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.
