Getting drop outs and subtle crackling and can't figure out what's causing it. Help requested...

[killmaster]

I have an M4 Mac Mini, using the latest version of Bitwig (not beta) and an Audient ID14 MkII Interface. The Sample Rate is 48Khz and 512 Samples (I've tried all the way to 1024 samples)

Not matter what instrument I play, there are these interruptions in the sound. Sound like subtle crackles or dropouts. I'm talking about just one track, one plugin, like Zebra or Kontakt with The Gentleman.

Driving me nuts. I was fairly certain it must be the sample rate but it wasn't and wondering what else I can check.

Thanks for any advice!

Greg

[Cavey Arrgh]

Play some youtube videos through your sound card, and if you also get same issue, try turning off your wifi.

[killmaster]

Play some youtube videos through your sound card, and if you also get same issue, try turning off your wifi.

Thanks for the ideas. I don't have it when I play youtube videos. And my computer is hardwired to the internet.

[jules99]

Are you running any plugins in Bitwig? What's your macOS version? How much RAM do you have? Any other apps running at the same time as Bitwig?

[rACatkvr]

Try reducing your buffer size to 128.

[osiris]

I was going to say this but in FL you have to increase your buffer size.

[flugel45]

Latest firmware (if available) and software (drivers) for the Audient?

I'm a PC guy so don't really know any of the fixes for Macs.... but maybe try a different USB port? Or a different cable if you have one.

Hopefully a veteran Mac user will chime in.

[killmaster]

Latest firmware (if available) and software (drivers) for the Audient?

I'm a PC guy so don't really know any of the fixes for Macs.... but maybe try a different USB port? Or a different cable if you have one.

Hopefully a veteran Mac user will chime in.

Yes to both. I'll try these 2 things.

Thanks!

[killmaster]

Are you running any plugins in Bitwig? What's your macOS version? How much RAM do you have? Any other apps running at the same time as Bitwig?

I was running one track with one plugin. Latest OSX version for Sequoia. 16 Gigs RAM. Broswer opened but no other audio apps running.

[killmaster]

I was going to say this but in FL you have to increase your buffer size.

I though increasing it would more likely help. I'll try 128 just to see.

[osiris]

I've run it up to 512 and it didn't seem to cause any issues. I don't know about Bitwig but in FL in the wrapper menu there's all these other things you can do. There's a box marked Use Fixed Buffer Size that usually helps to turn on. I'd also suggest you check memory and space because Zebra is high CPU but an M1 should handle that. The size of The Gentlemen could be an issue. (no pun intended). Some of those Kontakt files are gigantic.

[eLawnMust]

"Crackling Rosie Get On Board"... So I figger it's the Board...

[zerocrossing]

Do all of this:

https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/ma ... imization/

[GGaudio7]

Do you also get drop outs und crackling in the same tracks with Zebra & Kontakt when using the headphones output of your M4 Mac Mini and NOT the Audient ID14 MkII´s output?

[killmaster]

I really appreciate everyone's advice. I unplugged my JBL speakers from power for a couple minutes and re-plugged them in and so far, that seems to eliminate the issue. I spent hours trying to track this down and never imagines the speakers could be the cause. How can it be?