Low/no signal from audio interface

[juls3305]

Hello – I have a brand new Macbook Pro, although this same issue occurred with my 2013 Macbook Air as well. The signal from my audio interface is very erratic, usually there’s no signal at all. Sometimes the signal comes through for a few minutes, then it drops very low, then is gone. The lights on the interface no longer recognize a signal coming in, and there's no sound. However the interface is still recognized and selected in my Mac settings and DAW settings. I’ve swapped every bit of hardware, updated drivers, reinstalled Ventura, and and made sure the Mac is fully up to date.

FYI, I can hear computer output through the interface. Also, I checked phantom power for the mic and the Privacy/Security settings.

Mics: CAD E100S, Rode N1
Interfaces: Scarlet Solo, Audient iD4
DAW: Adobe Audition, Studio One
Computer: Macbook Pro, 2023 (M2, Ventura 13), Macbook Air, 2013
Cables: Monoprice

Any ideas? I can’t work until I get this fixed! – Thank you!

Julie

 

[sahnert]

In theory if you have swapped every bit of hardware including cables and the issue is still occurring, then you have ruled out hardware issues and need to look at conflicting software or environmental factors (electrical interference?).

However, since you said the lights on the interface show no signal incoming, I would double check the mics and mic cables first.

When the issue occurs, you said you can still hear output from the computer, so I would guess everything downstream of that (usb cable, computer, software) is all fine and the issue is somewhere from the mic to the interface audio connections.

 

[juls3305]

In theory if you have swapped every bit of hardware including cables and the issue is still occurring, then you have ruled out hardware issues and need to look at conflicting software or environmental factors (electrical interference?).

However, since you said the lights on the interface show no signal incoming, I would double check the mics and mic cables first.

When the issue occurs, you said you can still hear output from the computer, so I would guess everything downstream of that (usb cable, computer, software) is all fine and the issue is somewhere from the mic to the interface audio connections.

Hi! Thank you for your reply! I have tried multiple cables, and both mics work fine when plugged directly into a portable recorder. What you said about it likely being between the interface and the mic makes sense, but I can't figure out what else to try!

 

[Fishrrman]

The Scarlett Solo runs off USB bus power, is this correct?
(I looked at a pic of it on the Focusrite site, and didn't see a separate input for power on the back)

Do you use it with a USB hub?
If not, you might try getting a small, POWERED USB hub (that has its own power supply block).
Reason why:
The MacBook can supply only so much "USB bus power". It can be overloaded, with unpredictable results.
But a POWERED USB hub will keep good power going into the interface, independent of the Mac's USB ports.

You don't have to get an overly-elaborate hub.
The essential element here is that it be a POWERED hub, with its own power supply.

I'm thinking this will solve your problems.