USB audio distortion

I'm having a problem with running a soundcard through my USB port. Seemingly randomly the audio signal is becoming disorted when coming out of one port. Changing the port does fix the problem, but now i have 2 USB ports that are unusable for connecting to my USB sound card device, and i fear that eventually all of them will go wrong
any ideas what this might be or how it can be fixed?
running Mac OsX 10.6.8 and the audio device is Alesis M1Active 520USB

I have been having similar problems with my (much less fancy) USB speakers, intermittently, since the 10.4.6 update (PowerBook). From another post I made elsewhere:
I have Altec-Lansing XT1 USB speakers. They're connected to the PowerBook via a USB KVM, to an ADC, to the speakers.
For the last week or so (it started soon after 10.4.6 upgrade), an odd temporary sound distortion has been occurring. As the original poster mentioned, it sounds for the life of me as if the speakers are blown.
For anywhere from a few moments (several seconds) or longer, the sound output will become distorted in this way. Then, often of its own accord, things will go back to normal. If I want to get them back to normal more quickly, I can mute and unmute (I use a Logitech keyboard with a mute button, or sometimes I hit the Griffin Powermate which defaults to mute, and occasionally I even hit the sound control on the menu bar). When it's unmuted, it comes back undistorted.
Hence, this phenomenon seems to me to likely be software-related.
I almost always use the PowerBook closed and hooked up to an ACD. Lest you think this is particular to this set up: I have another identical ACD & speakers at the office (indeed, even the same keyboard), with the main difference being the lack of the USB KVM switch being left out. The problem happens there as well.
I welcome any thoughts.
Thanks,
Doug

Similar Messages

USB Audio distorts when using Stanton T90

I have a Stanton T90 USB turntable that works ok with a PC.
However when used on my Mini Mac after a short time the audio starts distorting.
It seems to be application independent and in the logs I have seen:
Oct 30 23:22:01 Macintosh kernel[0]: WARNING: AppleUSBAudio has detected that a connected USB audio device is sending too much audio data.
Oct 30 23:22:01 Macintosh kernel[0]: WARNING: This USB audio device may not function properly. Please notify the device manufacturer.
Has anyone any ideas how to solve this?
Yours
Leon.

Hello thanks for the feedback.
I've 1Gb of RAM.
It happened when I only had my mouse and keyboard connected with nothing but Audacity running. However my mouse is connected via my Mac keyboard so I could try that on a separate port. From the error it appears that the USB port is not being read often enough.
Unfortunately it seems that Apple drivers can be just as prone to incompatibilities as Windows. You can find hundreds of articles about these issues with both Audio USB and Firewire devices.
My last step before throwing the turntable back at Stanton will be to reinstall my OS (Leopard) to see if an update has caused the problem.
Yours
Leon.

Soundsticks (USB Audio) Distortion w/High SPLs...

I have a pair of Harmon Kardon Soundsticks (I've had them for a long time, maybe 10 years) anyway, they have been working flawlessly on my 2006 vintage Mac Pro yet lately the audio distorts when playing it rather loud and with some demanding material...
So, does it sound like there is an issue with the MP or the Soundsticks?
Thanks,
Robert

I have been having similar problems with my (much less fancy) USB speakers, intermittently, since the 10.4.6 update (PowerBook). From another post I made elsewhere:
I have Altec-Lansing XT1 USB speakers. They're connected to the PowerBook via a USB KVM, to an ADC, to the speakers.
For the last week or so (it started soon after 10.4.6 upgrade), an odd temporary sound distortion has been occurring. As the original poster mentioned, it sounds for the life of me as if the speakers are blown.
For anywhere from a few moments (several seconds) or longer, the sound output will become distorted in this way. Then, often of its own accord, things will go back to normal. If I want to get them back to normal more quickly, I can mute and unmute (I use a Logitech keyboard with a mute button, or sometimes I hit the Griffin Powermate which defaults to mute, and occasionally I even hit the sound control on the menu bar). When it's unmuted, it comes back undistorted.
Hence, this phenomenon seems to me to likely be software-related.
I almost always use the PowerBook closed and hooked up to an ACD. Lest you think this is particular to this set up: I have another identical ACD & speakers at the office (indeed, even the same keyboard), with the main difference being the lack of the USB KVM switch being left out. The problem happens there as well.
I welcome any thoughts.
Thanks,
Doug

