Squeaky noises - audio interface suggestions?

I am running the audio output of my dual G5 into an alesis amp, then to my monitors. As you may or may not expect, I am hearing little electronic noices through my monitors. At a guess I'd say the sound of the hard drive spins is ticking through my speakers at regular intervals.
Short story is it's quite annoying, and sense would suggest that an audio interface would resolve this problem. I'm running short of firewire/usb ports (don't really want a hub).
1. Will an audio interface resolve this squeaking sound issue?
2. What recommendations do you have for audio interfaces, nothing too expensive. I just need some nice clean outs, and perhaps one stereo input. Nothing fancy, more of a focus on sound quality than flashiness.

Hello. Check number 1: what type of wires are you using? If you are using cheap wires, this is amplifying your Hz hum. Also I will assume that you are running a headphone jack which in turn is connected to 1/4 inch adapter. This is not a smart move if you are trying to preserve audio quality. The cheap solution is to stop using the headphone jack, or switch wires. The next best way to get that audio out is via USB of Firewire USB being the cheaper option. As far as the amp you choose or the audio interface; that's based on personal preference and purchasing power.
Hope this helps

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5.1 Surround Sound monitoring audio interface suggestions

I will be editing some live theatricals for Blue Ray, and want to use 5.1 Surround Sound tracks edited in Sound Track Pro. But I need an Audio Interface to be able to monitor the 6 channels of output in the editing, before I burn the Blu Rays. Does anyone have a manufacturer / model recommendation for an audio interface that will allow me to monitor this surround sound mix on my Mac?
I have speakers, and will need to get an amp, or will one of the Bose systems connect with this inrerface? And I don't need multi-channel input as much as output. I'm a newbie - your advice would be much appreciated.

I use the Focusrite Sapphire for 5.1 surround editing in Soundtrack Pro. Works very well. Very simple to set up and use. Good interface software and they keep updates posted on their website.
For monitors I use the M-Audio LX4's. You can buy them in a surround package with powered woofer. They are small but are good quality. Not sure if they are still made as I got mine a few years ago.
Good luck.
This set up gives me realtime monitoring from SP.

My macbook with GarageBand '08 won't recognize my audio interface (Alesis iO 26) connected by firewire. any suggestions?

my macbook with GarageBand '08 won't recognize my audio interface (Alesis iO 26) connected by firewire. any suggestions?

srjinx wrote:
i have a firewire connected. so should i select "built-in" or "system settings" from garageband?
not if you want to use your interface
srjinx wrote:
there is no option on either the main mac system preferences audio input menu nor the garageband preferences menu to select my audio interface as the input.
does the iO 26 require a driver? check the Alesis web site to make sure you have the latest, if it does.
if not, the first suspect would be the cable, try another FW cable.
less likely is one of the FW ports, if you have another FW device you might see if it works on the Mac, for the interface you might need to visit a music store to test it

Heavy white noise/hiss while recording guitar through audio interface

I have just purchased a new MacBook pro 2011 (low end 15") and have tried recording with an m-audio fast track audio interface. Unfortunately I'm getting terrible white noise and hiss while recording my guitar. The guitar is plugged straight into the interface using a guitar lead which is then usb connected to my mac.
I am pretty sure it's not the interface because it's brand new. Also I have tried three different guitars and all have the same out come.
Please help
Things that may help diagnose the problem:
I have installed a new driver.
When the gain and presence is increased the noise is worse.
The output is not hitting the red mark.
Thanks
Andre

I had your problem and I resolved it! i have my mic and guitars plugged into my Eurorack UB1202 analog mixer which outputs to my MacBook Pro via Bheringer UCA222 audio interface then back to my mixer and to my headphones/speakers. i noticed a white noise last night while i was working and all I did to fix it was unplug the audio interface from the outside usb hub (closest to the screen) and plugged it into my middle hub. the noise has now stopped and its crystal clear.
TL;DR try plugging your audio interface into different usb hubs. it worked for me. hope that helps!

