again.

What's odd is asking about iTunes?

Sorry I wasn't clear, all of the Duets, whether Firewire or USB use Apple's "driver" that is built into the OS. The Apogee software provides the built-in driver with an interface to manipulate the hardware features. However, the interface software can affect performance if the interface software is not 100% compatible with the OS it's being used on. Technically what Apogee provides is not a "driver' but software that sits on top of Apple's driver.

Thanks, AoS and Pancenter.

I also assumed that there is integration with Core Audio, and maybe should have made clearer to Apogee support that I meant new Apogee software, whatever it includes. Anyway, we'll see what sort of response I get, as I did answer the person's query.

Hi Nigel,

Your MOTU devices use true, full fledged audio drivers, just like RME products. Same with MOTU MIDI devices, they do not rely on Apple software, that's why they're generally unaffected and as a rule, much more stable and can effectively run lower latencies.  Writing good audio drivers is becoming somewhat of a lost art. 

Art of Sound,

Can you expand a bit on what your contacts mentioned about Apogee working to fix the last of the problems associated with the Fusion Drive iMacs? Below is yet another, uh, "interesting" response from Apogee support.

"The audio issues were not something Apogee could fix and occurred with audio interfaces from other manufacturer's as well. 10.9.2. was suppose to resolve this.

Provide a System Profile Report from your Mac with the Duet connected."

Hi there, having an isolated syncing/clicking issue when using the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP as my soundcard with Mavericks 10.9.2.

I get what appear to be constant syncing clicks mixed with the audio when streaming content with HD audio from sites like Vimeo and SoundCloud, but this only happens when using Safari as my web browser - have tried the same sites/content in Chrome and have encountered no issues whatsoever. Makes me think it might be some kind of buffering issue rather than syncing clicks, so Apple just needs to update Safari?

The Saffire Pro 24 runs fine when used as an interface for recording 2 tracks of 48kHz 24 bit audio in the Reaper DAW, so syncing does seem to be okay. Just not in Safari.

Specs: iMac 27"/3T FD/3.5Ghz i7/8GB RAM/OSX 10.9.2.

Anyone else had this problem?

I have an iMac, 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 with a 1T fusion drive.  My interface is the Steinberg UR22 and I have the latest Yamaha driver installed.  Every time I restart my computer, I have to re-install the drivers!  I've read through and followed the uninstall/install procedures a dozen times but it never works.  I have a the OSX 10.9.2 all up to date.  The funny thing is, I have the same OSX installed on a portable HD and when I boot to that, everything works great.  I think there are still issues with the fusion drive.  Anyone else have the same problems?

This update did next to nothing for me.  Maybe the Mac sometimes runs for a little longer without the audio issues, but maybe teh time to failure is  still just a random thing.  I still can't play audio consistently through an interface or use the interface for Logic or even Amplitube and have it work consistently.

I have a new Imac from December 2013 and four different audio interfaces including an Apogee Duet.  This is with the latest firmware for the Apogee, which is the newest of the interfaces

I'm amazed to hear that the update helped anyone.  Have you all had good results over a longer period of time, not just for an hour or two after you instaleld the update?