101 Reply by Kubrak (edited by Kubrak 2025-04-19 08:57:12)

  • Kubrak
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Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

dunego wrote:

What should I do, there's no definitive solution to this yet ? I've seen it's been a long time issue, where is the RME engineering team ?

Few things you may do:

1) You may call Apple to fix the things in their system ASAP.
2) You may replace your computer by computer that has implemented USB3 correctly.
3) You may use interface in USB2 mode.
4) You may install latest RME driver and use its CC mode.

Also certain Thunderbolt docks seem to work, as they do not use Apple's wrecked implementation of USB3.

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

102 Reply by dionysus5931 (edited by dionysus5931 2025-05-17 17:55:26)

  • Registered: 2025-05-16
  • Posts: 2

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Hello UFX III cohorts, I'd like to appreciate GeometryGod, ax, and others for their input.

For me, the USB 2 - Interface Mode resolved my dropouts (still using a USB 3.0 Type-B to USB-C cable; did not go USB 2.0).

I purchased my UFX III in April 2024 and for the past year had been experiencing the periodic dropout / stutters. My setup consists of a 16-inch MacBook, M1 Max (10-core, 8 performance / 2 efficiency), 32GB RAM, 4TB SSD. I was on Ventura when I got the UFX and updated to Sequoia in Q4 2024. My I/O usage includes all rear Line INs & OUTs, and all 4 XLR front inputs---a mix of mics and instruments (tho I don't necessarily record all at the same time). My audio applications include Ableton, Wavelab, Tidal, and the occasional YouTube, etc. I'd been experiencing the occasional dropout / stutters when using any of these applications (could've been once per day or 3 times in 90 minutes; AM or PM, it was sporadic).

Like others, I tried many things---DriverKit install/uninstall, Kernel install/uninstall, Settings Login Items / Privacy & Security etc, Terminal *nix bash command lines, booting in Safe Mode and messing around, swapping Furman power conditioners, swapping the power supply of my CalDigit TS4 dock, stopping usage of powered TS4 and using a bus-powered hub, swapping HDMI cables for external display, not using an external display at all, turning off WiFi, making sure MacBook was the only wireless device in room, turning off WiFi and using ethernet, going No Internet, seemingly trying all permutations of hardware connections to all three USB-C ports on MacBook.

So, the USB 2 Interface Mode is good so far. Getting into it though can seem trickier than solving a Rubik's cube. The following is partially from the User Guide PDF. I imagine I'll have to refer back to it when reverting back to default. Hope it helps someone!

From page 99 of 130
Remove USB cable from the UFX III. Press SETUP/REV. Turn encoder 1 until Options appears in the display. Turn encoder 2 until Hardware/Diagnosis appears. Push encoder 2 several times to select the entry Interface Mode. ... Turn encoder 2 to switch to "USB2". Exit SETUP. Power off UFX, plug USB cable from UFX to Mac, power on UFX, boot Mac. TotalMix will alert you that settings have changed and ask whether you want to use Device's or last saved Workspace. Select Device.

  • Registered: 2025-05-19
  • Posts: 4

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Hi all, I've been in the process of planning an upgrade of my studio pc/interface which are both a bit dated now (fireface uc and quite maxed out pc from 2016).. with all the hype around m4 macs and considering they seem quite good value for the money, I thought I might give it a go and switch to Mac  (m4 pro with 24gb ram and 1tb ssd + external nvme 990 pro).. already was about to press the buy button but thought to google for "m4 with fireface ufx 3" first and hell,  glad i did.. I have planned everything around the ufx3, expending it with a couple of ferrofishs etc. I don't care really if I am working on win or macOs, I want a stable System for multitracking/mixing and I had the impression that the Apple m series is delivering watching all these videos and reviews.. so, long term, I guess it's impossible to say if these audio glitch/dropouts will ever get solved no matter if it's on apple or rme,  ending up with a 5k setup which performs potentially worse than my 10 year old setup does? I might rather look into a turnkey audio Workstation pc indeed if that's the case..

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 11,208

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

This thread here specifically refers to M1 systems, not M2 and above.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

105 Reply by ss

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Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

RME Support wrote:

This thread here specifically refers to M1 systems, not M2 and above.

Ahhh so is it confirmed that m4 Macs work fine with USB3?

  • Registered: 2026-05-02
  • Posts: 3

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Hey there,

I've just received my brand new UFX lll and problems with glitches and dropouts have started immediately. I've tried to switch to USB2 mode, but nothing helps....

Current firmware is v21, driver - v4.27.

Reinstalling whole OS seems not to be proper solution for professional users whose income is depends on the sessions they've tracked and mixed.. Simply have no spare time for such kind of operations sad

Is there any relevant solutions according to that particular issue with M1's ?

Still searching for permanent resolution, if nothing else helps I would have to give back my interface to my local retailer.

