MP 1,1-5,1 Strange Audio Issue on MP 4,1>5,1 Mojave 10.14.4

[KingCachapa]

Hi Craig - I'm a late bloomer, too.
Having eliminated ALL other variables, including app versions and boot ROM (version 144.0.0.0.0), I'm still looking for a software solution. Audio is fine across the board using latest High Sierra OS, only change being Mojave causing stuttering in apps (iTunes, Final Cut), but no problem while streaming audio online (YouTube). Haven't tried QuickTime (10.5), but will on next reboot into Mojave. Obviously our CPUs are capable. There just HAS to be a software fix, no?

There doesn't seem to be a software solution. So far after much searching, I opted for just upgrading my dual 2.93 quadcore (it was one of the ones known for stuttering but I wasn't advised nor did I know of this at the time of upgrade).

I ended up just buying a new pair of processors for like $50-60. (went to 2.93 6core) Most can be found relatively cheap considering what they provide.

 

[Macschrauber]

A guy in the macuser.de forum reports he has no more itunes audio stuttering when using OpenCore.
Switching back without OpenCore and the stuttering comes back.

Dual 2.26 4.1 with 144 Firmware and OC 0.57

Will squeeze more details out of him.

 

[bsbeamer]

You'll want to find the exact OS version being used with those details as well. That might matter more than OpenCore.

 

[Macschrauber]

Well, guess he uses a Imac Pro spoofing. The guy is an absolute beginner when it comes to OC.

He said he listened the whole day to itunes music, switching back to normal boot without OC and the stuttering came back instantly.

 

[KingCachapa]

You'll want to find the exact OS version being used with those details as well. That might matter more than OpenCore.

This is a good point. Without OpenCore involved, I had less audio issues when on pre-Mojave OSs already, but this is not a solution for people like us that are trying to work in Mojave and above. Hopefully this is good news for people that don't want or need to upgrade their processors just to get rid of the audio issue (I just did that )

 

[Macschrauber]

Thats the reason I posted it. I do CPU upgrade all Dual 4.1 I can get my hands on
[automerge]1586980742[/automerge]

You'll want to find the exact OS version being used with those details as well. That might matter more than OpenCore.

10.14.6 Build 18G4032

achdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5520 @ 2.27GHz

And he uses this package:

Activate AMD hardware acceleration

Like this?

forums.macrumors.com

--> to all what try to use it: Read Post 1 of the Open Core thread, make a firmware backup, be careful and dont change the settings if you dont exactly know what those do. OC can brick your Mac Pro if you dont care.

OpenCore on the Mac Pro

This guide explains how to use the excellent OpenCore boot loader to install, run, and update the latest version of macOS on the MacPro5,1, resulting in a clean, unaltered operating system just like on a supported Mac.

forums.macrumors.com

 

[tsialex]

Thats the reason I posted it. I do CPU upgrade all Dual 4.1 I can get my hands on
[automerge]1586980742[/automerge]

10.14.6 Build 18G4032

achdep.cpu.brand_string: Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5520 @ 2.27GHz

And he uses this package:

Activate AMD hardware acceleration

Like this?

forums.macrumors.com

--> to all what try to use it: Read Post 1 of the Open Core thread, make a firmware backup, be careful and dont change the settings if you dont exactly know what those do. OC can brick your Mac Pro if you dont care.

OpenCore on the Mac Pro

This guide explains how to use the excellent OpenCore boot loader to install, run, and update the latest version of macOS on the MacPro5,1, resulting in a clean, unaltered operating system just like on a supported Mac.

forums.macrumors.com

It's at best a bodge, since it's not even a solution for Catalina, Nehalem don't support VMM spoofing and you have to use SMBIOS spoofing all the time. Solve one problem, then have to workaround ten more.

 

[Macschrauber]

It's at best a bodge, since it's not even a solution for Catalina, Nehalem don't support VMM spoofing and you have to use SMBIOS spoofing all the time. Solve one problem, then have to workaround ten more.

Sure, Alex, I know thats the best and most compatible solution to replace the CPUs.

I let the guy test the same OC Setting from Martinlo with no SMBIOS spoofing and with OpenCore the sound stuttered.

