Focusrite 18i20 audio device properties change during recording

watkino (RiverMedia) asked a question.

February 18, 2023 at 3:35 PM

I am using a Scarlett Focusrite 18i20 interface and Adobe ATMOS Renderer will intermittently throw up a "Audio driver error" that states the audio device properties have changed. I have made sure I have the latest version of the renderer software and audio device driver for the Focusrite 18i20. I've experimented with buffer sizes and that doesn't seem to solve the problem. I can't think of anything else that may be causing this.

The Dolby Atmos Renderer

AdamP (Dolby Labs)
3 years ago
Hi,

I'm sure you meant Dolby and not Adobe :).

I don't know what might be happening with your interface. What does AudioMIDI setup show as the properties of the device? And does this change? The Renderer will use the output properties of the core audio device as presented in the Audio MIDI setup utility. It also might be worth having a look at the Renderer logs (accessible from the help menu bar). This may provide more detail.

If you deselect the Focusrite from the Renderer preferences and temporarily switch to the Mac speakers and back does the problem persist?

Thanks,
Adam
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- watkino (RiverMedia)
  3 years ago
  Ha! That's what happens when I've been working in the studio until 2 am and get up at 8 am. Yes - DOLBY ATMOS Renderer. Thanks for your quick reply as always Adam. I was not aware renderer created event logs. I'll start there and see if that provides any clues. The MIDI configuration on my Mac (running Ventura) is correctly configured and does not change. My workaround has been to simply record my masters using Dolby Bridge as the audio source and remove the Focusrite interface from the equation. Everything works perfectly then, I just can't hear playback.The Audio Device errors that occasionally occur when monitoring the final mix are an annoyance, but not preventing me from getting the work done.
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AdamP (Dolby Labs)
3 years ago
Hi,

My colleagues had a few comments on this issue. Can you verify that no other apps are running that could be setting the sample rate on Focusrite? Even running an internet browser in the background could doing this as could plugging in headphones. Any screensaver or sleep settings? Probably best to disable them if so.

There are seem to be some changes in Ventura that could be playing a role but if properties are changing during recording there should be a cause.

Thanks,
Adam
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watkino (RiverMedia)
3 years ago
Thanks for the follow-up Adam.

Here are the relevant entries in the event log:

2023-02-17 20:31:47 ERROR RendererExecutive - Audio device processor overload
2023-02-17 20:31:47 ERROR RendererExecutive - Audio device stopped
2023-02-17 20:31:47 ERROR RendererExecutive - Audio device properties changed
2023-02-17 20:31:47 INFO RendererExecutive - uninitializing
2023-02-17 20:31:47 ERROR RendererExecutive - Audio device buffer overflow
2023-02-17 20:31:47 ERROR NotificationLoggerView - Sent from BackendErrorGateway - Audio driver error Audio device properties have changed.

One important clue is "Audio device processor overload."

There is a definite possibility other apps or backgrounds apps/services may be causing this condition. I will try to kill everything except Apple Logic Pro X and the Dolby ATMOS renderer to see if that resolves the issue.
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