The Problem
As Logic Pro has become more powerful, it seems it has also developed a bigger appetite for your Mac’s resources.
It’s fairly common practice to ensure that Logic Pro is the only application running on your computer, especially when doing anything involving intensive CPU or high disk usage.
Sometimes, though, when you think Logic is sitting idle, it’s tempting to pop open a browser window to check out a tutorial, find a couple of music tracks for reference, or revisit one of your old recordings for some inspiration.
And then it starts — the pop, pop, popping and audio glitching. At first you think it might be a loose connection between your USB ports and audio interface — but it was working fine just a second ago and nothing’s changed…
OK, enough waffle, here’s a quick way that (in our experience) solves audio glitches nearly every time — no time-consuming restarting in sight.
Note: this may well also work with other DAWs on your Mac, but we haven’t tested it out.
The Solution
It comes down to (at most) two simple tasks — one if you’re lucky.
1. Quit Logic Pro
Yes, it could really be that simple. Even when you think Logic is idling in the background, it could still be using resources (including taking captive the audio interface and components in your Mac which handle audio processing).
We know it’s a pain to close down your DAW but as you are saving your project regularly anyway (right?) it doesn’t take long.
If you’re planning on using another app requiring sound, keep Logic closed until you need it again.
Many times this solves the issue. If not…
2. Switch Sound Output
Don’t go for the full restart just yet.
It’s possible just toggling between two sound outputs will do the trick — somehow it seems to reset all the necessary elements and brings your pure, smooth audio back.
Chances are you already have direct access to the sound preferences from the menu bar. Click on the ‘progress bar’ icon, then click on sound (not the volume level) then click on any of the other output devices there (if you don’t have any bar your main audio interface, you can just switch to your Mac’s internal speakers).
Wait for the spinning icon to stop and the button to glow blue… then switch it back to your audio interface.
Your problem should now be solved.
If it isn’t (and you’re sure it’s not a genuine hardware issue — cables do work loose from time to time) then a full reboot could be in order. We’ve found this method works almost all of the time, and gets you back to pristine audio as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Try it out. “Switch it off and on again” is the usual mantra for solving issues, and usually works. In this instance, you’re really just switching out your audio interface, which tends to cure the problem.
Sound glitches are super-annoying. Hopefully this 10-second fix gets you back on track pronto.
