Do you have any issues with audio on the Mac Mini?

[rmdeluca]

The truth is an ugly thing isn’t it? You made some very valid points, but so did I. Where’s the middle ground?

I think the middle ground is to accept the possibility that you might be the outlier here.

Does that mean your problem isn't important? Absolutely not.

Does it mean your experience is worth any less than someone else? No.

However, in terms of getting to fully operational, I believe it would be helpful to work under the assumption that you're the exception. This should steer you towards trying to reproduce the "known good" state of other people without problems.

I'm not trying to be condescending here but your first step really should be a totally fresh OS install. No devices connected except the audio interface and the monitor. No 3rd party software. No Pro Tools or anything else with copy protection rootkits. No wireless mouse or keyboard dongles, no external hard drives and so on.

If you can't get that combination to work properly with the suggested long-term iTunes playback stress test (or whatever), then one of two things needs to happen: you replace your Mac or you replace your audio interface. Because one of them is fundamentally failing you. It sucks, but it's the truth, and if you're an audio pro you don't have time for this ********.

If, however, the stress test passes, then it's time to introduce ONE new thing at a time and redo the stress test each time until you have a failure. Then the last thing you added is your failure point and you have new, useful information to work with. At that point you can decide whether to just accept it, hound the vendor for a fix or chuck it altogether.

I'm not saying all this because I think you don't already know it. I'm saying it because sometimes when we're pissed off about something we need to hear the obvious from an external source in order for us to act on it in a way that brings forward progress.
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Might I also add that your “measly” $1k to some people is a whole lot of money. Such an elitist statement. It’s sad too because it’s things like this that ‘PC’ people see when contemplating switching. Then I’m sure they think to themselves, nope I was right about ‘Apple’ people. Such a shame...

I understand how it came across that way, but my statement was not intended to be elitist. I was specifically referring to my Quantum as measly in comparison to your aforementioned UA interface. Which it is - you've got onboard DSP and even finer ADC/DAC hardware. The point being if my $1k class hardware is working perfectly, your $2k+ class hardware should be too.

 

[dspdoc]

I think the middle ground is to accept the possibility that you might be the outlier here.

Does that mean your problem isn't important? Absolutely not.

Does it mean your experience is worth any less than someone else? No.

However, in terms of getting to fully operational, I believe it would be helpful to work under the assumption that you're the exception. This should steer you towards trying to reproduce the "known good" state other people without problems are having.

I'm not trying to be condescending here but your first step really should be a totally fresh install. No devices connected except the audio interface and the monitor. No 3rd party software. No Pro Tools or anything else with copy protection rootkits. No wireless mouse or keyboard dongles, no external hard drives and so on.

If you can't get that combination to work properly with the suggested long-term iTunes playback stress test (or whatever), then one of two things needs to happen: you replace your Mac or you replace your audio interface. Because one of them is fundamentally failing you. It sucks, but it's the truth, and if you're an audio pro you don't have time for this ********.

If, however, the stress test passes, then it's time to introduce ONE new thing at a time and redo the stress test each time until you have a failure. Then the last thing you added is your failure point and you have new, useful information to work with. At that point you can decide whether to just accept it, hound the vendor for a fix or chuck it altogether.

I'm not saying all this because I think you don't already know it. I'm saying it because sometimes when we're pissed off about something we need to hear the obvious from an external source in order for us to act on it in a way that brings forward progress.

I appreciate you. You obviously know what you are talking about and that is important. I have done clean installs. Multiple actually. I have tried a bare bones system with nothing at all connected and yet there still seems to be a mystery wonkiness (for lack of a better term) with Mojave/T2 chip Macs. Occasional random CPU spikes/audio glitches that sound like a split second of static. Now when this occurs in Logic you just hear the pop/crackle/static, whatever you want to call it, but playback continues. In Pro Tools however it throws an error, -9173 or -6101. This is with nothing connected to the Mac, no 3rd party installs, using internal audio, no interface, nothing...

As much as I hate to say it, I just firmly believe that Apple has not ironed out all the issues in their OS or with their T2 chip. I am coming from a place where I have owned multiple iMac Pro machines that were riddled with kernel panics due to the T2 chip, not to mention some bizarre graphical glitches that never got resolved. That is why I dumped the iMP. Then I moved to multiple MBP machines. Also suffered from KPs. Now I am on to the Mm with these issues and also the Bluetooth garbage that has been reported time and again. I do not believe for one second I have bad hardware with this Mm. NO ONE can have this much bad luck LOL! So I hope you can understand my stance here?

I have been an avid Apple supporter/customer for 25 years and I have to say that the current state of affairs at Apple in regards to QC is unlike any I have ever experienced outside of the PPC to Intel nightmare transition.