So its proven, the SMBIOS spoofing functionality of OC had fixed audio stuttering on those Dual 4.1 with original Xeons.

 

[UKenGB]

...
Some day a Westmere only instruction will gonna be required and Nehalem Xeons will stop working for real. This day is near.

Well I can report that is no longer a problem for me. After finally fixing some other PSU issues with my Mac Pro I de-lidded the pair of X5690 Xeons I had waiting, installed them and the Mac Pro is now running smooth and fast, although maybe a bit warmer than before, certainly there's more fan activity, but not unacceptable.

However, the audio stuttering is no more and so are the Nehelems. It's Westmere forever from now on, which is a safe prediction as nothing later or faster will run in this Mac.

My original X5570 Hehelems and also a pair of lidless X5675 Westmeres are no longer required and hence for sale if anyone's interested.

Now, where's those instructions for munging Catalina onto a Mac Pro 5,1...

 

[lupine]

Another success story: after months of blaming Spotify, or my Schiit Modi/Magni combination, I finally found this thread — upgraded today to a pair of X5680's, and now I'm happily listening to music again. Fans spun up on the first boot and no image displayed on the screens, but a quick power cycle had it back up and running as normal.

Sadly, I now have no excuses not to be at the desk now

Thank you all!

 

[cruzguitar]

Good day everyone!

I have a pretty stable 4,1-> 5,1 2009 Dual Quadcore (2.26ghz) with 32gb of RAM. It is currently running High Sierra as I've known about this sound issue and have been waiting until I bought a better pair of CPU's. It is honestly quite powerful enough for most of my needs but the latest Logic Pro X 10.5 release has me wanting (borderline needing) to upgrade to Mojave.

So the main questions are:

1. Has this issue been known to still be a problem even when using an audio interface as the main output/input for the system?

2. Is eBay the most reliable place to obtain a delidded pair of X56XX?

3. If I have been running quite smoothly on my quad core 2.26, what would be a reasonable upgrade? I don't think I'll go full X5690, I don't need such power and the eBay prices are a bit out of my budget at the moment.

Thank Everyone!

 

[KeesMacPro]

Good day everyone!

I have a pretty stable 4,1-> 5,1 2009 Dual Quadcore (2.26ghz) with 32gb of RAM. It is currently running High Sierra as I've known about this sound issue and have been waiting until I bought a better pair of CPU's. It is honestly quite powerful enough for most of my needs but the latest Logic Pro X 10.5 release has me wanting (borderline needing) to upgrade to Mojave.

So the main questions are:

1. Has this issue been known to still be a problem even when using an audio interface as the main output/input for the system?

2. Is eBay the most reliable place to obtain a delidded pair of X56XX?

3. If I have been running quite smoothly on my quad core 2.26, what would be a reasonable upgrade? I don't think I'll go full X5690, I don't need such power and the eBay prices are a bit out of my budget at the moment.

Thank Everyone!

Hi!

I use a 4,1>5,1 Dual too so:

1- When I installed Mojave a while ago, I did have the issues and I always use an audio interface.

2- I'd look for a major seller with about 100% positive feedback.

3- the prices for a pair of X5680 are like 50% of the X5690... I havent tried the X5675 etc... but maybe you can find them for a lower price....

 

[Ru_C]

Hi all, I just upgraded my Dual 4core 2.26ghz 2009 Mac Pro to Mojave & have just run into this exact issue.

I've got two other similar aged machines & they are fine, so I'm guessing this one has the problem processor config.

I'm using the built-in optical output into a Personus D/A converter.

Can anyone tell me if using a separate 2 in, 2 out Core audio interface (e.g a Focusrite 2i2) bypasses the issue?

Cheers

 

[KeesMacPro]

Hi,

I use a MP4,1>5,1 dual too, and unfortunately an audio interface didn't make any difference.

Can anyone tell me if using a separate 2 in, 2 out Core audio interface (e.g a Focusrite 2i2) bypasses the issue?

No it doesnt

 

[Ru_C]

Hi,

I use a MP4,1>5,1 dual too, and unfortunately an audio interface didn't make any difference.


