macOS Sierra Update 10.12.4 Stuttering Audio

Using the solution form this thread: Re: Audio glitches with USB headset after upgrade to macOS Sierra 10.12.4 I tried a few different ways to make this work. Ultimately it was connecting my headset to an unpowered USB-3 hub.

Sabrent Premium 4 Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub, model HB-MAC3 purchased on Amazon, http://a.co/bXdeSWB ($14.99)

Other unpowered hubs may work. Other people report it working for them, but have not reported models.

2012 MacBook Pro, Retina Display, 10.12.4

Plantronics Audio 478 USB headset

Connect to unpowered USB-3 hub (Sabrent) works, whether plugged into wired keyboard, other powered USB-3 hub or directly into MBP.

Connect to Wired Apple USB keyboard (current aluminum model) did not work regardless of where attached.

Connect to old unpowered USB-2 hub did not work regardless of where attached.

Connect to unpowered USB-3 hub (AX88179 USB 3.0) did not work regardless of where attached.

Connect to powered USB-3 (unknown model) hub did not work regardless of where attached.

Hopefully a patch will be released soon.

Well, it looks like Apple IS monitoring this forum after all. 😮

They sent me 3 emails explaining they either modified or removed my posts in which I said - based on others feedback - that version 10.12.5 *appears* to resolve the issue. Apple considers this "speculative" and therefore removed some of my posts. My advice to all affected by this problem is to continue to voice your concerns to http://www.apple.com/feedback/

I can confirm that if you install version 10.12.5 beta (for public) the problem is fixed. So either wait for the next update or install Beta by enrolling to the program - follow this link to enro lhttps://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/redemption

I have the sam problem connected to my dac. when it stutter the console said that:

HALS_IOContext.cpp:1496:IOWorkLoop_HandleOverload: HALS_IOContext::IOWorkLoop_HandleOverload: Overload on context 229 current time: 52564 deadline: 53102

I have this problem before but upgraded to 10.12.4 it make the problem more frequently.

Any audio device that is connected to my 27" Thunderbolt Display, including the display audio itself, is stuttering with 10.12.4. Didn't happen with any previous release so I am guessing that the issue is with Apple's latest audio drivers. Hope they are working on a fix as this is getting very frustrating...

This is also happening with the internal speakers. I don't use any other speakers except the internal ones. After I reboot, the audio is fine for a day or two. Then after waking it from sleep, the audio is very distorted. Was fine before 10.12.4.

My Logitech H340 also suffers from this. Also does not matter if I plug in via monitor (powered hub), direct to mbp, or with 2 dumb unpowered 4 port usb hubs. Same stuttering. 😟

I also have a older plantronics headset that works fine.

Same issue here after the upgrade to 10.12.4 on 27-inch, Late 2015 iMac.

I have tried Microsoft LX-6000 and Logitech H340 headphones , also tried plugging the headphones on a Belkin usb 3.0 hub. Choppy sound through the headphones.

Same issue here with a Microsoft LiftChat LX-4000 on Late 2012 Mac mini running Mac OS 10.12.4 Sierra. No matter if I plug it in directly or in unpowered hub.

No problems on my other Late 2012 Mac mini running 10.12.2 Sierra.

Interestingly it works with a Logitech USB headset.

I sure hope Apple gets this fixed soon.

Mac OS Sierra 10.12.4

Plantronics .Audio 628 Stereo USB headset

MacBook Pro 13" Retina - Early 2015

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Just received this headset and the audio is choppy, stuttering. Tried installing and uninstalling the driver, no luck. Restarted, no luck. Tried the other USB port, no luck.

I called Plantronics and was told they have been receiving calls for this. They opened a case for me, but said while they are doing some testing, it was up to Apple to resolve the issue.

workaround: I used the same workaround I used when a Mac OS update "broke" the corded Mac keyboard: I used a USB hub and it fixed the choppy, stuttering sound. 😝

Now hoping Apple will quickly fix whatever bug introduced in the 10.12.4 version.

So I can see there are some music heads here. The specific headset being used do you know the bitrate and depth? I.E. 24bit at 44100? Has anyone tried going to audio midi setup and changing over settings to use this device? I work with a lot of audio gear. Consumer to pro audio.

I have the same issue on a MBP with an MS LX6000 headset. I've tried two unpowered hubs one USB 2.0 and the other USB 3.0, I've also tried the hub on a wired keyboard. None of them worked in terms of solving the problem. The Headset is unusable on the Macbook, but fine on my older iMac which is very odd.

Just plugging in the headset you can hear a burbling noise on the Macbook. Turning the mic gain down and looking at the recorded audio on Audacity there is a much increased noise floor compared to before.

I hope Apple fix this issue soon.

Ok so have you tried to configure this headset in the audio midi setup? Usually from there creating your device into an agregate and using as the master should work. Please comment back I've seen too many replies on devices via USB not working. Also make sure the headset is "Class Compliant" meaning no drivers are needed. If it does in fact need drivers I'd start there.

Ok you could go to your system and open the audio midi setup utility, then you may need to create an aggregate audio device or you may want to also try and look at info from the headset makers website. I think this info is old, but not too old.

http://www.plantronics.com/us/support/kb/detail.jsp?vfurl=/articles/en_US/How_To /MyHeadset-Updater-for-Mac-How-to-Install-and-Use&c=All&lang=en_US