Level 1

16 points

macOS 10.13.2 USB audio issue

I have AudioQuest Dragonfly Red and Back DACs, connected to USB ports of Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Since macOS 10.13.2, which "Improves compatibility with certain third-party USB audio devices", both DACs start to intrude the horrible ripping/screeching noise on audio, played through DACs. This seems to be Thunderbolt Display USB audio issue, as DACs work ok, while connected to the MacBook directly.

Now 10.13.3 and it still exists. Is there any workaround on this issue? Has anyone meet something similar?

iPhone 7, iOS 10.2.1

Posted on Jan 23, 2018 1:55 PM

Top-ranking reply

Beau Hartshorne

Level 1

9 points

Posted on Jan 24, 2018 9:28 AM

I have the same issue. I have a touch bar MacBook Pro and have the issue when connected to an old Apple Thunderbolt display or when connected to a new LG 5k Thunderbolt 3 display. So far the only workaround is to plug the DAC into an Apple USB-C to USB adapter, and plug the adapter directly into my computer. I've contacted AudioQuest support, and they weren't able to help.

View in context

32 replies

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 24, 2018 9:27 AM in response to Beau Hartshorne

I'm not able to check, but it is interesting, whether it only AudioQuest DACs issue, or affects other manufacturers as well.

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 25, 2018 10:19 AM in response to Beau Hartshorne

I've tried 41,100, 48,000 and other available frequencies at MIDI interface configuration - unfortunately, with Dragonfly DACs issue applicable at any of them.

Jan 31, 2018 4:00 PM in response to KristianO33

Are you using the Apple Thunderbolt display? That seems to be the issue.

Jan 31, 2018 4:06 PM in response to CountryGirl56

Yes, I am using thunderbolt display 27 inch

Jan 31, 2018 4:14 PM in response to KristianO33

There were two versions. One with Mag-Safe and one without. I don't know if that makes a difference. I don't use a Thunderbolt display so I'm bowing out.

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 1, 2018 9:27 AM in response to Beau Hartshorne

Doesn't work for me - I had interference at any frequency, with latest macOS 10.13.3 and Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Feb 6, 2018 12:17 PM in response to Sergiyko

I have a strange issue with facetime on my macbook pro. There is some static background noise. I dont have that issue with facetime on my ipad 2017 and iphone x. Could it be related?

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 6, 2018 12:32 PM in response to KristianO33

No issues with Facetime, works ok for me, only USB DACs fail.

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 7, 2018 12:36 PM in response to KristianO33

Nice to hear it! I've added a feedback on macOS with this discussion linked, hope issue will be fixed with next macOS update!

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 7, 2018 2:30 PM in response to KristianO33

Yeah, I now what that stuttering sounds like ... , it’s terrible and making me nervous very quickly. I’m listening my NightHawks connected to the MacBook Pro 2017 jack. Hope it will be fixed soon.

Feb 15, 2018 3:40 PM in response to anton215

thanks, it would be nice to know if it is the thunderbolt screen only.. I only know that it works fine if I connect the usb dac directly to the macbook.

Sergiyko Author

Level 1

16 points

Mar 6, 2018 11:39 PM in response to KristianO33

Great, will check it with latest casual release of MacOS!

Mar 7, 2018 1:15 PM in response to Sergiyko

No issues last 24 hours 😎

gacko28

Level 1

9 points

Jan 24, 2018 9:25 AM in response to Sergiyko

I'm having the exact same issue (MacBook Pro 2015, DragonFly Black, Thunderbolt Display). It's still not working with 10.13.3. The only workaround is directly connecting the DAC to the MacBook or downgrading to 10.13.1 (not recommended).

Jan 31, 2018 3:41 PM in response to Sergiyko

My guess is it won't be possible to plug in a Dragonfly directly into a Thunderbolt display. It's most likely a firmware issue with either the Dragonfly's firmware or the Thunderbolt's firmware. I'm not even sure a Thunderbolt display could ever support a DAC. I don't think it's a High Sierra issue seeing the Dragonfly works perfectly well plugged directly into a Mac.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

macOS 10.13.2 USB audio issue