USB Audio Distortion After 10.4.6 Update

Have been using an Edirol UA-1D USB/Digital Audio interface with my Pismo for years. Optical connection for audio out to digital 8 track unit. Crystal clear signal. Painless operation. And NO drivers needed.
Updated from 10.4.5 to .6, and instantly I'm hearing a considerable and disturbing amount of distortion in the audio. It's not volume dependent or overmodulation (comes through even at low input levels). And it comes through iTunes, Reason, LIVE, etc... where it didn't before.
Since the Edirol unit uses built-in Core Audio, I'm baffled. I know Apple has been endlessly tweaking its OSX USB/Digital audio underpinnings, but I fear this latest tweak has knocked something out of alignment.
Any suggestions?
I zapped PRAM, "repaired" permissions, etc. No luck yet.
Would appreciate any insight.
Thanks in advance.
B&W w/G4600 - Pismo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I have been having similar problems with my (much less fancy) USB speakers, intermittently, since the 10.4.6 update (PowerBook). From another post I made elsewhere:
I have Altec-Lansing XT1 USB speakers. They're connected to the PowerBook via a USB KVM, to an ADC, to the speakers.
For the last week or so (it started soon after 10.4.6 upgrade), an odd temporary sound distortion has been occurring. As the original poster mentioned, it sounds for the life of me as if the speakers are blown.
For anywhere from a few moments (several seconds) or longer, the sound output will become distorted in this way. Then, often of its own accord, things will go back to normal. If I want to get them back to normal more quickly, I can mute and unmute (I use a Logitech keyboard with a mute button, or sometimes I hit the Griffin Powermate which defaults to mute, and occasionally I even hit the sound control on the menu bar). When it's unmuted, it comes back undistorted.
Hence, this phenomenon seems to me to likely be software-related.
I almost always use the PowerBook closed and hooked up to an ACD. Lest you think this is particular to this set up: I have another identical ACD & speakers at the office (indeed, even the same keyboard), with the main difference being the lack of the USB KVM switch being left out. The problem happens there as well.
I welcome any thoughts.
Thanks,
Doug

Distorted recording with QuickTime 7 using USB Audio CODEC

I am running Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8 with all the latest update from Software Update which includes QuickTime 7.1.3.
I am using QuickTime Broadcaster to stream back to itself (loopback) and record to disk at the same time. The input audio device is set to USB Audio CODEC (the default driver that comes with Mac OS X Tiger, and I am using an Alesis MultiMix 16USB mixer on a PowerMac Dual Core G5). I am using MPEG-4 Audio compression (no Video) of 16-bit, 44.1kHz and 128kbps (stereo).
The problem is that sometimes I get recordings (ranging from 1.5 hours to 2.75hours long) with distortion. Here is a short 20-second audio clip with distortion-free audio for about 6 seconds and then distortion sets in:
http://www.netmedia.com.sg/files/SampleDistortion20s.mov
Whether it overlays on top of the original audio or replaces it, I cannot tell, but the transition is instant and smooth with no audible clicks or pops. The distortion can come in and go randomly. For example, I had one recording with distortion coming in at about 2 minutes plus and it remained until about 2hr10min when the distortion went away. Sometimes it didn't go away; other times it came in about an hour later. I also had once where the distortion last only for about 6 minutes somewhere in the middle of a 2.25 hours recording...all in all, it occurs at random. And I do get distortion-free recordings.
This problem also occurs on an iMac G5 with a Alesis MultiMix 12USB mixer, and in another Vara Software's Videocue PRO software which uses QuickTime for recording and playback. QuickTime 7.0.x and all versions of 7.1 also had this problem.
Because of this problem, I may need to use a convoluted method to stream and record to disk via QuickTime. By the way, I also tried streaming to another local subnet IP address just as a troubleshooting without success.

I too am having distortion problem (Sorry no solution here).
Using OS 10.4.8, QT7.1.3, & Adobe Premiere 6.5 on a G4.
After I down loaded QT 7.1.3, my problems started. Is this when your problems started too?
Audio is in "slow motion" sound when editing. On rare occations, it sounds correct for 10 sec or so but sync is out and eventually reverts to "slow motion" sound. Even more bazar, when viewing a clip in a thumbnail preview, it works fine. So I know the orginal is good.
My contention is QT is causing this. All I want is my previous version of QT back. I think this might fix your problem too. Unfortunately, there is no reinstall that I can find that takes QT 7.1.3 off and puts QT 7.1.1or2. The reinstall QT 7.0.3 which is on the Apple website will not restall.
Looking for a reintall that will take QT 7.1.3 off, help anyone?