Noise coming through Firewire audio interface (M-Audio Firewire 410)

I have an Intel 20 inch Core Duo iMac with an M-Audio Firewire 410 audio interface attached to the 800 Firewire port. The Firewire 410 seems to be working fine. However, I have a very annoying problem with noise. A fairly loud hum is coming through.
I'm pretty sure the noise is originating in the iMac. If I press on the LCD monitor or squeeze the case around the middle of the iMac, the hum diminishes. Sometimes when I do this, the hum diminishes but a buzz then becomes audible.
The iMac and the Firewire 410 are plugged into the same outlet.
I have a friend with the same setup who claims his is dead quiet. Does anyone here know what could be causing this and how I can fix it?
Intel iMac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Any more news on this? I have the exact same problem, and the problem exists with a couple of firewire devices. I'm currently using a Behringer F202 (or something similar), but I had the same problem with a Firewire 410. I'm running Leopard, but I know the problem isn't related to the OS.
See - I have my FW interface hooked up to an external mixer - when I plug it into my iMac, I get the noise..this happens EVEN IF MY iMAC IS SHUTDOWN. I've tried using the external power supply for my Audio Interface, as well as running off of bus power to no avail. It is definitely a problem with the iMac itself.
I've ordered a FW Hub, and I'm going to try using the audio device through that next. I don't want to do this, but I also have a USB Audio device that I use for other things, and I found that it behaved much better when connected to a hub vs the the USB port on the back of the iMac directly. It seems obvious to me that the iMac has some weird power-shielding problem or something of that nature, so pulling it off to the hub which has its own power supply will hopefully help.
I do have AppleCare protection, so, my next step is to call them out.

I recently upgrade to OS X Yosemite. Now, My M_Audio Blackbox audio interface won't work. Any suggestions?

Recently I upgraded my OS to Yosemite 10.10.2 from Mavericks. Now, my M-Audio Black Box Audio interface won't work and I can't find it in the Logic Pro 9 software. Can someone suggest a fix? Thanks.

Do a backup, preferably 2 separate ones on 2 separate drives.
Revert to a Previous OS X - Yosemite
Revert Yosemite to Mavericks
If you do revert, I'd use Setup Assistant to restore your data. This process takes a while, so do it when you won't need the computer for several hours, based on my experience.
If you don't have a Time Machine backup, you will need a backup of some kind.

Pops, latency, distortion. Can't record more than 2 secs. Audio interface?

As near as I can tell, all my software is up to date, I have the latest drivers for my audio interface, and Garageband has basically stopped working.
Firstly, whenever I start Garageband the first time, I get latency that is as much as a second or more. So I have to quit and restart Garageband every time to fix that.
If I leave Garageband running overnight, it completely forgets about my interface, and I'm forced to reboot in order to get any sound at all into Garageband. It sees my audio interface (a Tascam US-122), but I can play away and it won't get any sound at all from it until a reboot.
This means that pretty much every time I want to use Garageband I've first got to reboot the system to convince MacOSX to first listen to my Tascam. Then I've got to start Garageband, then quit and restart to get rid of the latency. This is quite a pain and I've been living with it for some time.
But now, it's gotten worse. Since upgrading everything, now I can only record a few seconds of music, before Garageband stops, creates crackling sounds and popping, and occasionally distorted versions of what I played, but stretched out and terrible sounding, and all between long gaps of dead air. This is pretty useless.
There are some people that believe there is an issue involving Garageband and Airport. And, one time I was able to record part of a track by turning off all effects and turning off my airport card. But this only worked one time.
From reading other posts, it's clear that are at least some others that are having at least some of these same problems.
So, here's what I'd like to know:
1. Has anyone had these problems and figured out a fix?
2. I'd really like to know if anyone is all caught up (10.5.2, latest Garageband, etc...) and is having no problems with Garageband?
3. If you are not having problems, what audio interface are you using?
4. I have a Tascam US-122. If you are also have this audio interface, I'd like to know if Garageband is working for you, or if you're having the same problems I'm having.
In case it's not obvious from the above questions, I'm suspecting that my problem might involve my audio interface and I'm hoping we can gather some info here to help resolve that question.
Thanks in advance for your help.

