USB Audio Distortion

TJJazz

Thanks so very much Peter for the prompt reply and suggestions. I will check and try all of them.

Everything has been working with no issues. The changers I made when I noticed the issue. Recently, I bought a new 12.9" iPad Pro M2 (2022) which uses a Type-C Female (connect to Host). My previous iPad was an older Lighting Female (connect to Host) and different USB Interfaces respectively. With the New I Pad, I have tried several USB Interfaces that are compatible. However, the same Distortion appears. In my Diagnostics, I switched the iPads New/Old back-and-forth getting the same Distortion, Clicks and Pops on either iPad. I have not changed any Volume settings and it doesn't sound like any type of Volume Overdrive; plus there are intermittent Clicks and Pops. I am also checking for any type of RF or EMI Interference.

Your suggestion on Sampling Rate is very good; I have not checked it. I use a lot of AIFF Files with High Sampling Rates and they have worked with no issue in the past. However, I will still change them to ACC and Lower the Sampling Rate in testing.

Lastly, the distortion sounds like a warble sound on music segments. I can usually troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly. However, this one appears to be an extremely difficult. Again, I will keep trying and certainly follow-up on your suggestions and Post any Resolutions I find.

TJJazz

Sorry, I overlooked the iPad USB Interface you mentioned. On my Older iPad, I have used the genuine Apple Lighting Interface with Power Input and USB connections for years. In my previous reply, in the Back-and-Forth Testing, I used this same Interface with same result. Yet, just a few weeks ago, there was no problem.

The iPad Pro 12.9" M2 Interfaces are Amazon purchases: DockteckExpand Multiport USB 3.0 Type C (Power, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card); UGREEN Multiport USB 3.0 Type C (Power, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card). Both of them appear to function correctly in connecting to USB 3.0 DAC and Mixer. The Connection Chain: iPad Pro (Host with Music Files) to iFi DAC Balanced Output to Soundcraft Ui24R Mixer Balanced XLR Input. I have used this successfully for at least 3 Years and never a problem. I will also test Eliminating the DAC and connect directly to the Ui24R USB 3.0 Input in troubleshooting.

TJJazz

HughB Thanks for the review of my support request. The Interfaces are listed in a subsequent Post I made today.

TJJazz

Peter, I have tried all of the suggestions you made over and over to no avail, but still I could have made mistakes. Listed below awesome pertinent updates:

I have found the same issues I mentioned occur on both my New iPad Pro M2 (Type C Interface) and Older iPad (Lighting Interface). I have tested them with multiple Interface that recognize the USB connection as listed in Previous Post. Both of them automatically Upgraded to the Newest Stage Traxx release. In previous versions of Stage Traxx for years, I had no problem. Unfortunately, I am not sure of the Release when it actually started.
In my testing, I can Play Audio successfully (no Clicks, Pops, Audio Distortion) through the exact same USB Audio connection path and associated equipment. I have done this on both iPads. Therefore, it appears that the USB Audio Interfaces are working properly.
On the new iPad Pro M2 I did properly transfer everything from my other iPad to the iPad Pro M2 using an Apple Backup Restore at the Apple Store. Everything seems to work correctly. Do you think my Stage Traxx App could somehow be corrupted on the New iPad Pro? Again, all features seem to work correctly and no Error Messages. Again, I am experiencing the same Audio issues on both independent iPads only through Stage Traxx.
I will test and diagnose using another USB Audio Connection on both iPads.
I would greatly appreciate any further suggestions you may offer. I am committed to resolving this issue as I depend on Stage Traxx which proven to be exceptional over the years. Most importantly, it may not be a Stage Traxx issue, but if so, I can't identify it (See Item Number 2).

I am sincerely appreciative and thankful for all of your assistance and/or direction to help me resolve this problem.

MasterAnt

TJJazz are you using any pitch-shifting / time-stretching within ST3? Are you playing single or multitrack? Does this occur if you import a new audio file (try a regular mp3) without setting any parameters for the new song?

peter

Can you record a clip of the distorted output? If I hear it, maybe I will have an idea about a possible cause.

And please try to set your audio interface to 44kHz. This is the native sample rate of ST3 so anything higher will have no positive effect. Also try to increase the audio buffer in ST3.

TJJazz

peter Thanks for your excellent support time in helping me with this Problem Report. Listed as follows is what I have found at this point in my troubleshooting.

It appears that the major problem may not be an issue at all with Stage Traxx. The Pops and Crackle were caused by a faulty intermittent USB Cable.
The distortion appears to be associated with the Stage Traxx Song Speed Control when I "slowed a Song down from 100. However, I have done this many times before in previous Releases and did not notice it as much. As you suggested, I used another App to "Slow it Down" and it was no longer noticeable.
I am working with Apple Computer to address the USB Connectivity issue and my new iPad Pro 12.9" M2 with their Type C Multiport AV Adapter over USB to USB DAC for Audio Output. This connectivity has worked for years with no problem using the Apple Lighting OTC Adapter in the same connection chain. Apple thinks there may be a problem with their new iOS Release V16.1.1 (newest) when used with their new Type C Multiport Adapter in my application. The Adapter is certified compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9" M2, but it does not work. I will document the findings and Solution when I get it,
I don't think there is a need, unless you say so to record a clip. This is based upon Items 1 and 2 above. It appears not to be a Stage Traxx issue at this point. When I get a few minutes, I will condense this "Reply" and put it in a "Solved Post" as far as Sound Traxx is concerned. In addition, I will also post my findings on the Apple USB Type C Multiport Adapter and the iOS Release V16.1.1. Even if I use any Audio Player on my iPad in this application, I get no Audio Output over USB.

