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Audio glitches with USB headset after upgrade to macOS Sierra 10.12.4

Hi,


I am using a USB headset (a Plantronics 478) with my MacBook Pro Retina 2015, and I am experiencing some glitches since I've upgraded to the latest version of macOS Sierra.


The glitch affects the audio input as well as the output. In terms of output, the sound "flickers", as in the audio goes silent and full volume many times (4 or 5) per second which renders the device completely unusable.


The problem goes away when I roll back the laptop to an earlier version of macOS Sierra which tells me there is an audio driver issue with the latest update.


I've done a PRAM and SMC resets and the problem still persists.


I am wondering if other people are experiencing the same problem.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.4), Plantronics 478 USB headset

Posted on Mar 29, 2017 12:11 AM

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Posted on Mar 29, 2017 8:46 AM

I've got the same issue with a USB Logitech H340 headset. Stuttering and choppy output regardless of source.

Tried it on different Mac's and even tried new headset new from package and same result. Works fine on 10.12.3.

Tried p-ram, 10.12.4 re-install and changing Audio Midi settings to no avail.


There's a new AudioAUUC.kext extension installed so it might be that one. I've raised a call with Apple so we'll see what they say.

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Mar 29, 2017 8:46 AM in response to v_grin

I've got the same issue with a USB Logitech H340 headset. Stuttering and choppy output regardless of source.

Tried it on different Mac's and even tried new headset new from package and same result. Works fine on 10.12.3.

Tried p-ram, 10.12.4 re-install and changing Audio Midi settings to no avail.


There's a new AudioAUUC.kext extension installed so it might be that one. I've raised a call with Apple so we'll see what they say.

Apr 25, 2017 5:37 AM in response to kafecho

Hi guys, I've had 3 live chats with Apple over the last 24 hours (I'm stuck at home with an injury so I have the time!).


I've been through their many steps (SMC, NVRAM, Safe Mode etc) to no avail.


However, just now, in the last chat the agent acknowledged the wider issue and said Apple engineers are working on a fix. He wouldn't guess timescales but said things tend to happen sooner the more feedback they get. Registering a "me too" on this page doesn't count.


So........give some feedback here https://www.apple.com/feedback/ or if you have the time, start a live chat with Apple on their support page.


It shouldn't have happened but fingers crossed for the fix.

Mar 29, 2017 8:45 AM in response to Tobiachi

Same issue, same headset (Logitech H340 USB). Headset audio was fine until I installed 10.12.4.


Mac is a Mac Mini (Late 2012) and I've done a complete reinstall of Sierra 10.12.4 with no improvement. Audio wavers in and out several times a second; no problems with audio via the speakers or headphone jack.

Mar 30, 2017 12:12 PM in response to kafecho

Same problem here with NuForce µDAC 2. Same symptoms as described above. It worked perfectly in OS X pre El Capitan. Then whatever was broken with USB drivers in El Capitan, Apple fixed and it worked mostly fine until this latest Sierra 10.12.4 update. Now USB audio is broken and unusable again.


Wish Apple would do more of quality control and testing, instead of living off old glory...

Mar 30, 2017 7:04 PM in response to rjeffords

rjeffords wrote:


I wonder if this problem is in somewhat related to "skype certified headsets"? Personally I don't even know what that certification means, but I wonder if it's common thread here...

Probably not. I have a simple USB DAC, and have same problem. The common theme is USB. It's most likely something got broken in USB driver stack. OS X had troublesome support for USB audio devices ever since El Capitan was released.

Mar 31, 2017 2:24 AM in response to Tobiachi

I've ran the headset through a cheap 3port USB hub and can confirm it's working. Sound comes out ok.

The Logitech H340 also works through the USB port of a wired Apple keyboard.


The response from Logitech was that it's been widespread and wait for an OS X update.

All log files has been submitted to Apple and will get a response from them Monday.

I think we can expect an OS X update soon.

Mar 31, 2017 2:35 AM in response to kafecho

I can confirm if i use my old non powered usb 3.0 hub and connect my usb headset to it, it works fine . But my headset connected directly to the mac results in the audio problems. This didn't happen before the update, so the update must have caused some issue. I hope apple doesn't drag out on a fix, it needs to be fixed now! I feel shocked they would even release this update without testing these things

Audio glitches with USB headset after upgrade to macOS Sierra 10.12.4

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