USB audio Interface distortion/static when sound is played.

My USB audio interface started sending out static/distortion to my speakers one day. It's more apparent when volume is very very low. To troubleshoot I switched to the other USB port and it worked fine for a month or so. Now the second USB port is creating static. I have reason to believe it's the computer not my interface as there was static on one usb port and none on the other. Now both ports create static. Is there something in my computer I can try reseting or should I look into getting a new interface?
Thank you in advance for any guidance with this.
Andy
13" MacBook (Late 2008) 2.4Ghz w/ OS X 10.6.6

No noise problems when the interface is plugged into other systems.. Only on the G5...
And I tried plugging it into all the different USB ports on the G5, the one in front and the two in the back... All with the same result.
Thank you for your reply.

Distorted recording with QuickTime using USB Audio CODEC

I am running Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.6 with all the latest update from Software Update which includes QuickTime 7.1.1.
I am using QuickTime Broadcaster to stream back to itself (loopback) and record to disk at the same time. The input audio device is set to USB Audio CODEC (the default driver that comes with Mac OS X Tiger, and I am using an Alesis MultiMix 16USB mixer on a PowerMac Dual Core G5). I am using MPEG-4 Audio compression (no Video) of 16-bit, 44.1kHz and 128kbps (stereo).
The problem is that I usually get recordings (ranging from 1.5 hours to 2.75hours long) with distortion. The distortion sounds like audio going through Logic Pro's BitCrusher plug-in, that is, audio recorded with less than 8-bit resolution but kept at 44.1kHz sample rate. Whether it overlays on top of the original audio or replaces it, I cannot tell, but the transition is instant and smooth with no audible clicks or pops. The distortion can come in and go randomly. For example, I had one recording with distortion coming in at about 2 minutes plus and it remained until about 2hr10min when the distortion went away. Sometimes it didn't go away; other times it came in about an hour later. I also had once where the distortion last only for about 6 minutes somewhere in the middle of a 2.25 hours recording...all in all, it occurs at random. And I do on rare occasions had distortion-free recordings.
This problem also occurs on an iMac G5 with a Alesis MultiMix 12USB mixer, and in another Vara Software's Videocue PRO software which uses QuickTime for recording and playback. QuickTime 7.0.x and 7.1 also had this problem.
Because of this problem, I may need to use a convoluted method to stream and record to disk via QuickTime. By the way, I also tried streaming to another local subnet IP address just as a troubleshooting without success.

I too am having distortion problem (Sorry no solution here).
Using OS 10.4.8, QT7.1.3, & Adobe Premiere 6.5 on a G4.
After I down loaded QT 7.1.3, my problems started. Is this when your problems started too?
Audio is in "slow motion" sound when editing. On rare occations, it sounds correct for 10 sec or so but sync is out and eventually reverts to "slow motion" sound. Even more bazar, when viewing a clip in a thumbnail preview, it works fine. So I know the orginal is good.
My contention is QT is causing this. All I want is my previous version of QT back. I think this might fix your problem too. Unfortunately, there is no reinstall that I can find that takes QT 7.1.3 off and puts QT 7.1.1or2. The reinstall QT 7.0.3 which is on the Apple website will not restall.
Looking for a reintall that will take QT 7.1.3 off, help anyone?

Noises on external USB audio interface (Yamaha MW12) with Snow Leopard

Hi there,
I got an issue with strong noises (kind of distortion) while playing all kind of music/sounds ( itunes/Reason/Cubase) via an external USB audio device (Yamaha MW12 mixer).
Some important facts:
+ This had not been from the very first beginning of changing to snow leopard
+ but never appeared on "leopard"
+ Yamaha mixer is still working fine with my MS-windows computer
+ latest Asio driver by Yamaha is not helping.
+ internal audio of my Mac Book Pro is working fine.
As this issue just appears 2 days before, without any change or installation on my system, I really wonder, what could be happen. As Yamaha mixer is still working fine with other computer, I expect some driver in MacOS to be the problem (as internal audio HW is working fine).
Does anybody else, know, what to do? (before I change back to MacOS 10.5)
Has anybody else have seen a similar issue?
Thanks for helping in advance.
Merry christmas,
Mat
Message was edited by: d-trich