I am just deeply missing the more fluid "It Just Works" days of Apple.

Thank you for keeping it real!

 

[rmdeluca]

Also suffered from KPs. Now I am on to the Mm with these issues and also the Bluetooth garbage that has been reported time and again. I do not believe for one second I have bad hardware with this Mm. NO ONE can have this much bad luck LOL! So I hope you can understand my stance here?

I understand. If I may though, there were a few people on these forums with bridge kernel panics that were solved by replacing their Mini at the Apple store. It doesn't seem to be a pervasive problem but from my anecdotal observations it is hardware based and the number of occurrences is > 0.

As for the Bluetooth issues - yep, I think the only way you're going to happily resolve that is with an external Bluetooth dongle possibly on a USB extension cable, especially if you're using high speed USB devices.

 

[canyelles]

After reading the RME thread above I decided to purchase a CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock.

I can confirm that it does fix my audio issues, I can even turn back on date/time updating.

A (very expensive) solution to a problem that should not exist.

 

[dspdoc]

I understand. If I may though, there were a few people on these forums with bridge kernel panics that were solved by replacing their Mini at the Apple store. It doesn't seem to be a pervasive problem but from my anecdotal observations it is hardware based and the number of occurrences is > 0.

As for the Bluetooth issues - yep, I think the only way you're going to happily resolve that is with an external Bluetooth dongle possibly on a USB extension cable, especially if you're using high speed USB devices.

Mine is a top spec CTO Mm so replacing at the Apple Store isn't an option for me. As I am sure you can understand it would be a major PITA to even deal with because I would be looking at at least a week without any machine to use and I am a working producer/mixer. I cannot afford that downtime and instincts tell me it would be a futile gamble that would fix nothing anyway. I wish I were wealthy because I would just order the new machine first and then return this one. Unfortunately with the current state of the music biz I do not have unlimited resources.

I am not saying at some point I might not try a replacement. I have already been in touch with executive relations over many of these issues for some time. The one thing that I will still credit Apple with though is their customer care. It is second to none. If that starts to slip along with their QC I might be building another PC. I have built 4 powerhouse machines but always come back to Mac simply because of the OS and the ecosystem. Leaving Apple would hurt badly. It would be like divorcing someone after 25 years of marriage.

 

[Duncan68]

After reading the RME thread above I decided to purchase a CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock.

I can confirm that it does fix my audio issues, I can even turn back on date/time updating.

A (very expensive) solution to a problem that should not exist.

If you don't mind a quick question, does running a USB DAC or interface through the CalDigit dock affect the sound quality in any way?

 

[dspdoc]

After reading the RME thread above I decided to purchase a CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock.

I can confirm that it does fix my audio issues, I can even turn back on date/time updating.

A (very expensive) solution to a problem that should not exist.

I agree completely with you! No one should be forced into these types of purchases ever. Begs the question if CalDigit and Apple are 'in bed together'. I don't think they are, but wouldn't that be scandalous LOL.

 

[canyelles]

If you don't mind a quick question, does running a USB DAC or interface through the CalDigit dock affect the sound quality in any way?

I am connected to a Devialet amp using iTunes. It makes no difference to the sound whatsoever (apart from the fact that it works )

 

[Marco Klobas]

there's a post about USB audio specifically over at RME forums, and there are issues with it

There are probably several reasons but one reason is that the daemon 'timed' can cause the audio system to stop and restart. Read the whole of this thread for more details.

Thank you both. I'll take a look to the RME thread and check the time daemon thing.

 

[dspdoc]

So are people turning off both set time zone automatically and set date and time automatically or just turning off the time zone part?

 

[canyelles]

So are people turning off both set time zone automatically and set date and time automatically or just turning off the time zone part?

I was turning off both, also location services.

For me it seemed to have a small effect but certainly wasn't a complete fix.
Other people have reported that it fixed the problem for them.

 

[F-Train]

I am coming from a place where I have owned multiple iMac Pro machines that were riddled with kernel panics due to the T2 chip, not to mention some bizarre graphical glitches that never got resolved. That is why I dumped the iMP. Then I moved to multiple MBP machines. Also suffered from KPs. Now I am on to the Mm with these issues and also the Bluetooth garbage that has been reported time and again. I do not believe for one second I have bad hardware with this Mm. NO ONE can have this much bad luck LOL! So I hope you can understand my stance here?

I am using a Sound Devices USBPre 2 (USB 2.0) interface with Logic, iZotope, etc. and I am not having any of the problems discussed in this thread.

