12.6.1 Core Audio Audible Drop Outs macOS Sierra

[Justin1524]

For me the supposedly fixed new Core Audio driver works but produces audible drop outs about every 4 seconds regardless of buffer settings, regardless of which 3rd party program I use - so far used iTunes, Studio One Pro 3 latest version and ToonTrack EZDrummer - all get the same thing. Anyone else? I've uninstalled and reinstalled the latest 12.6.1 HD Driver. I'm using HD Native PCI.

[Justin1524]

bump

[jeam25]

Originally Posted by Justin1524

For me the supposedly fixed new Core Audio driver works but produces audible drop outs about every 4 seconds regardless of buffer settings, regardless of which 3rd party program I use - so far used iTunes, Studio One Pro 3 latest version and ToonTrack EZDrummer - all get the same thing. Anyone else? I've uninstalled and reinstalled the latest 12.6.1 HD Driver. I'm using HD Native PCI.

Hi Justin ! Do you have all the optimizations/tweaks done in your OS !? And have you trashed your preferences and databases ?

[mbafmike]

After being first very enthusiastic about the new core audio driver functionality, I found out over some days of working with it -using Logix Pro X 10.4.2 and HDX with an Avid 16/16 digital I/O- that there are two severe issues:

1st.: when scrolling during playback with Logic Pro X I hear very loud "knack, knack, knack, knack" noises in sync with the scrolling movement. When the playback volume is loud the "knack-knacks" are not only more than disturbing, they are a threat for my high-freq-drivers in the loudspeakers!!!

2nd.: say welcome to latency. The delay between i.e. plucking the string of a guitar and the sound coming out of the speakers is more than 50ms., rendering the core audio driver useless for musicians who want to record a real instrument in this configuration.

For now I reverted back to PT 12.6 using the old core audio driver (installed manually using pacifist) with no problems but musical behaviour.

[Justin1524]

I went to http://www.avid.com/optimize and went through the list for macOS Sierra. Reinstalled Pro Tools 12.6.1 HD from installer downloaded from Avid then the HD Driver. Problems with audible audio drop outs are gone. I also realized that there is an item in Applications>Avid>AvidAudioServer>AvidAudioServerL auncher that is needed to configure I/O, word clock, buffer etc.

Anyway, I'm happy for now with no insurmountable issues.

Thanks for the optimize tip!

[mbafmike]

I also can report "issue solved", but I had to fight the fight alone. LOL

It turns out that the unbearable latency problem using the new Core Audio Manager with HDX, Sierra and Logic Pro X had to do with a -so far- unknown configuration setting (now) in the Audio Midi Setup.

Today I found the time to do a thorough search for unknown settings LOL and was successful by opening the Audio Midi Setup ----> HDX ---> and then looking for a small symbol on the lower left (where the minus and plus tabs are). By clicking on it *surprise* a small menu opens where you can select "configure device". Then a very familiar screen pops up which is looking like the PT Hardware Setup Menu, BUT there is a new clickable field under Sampling Frequency which lets you chose the BUFFER SIZE for the new Core Audio Manager (or Audio Server, as Avid named it). There I did select 64 samples buffer size and the latency was gone (with Logic Pro X)....

For the folks who also do not know yet this setting I have attached here two screenshots. *back to music now*

[YYR123]

[Seafoam_Green]

Originally Posted by mbafmike

I also can report "issue solved", but I had to fight the fight alone. LOL

For the folks who also do not know yet this setting I have attached here two screenshots. *back to music now*

Thank you mbafmike for reporting back with your found solution, and great to hear you are back 'up and running'.

I am guessing you had to fight it alone , as I am sure you were likely the first user to come across that very localised issue you encountered (and post it on the DUC)

Usually the DUC members (ie; actual Pro Tools users themselves who are not from Avid) ..,
Have always been very helpful and knowledgable when it comes to 'coming to the rescue' in order to help fellow Pro Tools users in need .., as is yourself - by adding your helpful solution