Hope you guys doing well,

Gem

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 11,208

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Try CC mode, see
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=41702
Alternatively, a Thunderbolt based external hub.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

108 Reply by waedi

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Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

RME Support wrote:

Try CC mode, see
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=41702
Alternatively, a Thunderbolt based external hub.


Hopefully I'm not wrong, isn't the KEXT 335 an option worth to try ?

M1-GoldenGate, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

109 Reply by babul

  • babul
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  • Registered: 2023-03-21
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Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Kernel extension 3.35 works great with my UFX III & M1 Max.

Mac Studio M1 Max, Tahoe, RME UFX III, 12Mic, Pulse 16 MX, Softube Console 1, Studio One 7/8

babul's Website

  • Registered: 2026-05-02
  • Posts: 3

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

babul wrote:

Kernel extension 3.35 works great with my UFX III & M1 Max.

Hey,

I've tried installing v3.35 Kernel Extension but nothing changed.

Current setup - M1 Pro, Sequoia 15.1.1 (24B91). Logic is still glithing from time to time.

Also have tried switching Safety Offset from Short to Large and turning on an Iso Transfer mode.

Any recommendations or thoughts about it?

All the best,

gem

  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2025-08-03
  • Posts: 59

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

gemshighcloud wrote:
babul wrote:

Kernel extension 3.35 works great with my UFX III & M1 Max.

Hey,

I've tried installing v3.35 Kernel Extension but nothing changed.

Current setup - M1 Pro, Sequoia 15.1.1 (24B91). Logic is still glithing from time to time.

Also have tried switching Safety Offset from Short to Large and turning on an Iso Transfer mode.

Any recommendations or thoughts about it?

All the best,

gem

The only thing that worked for me was to put the UFX III into CC mode (with the DriverKit driver), although now my device doesn't always properly connect to TotalMix.

I contacted support a couple weeks ago to see if a downgrade to a UFX II was possible (after contacting shop where I bought it), it wasn't... fair enough. I then asked whether it's been confirmed that the M4/M5 machines do not have this problem but I didn't get a reply.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 11,208

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Can't find any recent mails from you in my inbox, or were you talking to US support?

The specific M1 related issues seem to no longer be an issue as such.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

113 Reply by Apfel (edited by Apfel 2026-05-07 09:00:15)

  • Apfel
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Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

gemshighcloud wrote:

… Current setup - M1 Pro, Sequoia 15.1.1 (24B91). Logic is still glithing from time to time.…

To rule a few things out first I would:
- exclude potentially critical plugins
- check if the buffer size is to low
- update to the latest Sequoia version (15.7.5 by now) or even upgrade to Tahoe if nothing speaks against it
- make sure to also use the latest version of Logic

iMac M1 16GB, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X
  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2025-08-03
  • Posts: 59

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

RME Support wrote:

Can't find any recent mails from you in my inbox, or were you talking to US support?

The specific M1 related issues seem to no longer be an issue as such.


It was in the UK.

Thanks for your reply, that's great to hear!

  • Registered: 2026-05-02
  • Posts: 3

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Apfel wrote:
gemshighcloud wrote:

… Current setup - M1 Pro, Sequoia 15.1.1 (24B91). Logic is still glithing from time to time.…

To rule a few things out first I would:
- exclude potentially critical plugins
- check if the buffer size is to low
- update to the latest Sequoia version (15.7.5 by now) or even upgrade to Tahoe if nothing speaks against it
- make sure to also use the latest version of Logic

Thank god I've read and completed your recommendations!! Glitches and dropouts have gone.. Such an emotional moment, that was a tough path wink

So, what I've done to solve this issue:

1) Switch UFX III to CC mode (but still using stock USB3 cable)

2) Reinstall the latest DriverKit , removing previous Kernel Extensions

3) Upgrade to Mac OS Sequoia 15.7.5

4) Then update Logic Pro to 12.2.

5) THE MOST IMPORTANT - switch Processing Buffer Range in Audio Preferences to SMALL... Magic is happened , heavy production session runs well...

Don't know exactly what of these steps have most impact on it, seems to be the first and last action.

I'm shaking your hand virtually! wink

Hope you're doing well,

gem

  • Registered: 2019-08-20
  • Posts: 14

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

RME Support wrote:

Can't find any recent mails from you in my inbox, or were you talking to US support?

The specific M1 related issues seem to no longer be an issue as such.


I know this is UFXIII, but on M1 Pro i still have droupout issues as hell with 26.6.2 with a UFX+ via USB. Using KEXT.... or DK is the same... It's a nightmare, I can't even record tracks lol

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 11,208

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

Have you tried an external USB hub connected through Thunderbolt?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2019-08-20
  • Posts: 14

Re: How I fixed my UFX III M1 Max stutters / dropouts / glitches

RME Support wrote:

Have you tried an external USB hub connected through Thunderbolt?

USB Hub -> USB ? Or a Dock that is Thunderbolt 4 or 5 and connects directly to Mac, and the RME to the Docking?

Yes, i tried 3 (Caltech, Ugreen and OWC). Same result.