No it doesnt

ah, what a shame...this machine has been fine all the way from Snow Leopard to High Sierra...so strange that Majoave would break it in this way..

 

[KeesMacPro]

I'm afraid there is no workaround...

The good thing is with a CPU upgrade , you'll notice the overall improvement.

 

[Ru_C]

Ok, so probably a naive question, but how do I know if my Machine is a 'real' 5.1 or a 4.1-5.1 'fake'?

I've a attached system report screen grab and one from that MacCUPID utility

 

[tsialex]

Ok, so probably a naive question, but how do I know if my Machine is a 'real' 5.1 or a 4.1-5.1 'fake'?

I've a attached system report screen grab and one from that MacCUPID utility

Simple, just look at the SMC version:

1.39f5 = early 2009
1.39f11 = mid 2010/mid 2012

SMC firmware is not user or technician upgradeable, only Apple has the keys and the source firmware necessary to upgrade the SMC. The Renesas H8S micro controller used by Apple to be the SMC is a secure SOC, not dump able.

 

[Ru_C]

Just in case anyone is curious, since I discovered the bug a few days ago I've been messing around with various combinations of Aggregate audio setups, & also using a utility called 'Loopback' by Rogue Amoeba to see if I could Diagnose &/or fix the problem. Its does really feel like a clocking issue as 'drift correction' makes a temporary difference

See screengrab 1


Using the setup shown in the screen grab I get perfectly. clean audio from iTunes about 2minutes, then it slowly degrades again with word-clock-glitch type stutters.

Booting up Logic Pro & selecting an external USB interface (Focusrite 2i2) , I get a 'Clocking' error straight off the bat, which has got to be a Red-light indicator .

See screengrab 2
[automerge]1591907398[/automerge]

Simple, just look at the SMC version:

1.39f5 = early 2009
1.39f11 = mid 2010/mid 2012

Ok thanks replying .So I've really got a 4.1. then !

Ok, so my only options are go back to High Sierra, or do this processor Swap.

Am I after something like this? (I'm UK based)

Intel Xeon X5680 X5680 - 3.33GHz Six Core (AT80614005124AA) Processor for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Intel Xeon X5680 X5680 - 3.33GHz Six Core (AT80614005124AA) Processor at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

And what is this 'de-lidding' thing I hear about? Do I need to buy them De-lidded ?

 

[KeesMacPro]

And what is this 'de-lidding' thing I hear about? Do I need to buy them De-lidded ?

For your 4,1 you'll need these:
As you can see they are without the "cover"=delidded

Matched Pair (2) DELIDDED Intel XEON X5680 3.33GHz 6 Core Processor Mac Pro USA | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Matched Pair (2) DELIDDED Intel XEON X5680 3.33GHz 6 Core Processor Mac Pro USA at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

It's not very complicated but it's delicate to do, so some experience or good preparation is necessary....

 

[edvanotterdijk]

Same stuttering audio here. Mac Pro 2009 quadcore 2.26 x 2 processors. Went from 4.1 to 5.1. Memory 32 GB, Rx580 graphics card. Mojave 10.14.6
Stuttering playing any audiofile, or in iTunes, on whatever port, and unusable Youtube in Safari, or playing FCPX content. However Logic Pro 10.5 plays quite heavy projects (with I/O buffer size on 1024) very well.... (Via Firewire connection to Apogee)
Is it still true that an upgrade of my CPU would solve the issue?

 

[KeesMacPro]

AFAIK a CPU upgrade is (still) the only solution...

 

[lighterthief]

HI . I have A 4.1 to 5.1 and am struggling with a downgrade of audio quality.A fuzziness and poor overlal quality regardless of soundcard and output. Having read through this forum it seems to be a probelm with Mojave... Is there w aorkround or is it a return to previous OS? I needed Mojave to update Logic

 

[KeesMacPro]

If your cMP is a 4,1>5,1 DUAL CPU, you can only upgrade the CPU's to Westmere 6-core or return to a previous OS..
If your cMP is not a dual 4,1>5,1 with the OEM CPU's the issue must be related to something else.

 

[lighterthief]

thank you - this is my system.... can you confirm that i need to buy two westmeres?