Hi,
just one addon.
+ Changed USB ports on MacBook and it was fine on the second used.
+ Nevertheless, noise remains on the originaly used port
+ all other connected devices as mouse and midi interface are fully functional on both ports
It still looks like a driver issue. Nevertheless, could it be a hardware issue with the USB port in my MacBook then? Even if all other tried devices are functional?
cheers, Mat

USB Mic Distortion

I recently bought a Samson G-Track USB microphone, to go with my new Macbook (running Leopard), but seem to get intermittent audio distortion when I record. I have been checking the record levels on the mic and garageband and it's not clipping. If anything the signal strength on the Garageband monitor seems low. I can sometimes record a signal ok and then with exactly the same setup next time it distorts. I have tried turning off all effects in case they are causing it. Looking at online discussion forums there seems to be a problem with the Apple USB driver (Audio Codec?).
Anyone else had this problem?

I've had a Snowball USB mic for about a year and it sometimes has problems like you describe (basically signal breakup that sounds like clipping, even though the input level is not too high).
I first used it with a G4 Powerbook, and found that the perfomance depended on which port I used. The differences were dramatic.
I'm now using a MacBook, and there is variability when I record my band from session to session. I'm getting the feeling it might have to do with how well the power is sent from the USB port to the mic. But I don't have a good diagnostic.
I plan to sit down and run some trials, and would suggest you do the same. Plug in the mic, do a quick test and listen, then disconnect/reconnect the mic and repeat the test (changing ports or not).
I read recently that USB power is "dirty" and maybe these mics are very sensitive. If anyone has more info, I'd like to hear it.

Recording into Audition 3.0 via Behringer UFO202 USB audio device

I am running Audition 3.0 on a PC with Windows 7 Home Premium. This may not be the proper place for this question, but I was not able to put it on the Adobe Audition 3.0 and earlier forum.
I am trying to record cassettes into Audition via a Behringer UFO202 USB device. I plug in the USB and my computer sees it and I can hear via the headphone output that it is playing. I go to the Windows Recording Mixer and it indicates that a USB audio device is working. However, I cannot get the sound into Audition. It doesn't show up when I record to the edit window or click on the meters to monitor.
I am also using a HT Omega Sound Card, but their support said that it shouldn't interfere.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
thank you,
New Orleans Audition User

Unfortunately you cannot reduce the levels of audio on it's way into Audition. Audition just records whatever the audio interface sends it. If the levels are that high when recorded into Audition then it is likely that you could be overloading the input to the Behringer interface. You need to somehow reduce the level at source in the analogue domain. Once it is in the audio interface at too high a level then any distortion caused will be burnt into the digital audio file and you won't be able to get rid of it.

USB audio input to voice-over tool not working

with FCE-HD on iMac i have system preferences set to USB-122 Tascam box for audio input/output (works great with GB for instance) but when i try using it for audio input on FCE and the voice-over tool set to USB-122, i hear no audio, the level meter doesn't more, etc, its still taking the audio from the built-in mic.
im sure its something simple im overlooking??
tia

Mark,
See if this post helps. Not familiar with USB audio devices myself, but found this searching:
John Hayward, "Audio out from FCE HD to USB audio iMic" #1, 10:11am Oct 4, 2005 CDT

USB-Audio does not work correct on T430/T530

Hi all!
I'm owner of a T430 and a T530. Both are new PCs where I have installed Windows XP. The reason for XP is that I own older software and hardware, which is not supported on Windows 7. But it works fine and I have no reason to change hard- and software as long it fulfills my requirements! And Windows XP runs fine and fast on the T430 and T530.
Only problem is an EgoSys USB Audio interdace U2A. It is possible to install and run it, but there is a problem in the communication between operating panel and the hardware. When I move the slider for the level, the level jumps instead a smooth increase of the level, which means not alle values of the slider are transferred to the hardware. There is a similar behaviour with checkboxes: there are states of the U2A which are indicaed with LEDs. When I change the checkbox, sometimes the LED changes, sometimes not. This errors happen very frequently but not reproducable.
I tried several settings in the BIOS, like disabling one CPU, hyperthreading, USB3 etc. I tried the U2a also on a fresh XP-intallation without other software, but all without success, the behaviour of the U2A is always the same!
I also tested with an ExpressCard with USB-port from LogiLink, but this card does not recognize the U2A at all.
Up to now I have used the U2A on many different PCs without problems. What might be the reason that it does not work on an ThinkPad? Up to now I was very satified with the U2A and I would not like to replace it!
regards
GKap

Hello faith67baillie,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand there is no sound from CDs or your Music folder. I will do my best to help! First, I require the following information, and clarification of the issue:
1. The computer's model number. If you require assistance locating this information, please reference this website: Guide to finding your product number
2. The computer's operating system. If you require assistance locating this information, please reference this website to determine your Windows operating system.
Additionally, if the issue just began occurring, I would perform a system restore. I want you to bring the computer back to the earliest restore point possible, in an attempt to dodge whatever caused the issue. Here is a document on how to perform a System Restore: System Restore
Mario
I worked on behalf of HP.