So, I tried recording into Sound Studio using my TASCAM, and I got some of the same intermittent problems I was having in Garageband. Sometimes there would be a long pause and then I'd hear what I had just played but sounding like it was in slow motion and underwater. This suggested either a systemic Apple problem or a TASCAM problem. Putting my bet on TASCAM, I decided to try a new audio interface.
Anyway, after some net searching, I decided on an Edirol FA-66, so I headed on down to my local Guitar Center to buy one.
Only they don't carry them. Apparently, they stopped carrying Edirol stuff a while ago. The guy asked me what I wanted one for and I told him I was recording my guitar on Garageband. His face lighted up and he said, oh, that's easy, you've got to get an Apogee Duet. Because you're a Mac guy, you can buy one. But, I had seen the price and thought that was too much.
So, I looked all over town, and no one had an Edirol. So, I headed home and got online and started reading about the Duet. Every single person that had one raved about it. I also realized that it was only for Macintosh, so if they don't get it right, no sales. I have to say, I liked that.
So, in the end, I went back to Guitar Center and I bought one.
I've had it now for a few hours, and all my latency, pop, and noise problems have, so far, gone away.
But even better, is that the sound quality is stunningly better. At the best of times with my TASCAM US-122, my guitar sound was "thin". It never really sounded anything close to good.
This is a whole new thing. Playing through Garageband is like playing through an amp.
And, it's so nice to have all that rebooting and restarting nonsense over with.
So far, my recommendation is, if you can afford one, go for the Apogee Duet. In fairness, I haven't tried anything but the Duet and my TASCAM, but people online that have agree that the sound quality of the Duet is as good as it gets in this price range.
So, I've seen a number of other posts in which various people complained about problems that sounded similar to mine. Currently, my experience says that it may be your audio interface (or its driver).

Audio Interface with Seamless IMac Compatiblity?

Dear List,
I thought I submitted this question before but I couldn't find it in my stuff, and can't find exactly the same question in here by searching so here goes and sorry if it's repetitive.
I currently use an M-Audio, Fastrack Ultra as my interface, and it causes my IMac to kernel crash fairly frequently, despite the fact that I'm using all their suggested work arounds. I just looked on their website, and there's no new driver updates, as they have been working on trying to fix that issue. Thus, I'm going to give up on it and I want an audio interface that works seamlessly with IMacs. I would like to stay in the 400-600 dollar range.
The tech specs for my IMac and Logic Studio are below:
IMac 21.5inch Mid 2011
Processor: 2.7 GHz, Intel Core I5
Memory: 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512 MB
Software: Mac OS X Lion, Version 10.7.4 (11E53)
VERSION OF LOGIC PRO
9.1.7 (1700.57) 32 bit
Thanks in advance
Joyce

If you can stretch your budget (quite a bit actually, but you can find deals on the net) I can't recommend the RME Fireface 800 models enough. Lots of I/O, never EVER had a crash, and the drivers and tools are rock solid. RME also makes a FF400 which has less I/O, but also costs less. The sound is steller, and it has no discernable noise. These are Firewire interfaces, but they just camme out with one that also talks USB.
Pete

Audio error with garageband and external usb audio interface

I am using Garageband 2.0.3. under ios 8.0.2 on my iPad 3 and via camera adapter a USB audio interface Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 or a Presonus iTwo.
When I start Garageband, it works well, the audio interfaces are recognized and I can record a track.
As soon as I switch from instrumtent to track view, the audio path is completely disturbed and all I can hear is some noise from the speaker.
Then I have to unplug the usb cable and plug it in again. Then audio works until I switch back to the instrument menu.
When I use the headphone output only there is no problem with Garageband and everything works fine.
Other applications audio applications don't show any error with each of the two audio interfaces.
Any feedback is very much appreciated, thanks.
Harald

I have this exact issue. However, I tried the Loopy app after after GB crashed and received an error message saying that core audio is not available. Rebooting resolves but the problem repeats. Any suggestions as to fixes? Btw; I have no such problem with Ipad 2 and ios 7.

