Helix Rack crackling / popping on Mac when playing back Youtube videos in Safari

[super-kevster]

Have seen plenty of other users on here that have experienced similar issues to mine, but haven't seen any real solutions so thought I'd raise it again in the hope of hearing from someone who has maybe managed to sort the issue out.

 

When using the Rack as an interface and playing back YouTube videos in Safari on my Mac I get really annoying pops and clicks.

 

I'm using the latest Helix driver for Mac (primarily so I could use keyboard volume controls as well as the wider range of sample rate options) and am making sure the sample rate on the Helix matches that chosen on the Mac. 

 

After much mucking about, changing cables and what not, I've established that it isn't a ground loop issue, but seems to be one related to sample rates. When I change the sample rate in audio/midi setup the issue goes away. 

 

It's usually momentary and it's at random moments so hard to reproduce, but it's pretty regular. The issue only really seems to crop up on Safari, Chrome seems to be OK, but I've noticed that it happens with that as well when a higher sample rate is selected like 96hz. 

 

I don't have this issue when using the Mac with my other audio interfaces and the issue doesn't seem to occur when using Logic, Spotify or Apple Music. 

 

If anyone has any suggestions as to how to alleviate the problem I'd love to hear from them. 

[datacommando]

On 6/26/2024 at 5:00 PM, super-kevster said:

If anyone has any suggestions as to how to alleviate the problem I'd love to hear from them. 

Yep, stop using Safari, use Firefox for a crackle and pop free experience.

 

This has been an ongoing thing with Safari for too long to remember. Apple seem to ignore peoples complaints, and post very spurious claims on how to cure it. Total nonsense!

 

It is nothing to do with Helix, or drivers - it’s purely Safari.

 

Quickest and easiest solution is to ditch Safari for a web browser that doesn’t screw up audio playback.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

EDIT:

Paste this into Google and check the results:-

“safari crackling and popping audio issues”

Edited June 26, 2024 by datacommando
Added edit

[super-kevster]

I know Safari's track record, but there's aspects of its security controls that I prefer over Chrome. While you say it's nothing to do with the Helix, I've a couple of other interfaces - one a crappy entry level Behringer - that don't exhibit this problem with video playback.

 

I should also note that I'm also getting similar clicks and pops in Chrome, though not as frequently. 

[denitronik]

It could be a clocking problem, make sure that the Helix is the master clock in the audio/midi application or maybe try to make an aggregate device combining the Mac's internal audio and your Helix and set the Helix as the master clock and use the aggregate as your system audio device.