TJJazz

MasterAnt First and foremost, I truly appreciate your assistance. The items you mentioned are really good things to check. Please see my recent "Reply to Peter" for updates relevant to your great suggestions.

peter

Thanks for the update. In that case, I don't really need a video or audio.

Regarding the speed changes. Time Stretching algorithms always have a bit of artifacts and iOS did change the algorithm in version 16. I try to force the use of the old algorithm when iOS16 is detected but maybe this "hack" does not work on your device. Although I can not image why. Do you also hear distortion when you speed up a track or change the pitch?

TJJazz

Again, I appreciate your assistance.

I have made significant progress on the USB 3.0 Interface Connectivity to Stage Traxx and no Audio through the Interface to my Audio System. In cases on iOS you should be able to select your Audio Output Device by selecting the Icon in the Upper Right Corner of the Screen when you invoke Stage Traxx. In my case, my Audio Output Device was no longer visible.

It turned that I was right, in the Previous iOS Release 15.x, All valid Output Device Selections worked as expected. I noticed the Connectivity issue in iOS Release 16.1.1 (It may have occurred in 16.1). Apple has identified the problem in a New Public Beta Release: iOS Beta 16.2.. Please keep in mind this is a Beta Release, Here is the Link to the Fix: Beta link: https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram. I have only briefly tested, but it appears it Fixed the problem. I will continue testing and "Post", if I see any notable issues.

The Speed Changes you mentioned are more noticeable when Slowing Down. I am still testing the Pitch impact, if any.

Please note: Since I have been such a long time user, when the major Release Upgrade was made, I paid for the Upgrade. I noticed that when I got the new iPad Pro and Restored from my Previous iPad Backup, a Message appeared asking me to Restore My Purchase to Stage Traxx. I did so and things seemed to work fine. However, I wondering if this may be why the Algorithm substitution you mentioned is not working.

Is there a way I can Download the latest Stage Traxx, even if I have to Repurchase without loosing all of my connection paths to my Music Files. I realize I would need to make My Custom Configurations?

Once I have made a few more Diagnostic Tests, I will post in the "Solved" Section.

peter

You can check the version at the bottom of the settings screen. But I am a 100% shure that this will be the current version as a iPad backup never contains the apps directly. Instead when you restore an iPad backup, all apps are pulled in the latest version from the app store.

TJJazz

peter Thanks for the Updates.
My Version is: 3.6.4 (8631)

The Beta Version I mentioned is very unstable at this time. However, it is the only one that appears to address the USB 3.0 Interface issue on the New iPad Pro 12.9" M2.

I have found a few iPad Features and Settings that are not working properly in the Beta. This may be typical in some cases where they build in Code Traps and other test features. It also exhibits some performance features I've noticed. I am working with Apple as part of the Beta Testing and providing feedback.

Please let me know if there are any issues with the Stage Traxx Version I noted. Just today, I saw another Notice I think from Stage Traxx requesting me to Restore My Purchase. I did so, but it took an inordinate amount of time. Everything appears to be working properly in Stage Traxx except the Distortion issue you mentioned that was associated with iOS Release 16 relevant to my last Message Post. Again, I will definitely provide important Updates as I continue to test. I am ready for this episode to be over and I apologize for all this back and forth commentary.

peter

Generally I don't address any issues that come up during an iOS beta as Apple often changes things in the last minute and there is no use in wasting time to address issues that will be fixed in the final release anyway. So I would recommend staying away from iOS beta versions if possible.

TJJazz

peter Thanks for the updates.

I totally agree and fully support your thinking. I am only using this Beta Temporarily, since it is the only one that supports my iPad Pro M2 and a USB 3.0 Interface Adapter for my Audio Output.

Did you see any problems with my Upgraded Release of Sound Traxx?

peter

Version 3.6.4 is very stable. So no major issues there.

TJJazz

Thank you for the conformation,

The issue regarding the USB Interface connectivity is Resolved in iOS 6.2. Apple identified the issue and resolved it. The was associated with Apple iPhones and iPads using a compatible Multiport Adapters that support USB connections to Audio Devices like a USB DAC, etc.
The issue regarding Audio Output Distortion is Resolved. Peter provided a thorough explanation of the scenario. It is not directly associated with Stage Traxx. In my case, It became more noticeable when you Slow Down a Song with increasingly Larger Percentages. I am an Audiophile and more sensitive to these types of audio artifacts. Peter also suggested that that you may possibly use an App with Tempo Adjustment features without changing the Pitch of a Song and then add that Song to Stage Traxx.

Peter, Please feel free to make any edits as required. I would also appreciate your assistance in Posting this as "Solved" when you have time. I did not easily see a way to do it.