'Invisible' latency problem with Tascam US-122 mkii audio interface

Firstly, thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer, secondly I'm very new to Logic and troubleshooting DAWs, and thirdly this sort of thing is really difficult to describe. So, here goes:
I'm using a late 2007 macbook with a 2.2Ghz intel core 2 duo and 2GB ram with Logic Pro 9. My audio interface is a Tascam US-122 mkii.
The reported latency I should be experiencing is far less than what I can hear. That is, if I record a part through the Tascam, through guitar line in or by a microphone, when I then go to playback the track the recorded track is VERY misaligned with the rest of the song. It's usually by about a third of second- I can match them up with a mouse drag but that's only for very simple parts, e.g 1/4 notes or something. Logic isn't compensating for any latency between the interface and Logic. Is there any way to fix this? I suspect this might be something to do with the drivers for the Tascam, rather than Logic....or is it that the mac's spec is too low? If I got another audio interface, such as the Apogee One, would that be more 'plug and play' in giving me less issues with simply trying to get a recorded part appear where it should do? I've tried experimenting with the drivers (I'm currently using the one recommended by tascam) and by changing the I/O buffer size.
One other weird problem is that if I set the output and input in logic for the Tascam, I end up with really bad CPU spikes. Practically a full bar. But if I set it to the input only from the tascam, and use the default output with logic, no CPU spikes. The latency/alignment problem is basically unaffected by this.
Here's an excerpt from an email I sent to Tascam support, which sets the problem out in a slightly different way.
"In logic, when I have both the output and the input through tascam, obviously the recommended setting, it doesn't say there is much latency but there are all sorts of CPU spikes. Even though it says there isn't too much latency (i think about 15ms, which is more than i'd prefer), there is a large delay when playing back a recorded track. Basically, the tracks are misaligned about by a third of a second. On top of this, and I don't know if this indicates anything, but when I use the tascam as both input and output I can't access the lower I/O buffer settings in logic, i.e 32 or 64, as there's a lot of white noise. I was under the impression using lower I/O buffer settings might help, but....
When I set the output to the default device (macbook sound output) and take my input from the tascam, there's still a large delay. Logic reports the latency as being lower than before by about 6 ms, but upon playing back a recorded sound there really isn't any difference- we're still looking at about a third to half a second misalignment between the tracks. However, strangely, with the default output and tascam as input, the macbook can happily get down to an I/O buffer size of 32 in logic while using low latency mode, but as I say this hasn't helped the problem at all.
So, despite getting lowish reported latency, I'm getting a MASSIVE delay between a track I've recorded and where it should be, that is, about 1/3 to half a second later. "
Anyway, thanks again to anyone who has any suggestions. I've tried as much as I can think of and have had a good look in the manual and a look around these forums, but since I can't really figure out what the problem exactly is it's proving hard- so apologies if it's something really obvious.
Thanks to anyone who helps, I know it might not be very interesting since Logic 10 just came out......
Mike

Actually, at long last and thinking about it differently, I've sort of sorted out my own problem- the 'delay' or 'invisible latency' was caused by using the tascam as input and the macbook as output. But I'm still getting massive CPU spikes and can see a lot of crashes incoming....is that because of a poor driver, or because of a poor macbook? Would something like the apogee one be less of a CPU hog?