Kanex MIni DisplayPort+USB Audio to HDMI Adapter --NO SOUND

Hi,
I just purchased a Kanex Mini DisplayPort+USB Audio to HDMI Adapter for my new Samsung flat screen so I could watch netflix movies. The guy at Tekserve (NYC based authorized dealer) said it's really cool b/c it's audio and video all in one. Two cables are attached to a small box on one side and on the other side of the box is for the HDMI cable which goes to the TV (most of you prpbably already know this) .
The two attached cables fit into the the USB (audio) + mini display port. The video works great, but no sound. I called Apple for tech support and we tried a few things like changing the sound output to USB, but no luck.
I can call Tekserve on Monday, but would love to figure this out before then for the week-end.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Mary

There are actually 2 different Mini Display port to HDMI adapters from Kanex. One supports 2 channel audio through the USB audio out cable, which is the one you have Mary. The other one with the extra audio plug cable supports 5.1 digital audio.
http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3323
http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3495
I don't have either of these adapters but I would think that you "should" be able to go into your System Preferences under Sound. If the USB plug from the adapter is plugged into your MacBook, then it should show up in the output window in the Sound preferences which you would then choose instead of outputting the sound to the built-in MacBook speakers.
At the bottom of the product description page of the adapter that you have (the USB 2.0 version), it says this:
+Sound Output setting on Macs must be changed to "USB Sound Device/USB Type" to have the adapter operating correctly.+*
Let us know if you get it working properly. I'm considering getting one also.
Sorry.... I just re-read your initial post and it sounds like you already DID try switching the sound output to USB with no luck. The only other thing I can think of is the adapter might be bad and maybe exchange it for another one from where you purchased it. Or you could maybe exchange it for the 5.1 digital audio out version. Although it sounds like your sound is going directly into the tv via HDMI and not a surround sound receiver.
Kanex does have tech support and contact links on their web page. Maybe you should email them directly about your problem. Unfortunately I'm sure you'll have to wait til sometime during the work week to get a reply back.

How do I get my MacBook Pro, running OS10.9, to recognize USB audio?

The audio source I'm using is an M-Audio Audiophile USB box.
I tried downloading the driver from here:
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=driver&serie_ID=6&PID=41cf7347b2 0eff77b69588578a74aa58&OS=x114#tabs
But when I double-click the executable, it says it won't launch because it's from an "unidentified" developer.
In desperation, I then tried this:
http://download.cnet.com/USB-Audio-ASIO-driver/3000-2120_4-6405.html
But it appears to be designed for Mac OS9, and won't open.
Any ideas? I can't imagine the modern OSX10.9 operating system simply won't support USB audio sources.
Thanks.

In the system preferences under the security & privacy section click the Lock icon and type in your password. Then in the section for "Allow Apps downloaded from:" area tick the Anywhere entry. Your app and drivers will now install.

USB Audio Device Not Recognized by Stream 7 tablet

Half the reason I bought the Stream 7 was to use it has a music player with my iBaso D2 USB Audio DAC Headdphone Amp.
The device is recognnized by my Win 8.1 desktop and every other computer I've plugged it into. Why it is not recognized as an audio playback device is beyond me. I've tried all of the suggestions that I've been able to find on the net without any luck. Is therte some reason why this function has been disabled on the Strwea 7?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Problem Solved!
It turned out to be a combination of the usb cable and the OTG USB hub. On my desktop the iBaso was cable specific as to the device being recognized. When I tried the working cable witht the OTG hub on the Stream 7 it failed as usual. But when I tried the cheap monoprice adapter it worked.
The usb audio solves the horrible sound problem with the Stream 7 for anybody who is lookiing for a Fix.
The OTG hub works with a mouse and a mSata drive perfectly but not with the iBAso DAC.
Thanks to everyone who replied for keeping me trying.

USB audio distortion

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for