Frequent Audio Dropouts with MOTU M6 and Asus TUF A16 on Windows 11

[Pictus]

Hello !
(...)I tried several configurations with MSI Utility, modifying the properties, etc... but no change either.(...)

Hi,

- The BIOS is updated ? The latest for the FA607PV model is version 308 from 2024/11/12
In the BIOS try to disable C-states, if makes not difference enable it back.
Also disable the option to automatically download and install ASUS Armoury Crate.

- Are you using the latest chipset driver ?
https://www.techpowerup.com/download/am ... t-drivers/

- Disable Windows Hibernate
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or ... s-11.1894/

- Make sure USB selective suspend setting = Disabled
PCI Express Link State Power Management = OFF


- Is the CPU overheating ? https://www.hwinfo.com/files/hwi_816.zip

- Are you using Razer/Logitech/Steels series mouse?
Make sure USB polling rate is not higher than 500Hz, the default is 125Hz.

- Does the laptop is able to pass 3 cycles of y-cruncher tests 17/18/19/20?

-Type 2 + enter
-Type 8 + enter
-Type 17 + enter
-Type 18 + enter
-Type 19 + enter
-Type 20 + enter
-Type 0 + enter

- You should uninstall ALL the harmful ASUS bloatware like MyASUS, ASUS System Control
Interface v3, Armoury Crate Control Interface, Armoury Crate & Aura Creator Installer.
In the past ASUS Armory create created problems like you are experimenting...
Better, do a clean Windows installation and ONLY install the absolute necessary drivers!
(Do not disable UAC and do not enable WDAC policy!)
https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/


IF a clean install of Windows without bloatware still gives you problems, your laptop may be defective.
Do not forget to do the tweaks mentioned in the initial part of this post.

[lobanov]

double post, sorry

[lobanov]

Hello,

I’m experiencing some issues when using my MOTU M6 audio interface with my Asus TUF A16 laptop.
I’ll try to describe my setup and problems in detail, as I’ve seen many mentions of MOTU and the M6 on forums, but none of the suggested solutions have worked for me.

Configuration:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 - 7845HX
RAM: 32GB
OS: Windows 11
GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070
External SSD: Samsung T7 for large sound libraries
Display: Second monitor via HDMI
Audio Interface: MOTU M6 via USB-C
Software: Reaper, KONTAKT, and various VST instruments

The issues:

When using Reaper with a 256 buffer size in a light session (e.g., 5-6 VST instruments), everything works fine.

However, once I load more VSTs, even though neither RAM nor disk usage are close to 100%, the sound cuts out for half a second at regular intervals (every 30-60 seconds). Occasionally, I also get minor crackling sounds. It’s still usable but increasingly disruptive.

When playing audio from YouTube, a browser page (Firefox), or any other audio source in Windows with the MOTU set as the default output device, the sound cuts out every 10-20 seconds for nearly a full second. If I switch back to Reaper after this, the software either crashes or takes 30 seconds to recover and play sound normally again.

What I’ve tried:

Without the MOTU, using the built-in Realtek sound card, I don’t have these issues at all.
The problem persists even outside of Reaper, just with YouTube or other browser-based audio using the MOTU.

I’ve already attempted almost everything I could think of in Windows audio settings and the MOTU control panel:

Changing sample rate and buffer size
Switching the default audio device
Upgrading/downgrading MOTU drivers and M6 firmware
Using a different USB-C cable
Enabling High Performance mode in Windows
Testing 24-bit and 16-bit audio formats
Switching browsers

Additionally, I tried using Asio Link Pro Tool, which improved browser audio playback slightly with fewer bugs, but the software is outdated and frequently crashes, making it unreliable.

With a MacBook Pro i9, I had some performance limitations, but none of these stability issues when switching between different applications using the same audio interface. The MOTU M6 itself is an excellent device otherwise.

Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!

I own MOTU M2 and faced similar problems. Even more, from time to time my interface stopped working at all. I was able to activate it by disabling and enabling.

I found that in the Windows Device Manager a second (hidden) MOTU device appears. I don't know when and why it happened. To check it, press Win + X (or RIGHT click on the Start menu) and choose Device Manager. Then in the menu choose 'View' > 'Show hidden devices' and expand 'Audio inputs and outputs'. In my case, all MOTU devices ('In 1-2 (Motu M Series)', 'Loopback (Motu M Series)' etc., just four in my case) was doubled and the second of each of them was marked as disabled (icons and inscriptions with less contrast).

I just deleted them (that's why I cannot post images) and now all works fine.