Other people are not reporting that they have owned “multiple” iMac Pros and “multiple” MacBook Pros and a Mac mini and that they have suffered kernel panics with all of them, and that some of these computers have been “riddled” with kernel panics, plus “bizarre graphical glitches”, plus all of them have exhibited sound problems.

There are people who make their living, in some cases a rather good living, looking for these kinds of issues with Apple computers, and as far as I know none of those people has made this kind of claim. LR, for one, would be delighted to make claims like this, except he isn’t.

The claims made here are so over the top that I have a great deal of trouble believing that this is an Apple problem rather than a user problem. As for Gearslutz, posts in that forum can be used to “prove” anything you want.

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.

 

[dspdoc]

I am using a Sound Devices USBPre 2 (USB 2.0) interface with Logic, iZotope, etc. and I am not having any of the problems discussed in this thread.

Other people are not reporting that they have owned “multiple” iMac Pros and “multiple” MacBook Pros and a Mac mini and that they have suffered kernel panics with all of them, and that some of these computers have been “riddled” with kernel panics, plus “bizarre graphical glitches”, plus all of them have exhibited sound problems.

There are people who make their living, in some cases a rather good living, looking for these kinds of issues with Apple computers, and as far as I know none of those people has made this kind of claim. LR, for one, would be delighted to make claims like this, except he isn’t.

The claims made here are so over the top that I have a great deal of trouble believing that this is an Apple problem rather than a user problem. As for Gearslutz, posts in that forum can be used to “prove” anything you want.

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.

You know I really could care less what you think. Unlike you, I don’t have a motive behind sharing the facts of what I’ve experienced. You are obviously trying to pick a fight by insinuating that I’m either making all this up or don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m not biting, sorry. You haven’t the slightest clue who you are talking to. You just wasted your time.

Almost half a million views https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ridge-os-error.2128976/page-127#post-27040073

Nothing to see here though LMAO!

 

[F-Train]

[

You know I really could care less what you think. Unlike you, I don’t have a motive behind sharing the facts of what I’ve experienced. You are obviously trying to pick a fight by insinuating that I’m either making all this up or don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m not biting, sorry. You haven’t the slightest clue who you are talking to. You just wasted your time.

Almost half a million views https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ridge-os-error.2128976/page-127#post-27040073

Nothing to see here though LMAO!

Sorry, but you are making the same claims on at least two different forums and in many threads and your claims strain credulity. More importantly, you don’t address this:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.
​

If what you claim is even close to being true, the solution is obvious unless you’re on some kind of crusade.

 

[dspdoc]

[


Sorry, but you are making the same claims on at least two different forums and in many threads and your claims strain credulity. More importantly, you don’t address this:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.
​

If what you claim is even close to being true, the solution is obvious unless you’re on some kind of crusade.

Yep, I’m on a crusade. You figured me out. I’m flattered that you care so deeply for me that you follow me around MR and take such an interest in me. I’m blessed. I have my own personal MR angel to watch over me.

 

[F-Train]

Yep, I’m on a crusade. You figured me out. I’m flattered that you care so deeply for me that you follow me around MR and take such an interest in me. I’m blessed. I have my own personal MR angel to watch over me.

Follow you around? You provide the links yourself in your own posts, presumably hoping that people will read them.

You’re still steadfastly avoiding addressing this:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.​

 

[dspdoc]

Follow you around? You provide the links yourself in your own posts, presumably hoping that people will read them.

You’re still steadfastly avoiding addressing this:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.​

Oh yes, you are right. I’m sorry.

 

[F-Train]

Oh yes, you are right. I’m sorry.

Since you questioned my motives, I’m going to tell you in plain English why I responded to your post. I think that your claims strain credulity and that the fear, uncertainty and doubt that you are spreading is patently unreliable. I think that it is a disservice to people who are having real problems, and to people who want factual information on how current Mac computers, and Logic/GarageBand/Final Cut Pro/iMovie, perform for making music or soundtracks.

It is beyond obvious that no rational person, if what you claim is true, would persist in using an Apple computer unless he or she was on some kind of crusade. You are the person who claims to have had repeated kernel attacks, graphics glitches and sound problems with “multiple iMac Pros”, “multiple MacBook Pros” and at least one Mac mini.

So I’ll repeat this for the fourth time, noting that in three successive posts you have steadfastly failed to address this fundamental question:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.​

 

[dspdoc]

Since you questioned my motives, I’m going to tell you in plain English why I responded to your post. I think that your claims strain credulity and that the fear, uncertainty and doubt that you are spreading is patently unreliable. I think that it is a disservice to people who are having real problems, and to people who want factual information on how current Mac computers, and Logic/GarageBand/Final Cut Pro/iMovie, perform for making music or soundtracks.