Constant clicking/popping with USB audio interface (scarlett 2i1)

Hi, I'm having a very frustrating issue with my audio. for the time being I have just decided not to use any audio (which is absurd). I have had this problem with Arch, Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc...
My audio interface is a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and I cannot get it to stop making popping noises. Initially, it would only do it when I would open an application (regardless of whether that application relies on audio), move back and forward in my browser, etc. Anything that makes the computer work. Right now, it is popping every 1/2 second, probably because dd is cloning a hd right now. Possibly related, qjackctl has started saying it can't connect to JACK server, I'm pretty sure it worked when I first installed it (it tells me "ALSA: cannot open PCM device alsa_pcm for playback.
I have tried the following:
-ediitng asound.conf with various suggestions online for others that have had this issue - changing sample rates etc... unfortunately none of them are using the same interface so I don't think they apply to me. I don't really know what most of the things in these files mean, otherwise I would probably be able to configure it properly.
-blacklisting every other sound card in my computer
-adding a .asoundrc file as suggested here:
-tried to view information on my sound card with lsusb -v, but I don't know how to pinpoint the sound card so the list is too long for me to scroll all the way to the top (I typically have 12 to 14 usb devices plugged into this computer)
I mainly use OS X, but I would like to use Linux for music production as well; obviously this has made it impossible. Again, this has happened with every distro I have tried.
Please help, this has basically made Linux unusable for anything other than very basic internet browsing. I'm using gnome-shell and linux-rt kernel.
Last edited by jamiethemorris (2012-08-26 12:58:24)

I have precisely the same problem.
Did you find a solution or, at least, somenthing usefull?

Focusrite Saffire Pro 10 or Motu Ultralite firewire audio interface

Hello one and all.
Newbie here so please bear with me as I realise this topic has been covered in lots of various ways before.
I work in a theatre and spend my time creating sound effects, soundscapes, editing pre recorded music and A/V work. I'm currently upgrading our pre, live & post production equipment.
You can see I've gone for the iMac 2.8GHz & i'm about to receive Logic Studio 8. I'm looking for a firewire audio interface as I want to link up a midi controller to it (Edirol pcr 300) and also connect to our Allen & Heath GL3300 mixing desk. I'd like to try to, "future proof" our options (i.e differing i/o options) as we never know what recording/playback needs are around the corner. I've tried to research audio I/O's as much as I can and I've ended up with a choice of 2, Focusrite Saffire Pro 10 or Motu Ultralite.
Any views, reviews or ideas greatfully received.
Thanks
P*

I've done installation work for theatres/theatre groups. Reliability is a nr. 1 priority. I suggest you take a hard look at the Metric Halo 2882.
I like my MOTU 828 mk2(it always works), but my experiences with the MOTU Traveler (will often go berserk if you inadvertently pull the FW plug) and the MOTU 896 HD haven't been very favorable. The 896HD will give you a full blast burst of noise whenever you switch it on. Not good in a theatre where the amps are normally left at full throttle. Also, I had a lot of failures/technical problems.
The 2882 is a bit more expensive, but worth every cent. And the technical support is second to none.

My iPad Air 2 is no longer recognizing my audio interface when I connect.

Basically I am using the camera connection kit to connect to my korg kronos keyboard, which has an audio interface. The couple times that I did this before, it worked. Sound from the iPad was routed to my monitor via the Kronos interface. I don't know what happened but I didn't use it for a week and ever since then when I connect the sound only comes through my iPad. I used to be able to use the Kronos As midi device to control my music apps but even that functionality doesn't work anymore.
ive tried doing a hard reset several times and in several combinations with the Kronos...such as powering both on at the same time but no luck.
the kronos works perfectly when I connect it to my laptop, so I'm convinced it's an issue with the iPad. When I plug the iPad to my computer it is recognized...so it can't be the connection port that is faulty.
THe kronos is the only class compliant device I have to test it on and have been unlucky so far.
ANy help?

Try doing a hard reset on the iPad. You can also check if your iPad needs to be updated too.
To update go to Settings - General - Software Update
To do a hard reset, i would suggest you do a back up first, either on iCloud or via iTunes.
First try shutting down the device off and on, if that does not help, then you can go ahead and do the hard reset.
Hard Resetting your device.
On your iPad, press and hold both the SLEEP/WAKE button and the HOME button for about ten (10) seconds. After ten seconds you should see the Apple logo showing up, you can then release your fingers from those buttons. Wait for your iPad to turn up completely, then try connecting your projector again to see if it works. I hope it does. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Error message: "the previously selected audio interface is not available"

