Issue with Nano Cortex as Audio Interface on macOS

I am using the Nano Cortex as an audio interface on macOS. I have selected it as the input and output device in the system settings. However, when I try to play along with a backing track on my guitar, the following issue occurs:

  1. For the first 10 seconds, the backing track plays with crackling sounds.
  2. After that, it starts going through the effects chain (reamp).
  3. After approximately 4 seconds, the sound cuts out completely.

Could you please help me understand what is causing this issue and how to resolve it?

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,
Mike

Hi support!

Any comments here? Should I wait for a firmware update or what? I can’t use the Nano Cortex during recording sessions at all. In addition to the issues I previously mentioned, there’s now another major problem—when I connect it to my UAD Apollo Twin interface via TRS cables (1/4" jack), it produces a loud, high-pitched noise. So, not only can I not use it for the primary issues I’ve already experienced, but the audio connection through cables is also unusable due to this noise.

Looking forward to your answer.

Best regards.

First of all, which Software are u using? We can figure your issue out I guess.

I reproduced this issue on the following macOS versions:

  1. macOS Big Sur 11.7.10
  2. macOS Sequoia 15.0.1

For playback, I tried different software:

  1. Transcribe! version 8.74.0 for Mac
  2. VLC Media Player Version 3.0.18 Vetinari (Intel 64bit)
  3. Ableton 11 (11.3.22) Lite - input 3/4, output 1/2
  4. Ableton 12 (12.1) Live - input 3/4, output 1/2

Let me know if you need further details to help diagnose the problem.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s mostly Users here. If you want to contact the support directly you have to mail the support. I would just try to reproduce the failure you got with my device and let you know if mine does the same or not, so you have some orientation for the further search.

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So I had a few tries in MacOS15, but I cannot reproduce any crackling or high pitches with VLC or any DAW I own, everything alright in every combination. Maybe try another USB-Cable to connect? What you could also do is mute the processed signal test-wise by activating the tuner on the cortex (hold right switch for 2 seconds) and use monitoring only through your DAW to make sure it’s not caused by a doubled signal. As an idea

Crackling or high-pitched sounds are not the main problem. The real issue is that after several seconds of playback, it starts going through the effects chain (reamp).

That’s why I suggested muting it with the tuner and test Monitoring through the DAW only. (but with Inputs 1/2 - DI, just to make sure the problem is not the processed input signal)

I don’t know how you routed your signal in the DAW or the PC in genral, if you listen over Headphones or Monitors via the Outputs L and R of the Nano, if you always use your Apollo in between or connect the Nano directly via USB to your computer, these are all factors that may influence the behaviour. Also which monitoring options in software you use.

I can just tell you, if I connect the Nano as the only Interface, set it as sound device in Mac options and DAW options, and either use monitor speakers or mute the processed signal when using headphones and just use the DI track to record (as you can’t mute the processed signal coming directly from the Nano to the headphones and still receive it via USB with activated tuner), I get a perfectly fine Input and Output to and from my Mac so far.

But with Ableton that seems to happen to other people too, I only have Reaper and Cubase, maybe it has to do with that

And another Post with your first Problem is also here…

Sorry that I couldn’t help, tried my best

got same problem, also ableton

if you are using the free USB type C. try to use other USB type C cable. mine solved.

2 Likes

Thx for the tips !! It works nice now. It’s a little frustrating every stuff delivering with Neural gear have to be change… The power supply for the QC and the USB C cable for the NC to works with optimum functionality…

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I’ll join the thread of people having problems with USB audio on MacOS. I’m running Sonoma 14.6.1 on Macbook Air M1. I’ve tried several USB C cables. The Nano Cortex is recognized and a signal gets through to Logic, but it is so low that the input db meter doesn’t get above -35 db.

My Nano Cortex is new this week. Everything else seems to be working ok, but I’m wondering if my unit is defective? I assume others are able to use their units as USB audio inputs or there would be a lot of complaints about it.