It is beyond obvious that no rational person, if what you claim is true, would persist in using an Apple computer unless he or she was on some kind of crusade. You are the person who claims to have had repeated kernel attacks, graphics glitches and sound problems with “multiple iMac Pros”, “multiple MacBook Pros” and at least one Mac mini.

So I’ll repeat this for the fourth time, noting that in three successive posts you have steadfastly failed to address this fundamental question:

It is quite obvious that the solution to your multiple problems with multiple Apple computers is to stop using Apple computers. Lord knows why you persist through multiple computers from three different product lines unless you’re a masochist, especially since you have “determined” that all of your problems are caused by a chip that Apple has every intention of using into the future.​

You are correct once again! All facts. I’m certain that other people like myself that have/had the same/similar issues are so grateful for your wisdom and advice to leave Apple. We are also indebted to you for shedding the light on our masochism for sticking around. Thank you so very much. MR wouldn’t be the same without people like you. Have an awesome weekend!

P.S. I’d love to hear some of your work, like the music you’ve produced, mixed/mastered. I’m sure it’s amazing. How could it not be? Please share some links with us all. Maybe we could all better our art with your genius example.

 

[tehStickMan]

Either isolate what in your software stack is causing your problem

Why are you assuming people haven't done fresh installs?

Some of the issues are encountered even during setup assistant ffs.
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So I’ll repeat this for the fourth time, noting that in three successive posts you have steadfastly failed to address this fundamental question:

...You question his credibility, yet regardless you think the solution to his problems is to just stop using Apple products?

Do you even logic, bro? Or Logic, for that matter?

 

[boomspot]

I'm using a UA Apollo TB2 interface that I switch between a 2015 MBP running Mojave and a Windows 10/Intel 8700 PC (TB3 to TB2 apple adapter), the interface works perfectly on both systems. I'm close to purchasing a i7/512/32GB Mini in the next week, this system will replace the PC for audio duties. I'm hoping the audio issues reported here aren't widespread for all Mini TB audio users.

I'm running Logic, Live, Cubase 10, Studio One, PT.

I'll report back once I receive the Mini.

B

 

[dspdoc]

I'm using a UA Apollo TB2 interface that I switch between a 2015 MBP running Mojave and a Windows 10/Intel 8700 PC (TB3 to TB2 apple adapter), the interface works perfectly on both systems. I'm close to purchasing a i7/512/32GB Mini in the next week, this system will replace the PC for audio duties. I'm hoping the audio issues reported here aren't widespread for all Mini TB audio users.

I'm running Logic, Live, Cubase 10, Studio One, PT.

I'll report back once I receive the Mini.

B

We look forward to your findings. Mind if I ask why you aren’t just sticking with the PC?

 

[boomspot]

We look forward to your findings. Mind if I ask why you aren’t just sticking with the PC?

Good question. I'm a long time Mac user and I'm just more comfortable with OSX. I have some money and time invested in Logic, FCP, and some other Mac apps. If I were more rational I would just stick with the PC, it's loaded with SSD's, a RX 580 GPU, 32GB RAM, is snappy and hasn't crashed in the 6 months I've been using it. I initially had the PC running as a Hackintosh but grew tired of tinkering and tweaking to get small things like handoff and watch unlock working. I've been holding out for a Mac Pro announcement but there's no telling when that will happen.

 

[dspdoc]

Good question. I'm a long time Mac user and I'm just more comfortable with OSX. I have some money and time invested in Logic, FCP, and some other Mac apps. If I were more rational I would just stick with the PC, it's loaded with SSD's, a RX 580 GPU, 32GB RAM, is snappy and hasn't crashed in the 6 months I've been using it. I initially had the PC running as a Hackintosh but grew tired of tinkering and tweaking to get small things like handoff and watch unlock working. I've been holding out for a Mac Pro announcement but there's no telling when that will happen.

Totally understand. I’ve been all Mac for over 25 years now. As much as it pains me to admit I’m strongly considering leaving Apple for good and building a PC. It’s really sad how much Apple has lost its way. The birth of the iPhone seemingly became the decline of the Mac. As great of a device as the iPhone is, I sure do miss the pre iPhone Apple.

 

[boomspot]

Totally understand. I’ve been all Mac for over 25 years now. As much as it pains me to admit I’m strongly considering leaving Apple for good and building a PC. It’s really sad how much Apple has lost its way. The birth of the iPhone seemingly became the decline of the Mac. As great of a device as the iPhone is, I sure do miss the pre iPhone Apple.

I hear you. I've been using Macs for audio since the early 90's and never thought I'd be using a PC even part time. It's almost painful writing that. I'll have to do some more research and considering before pulling the trigger. Are you running a UA TB3 interface with the Mini?

B