HELP?!?!?!?!?
I'm stuck, and I can't go forward. Here's my issue:
I've bought a Focusrite Saffire LE, a simple firewire audio interface, for use with my Logic Express 7 (with all the latest updates). I run the setup assistant and select my saffire as the audio interface to use, and then when logic runs I get the message "the previously selected audio interface is not available" and it defaults to my Macbook Pro's internal microphone and speakers.
Just for sanity I've tested the audio interface with garageband and it's fine. My other audio apps aso run fine using the saffire as the audio interface. The setup assistant for logic has no problem finding the saffire, so why does it get rejected as soon as logic starts?!?!?
Please - this is driving me crazy.

I asked Focusrite for some help, and they said it should work (which I knew) and made some suggestions. Here's their email:
"Saffire LE should work fine in Logic Express.
Try resetting your logic preferences. Go to Logic > preferences > initialise all except key commands.
Do you still have the same problem?
Do you have any other firewire devices attached?
Have you had any other interfaces installed in the past?"
All good suggestions, but so far no luck.
Has someone else got the same config as me? (15" Macbook Pro and focusrite saffire le)?

? on Using which format of Audio Interface with a Imac i3

Hi,
I have been reading and reading about this topic. My (R.I.P.) eMac has been replaced by a very nice and fast Intel i3 Imac with FW800 and plenty of USB 2.0 and SP/Dif (even)
Fortunately most all of any music gear that needed driver or firmware updates for Snow Leopard had them available, but my Tascam US-120 (USB 1.1) does not so have been looking at USB 2.0 (though its amazing how many USB 1.1 USB Audio Interfaces are still be produced and at $$$ prices. Firewire Audio Interfaces are at FW 400 and with a Firewire 800 port on the back of the iMac appears ? that a interface cable is the required or ? only way to use a Firewire interface 1) I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly, and 2) is this safe ? to do 3) I am getting a FW 800 Extrenal Hard Drive so that is a match, 7200RPM,
I do plug in to the Interface (or did) at times 2 microphones XLR type (to put mic's on a amplifier) , a Electric Guitar , or a Acoutsic Electric Guitar in to the interface or record it with a mic's, I have a MIDI Keyoard that has MIDI in-out as well as USB in, and also plugged two power monotors(Linear Flat Speakers) in to the out puts of the previous Audio Interface.
Last Question I reviewed the bit/kHz of the USB 1.1 interfaces and they range from 16 bit//48 kHz,24bit 44.1kHz, to 24bit 48kHz to 24bit 96kHz (on a USB 1.1 connection from the particular USB audio Interfaces when you find a USB 2.0 modem the max bit rate is 24 and the kHz (ranges from 96 kHz to 192 kHz) I am not a electronics genius
but have recorded music in to computers for over 6+ years and the Resolution rates of the USB 1.1 do not make sense to me (I realize that MP3 (being compressed) and CD quality recordings are only so high but..
I am going to (later) update to Ilife 11 with Garageband 11' which can record up to the 24 bit range so that is a consideration as well
The FW 400 resolution rates in the chart I have are a minimum of 24 bit and kHZ range of 96 kHz to 192 kHz . and in theory USB 2.0 is a bit faster at 480 mbs versus FW 400
at 400 mbs and from what I have learned USB 1.1 is slowest, I guess I am missing something, over thinking this or. Just want to do it safely, and get all of the inputs and out puts I need (I can even use the SP/Dif that comes on alot of Audio Interfaces, The AES Audio Engineers Society just wrapped up a convention and have been looking at their site and new product releases.
Any Input would be greatly appreciated and I wish I could write less and explain more!
David
ambienttales

If you can stretch your budget (quite a bit actually, but you can find deals on the net) I can't recommend the RME Fireface 800 models enough. Lots of I/O, never EVER had a crash, and the drivers and tools are rock solid. RME also makes a FF400 which has less I/O, but also costs less. The sound is steller, and it has no discernable noise. These are Firewire interfaces, but they just camme out with one that also talks USB.
Pete

Squeaky noises - audio interface suggestions?

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