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50 points

audiomxd high memory allocation port allocation CPU time

Apple Community.

audiomxd Memory and CPU screenshots

In February 2025, I bought a Mac Mini then migrated from my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) to my current Mac Mini M4 Pro. The Mac Mini is probably running Rosetta.

About: Mac Mini 2024 M4 Pro. 64 GB Memory. macOS Sequoia 15.4.1. Apple Pro Display XDR with NO MICROPHONE and NO SPEAKER. No Audio app. No VST plugins.

The Apple Pro Display XDR is connected with an Apple Thunderbolt 5 cable to one of the three Thunderbolt 5 ports in back.

An external Lacie backup drive is connected with an Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable to one of the three Thunderbolt 5 ports in back. Time Machine backs up the Mac Mini M4 Pro once a week.

Feedback - Mac mini - Apple

Feedback report 6 on the audiomdx memory leak.

2025-04-26 12.23PM 1.36 GB 102,386 Ports.

2025-04-27 10.14AM 1.52 GB 130,067 Ports.

On 2025.04.27 I changed some settings then Shut Down.

Apple > System Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri >

Apple Intelligence: OFF

Siri: OFF

Adobe Elements 2021 Organizer > Preferences > Media-Analysis >

Generate Auto Creations: OFF.

On 2025.04.29 I uninstalled an Adobe desktop app the Shut Down.

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html

Uninstall the Creative Cloud desktop app

On 25.05.02 I changed some settings then Shut Down.

Sequoia is moving my windows off the scre… - Apple Community

Settings > Desktop & Dock > Click wallpaper to reveal desktop change to Only in Stage Manager

Settings > Desktop & Dock > Drag Windows to screen edges to tile OFF

Settings > Desktop & Dock > Drag Windows to menu bar to fill screen OFF

On 2025.05.03 here are Activity Monitor screenshots of CPU Time and of Memory Allocation.

2025.05.03 12:49 PM audiomxd CPU Time 20:02:08.10

2025.05.03 12:49 PM audiomxd Memory 770.2 MB 39,904 Ports.

Usually, I Logout after each time I use the Mac Mini.

Occasionally, I only Lock the Screen.

Why is Memory allocated, but not freed after closing the app that was using the Memory?

Why does audiomxd need an ever-increasing Memory Allocation to manage the internal speaker on a Mac Mini? I have no external speaker or microphone.

[Edited by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.4

Posted on May 3, 2025 12:16 PM

Top-ranking reply

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Posted on Jun 12, 2025 12:53 PM

Thank you, den.thed, for the excellent descriptions. Given the growing amount of memory allocated and of the growing number of ports opened, it appears that processes or services or apps are CHECKING IN, but they are NOT CHECKING OUT.

Previous reports from EtreCheckPro mentioned the following kernel extension:

Kernel Extensions:

/Applications/Toolkit.app

[Not Loaded] SeagateDiskService.kext - com.seagate.IOSED01 (67.0 - SDK 10.10)

I just now removed it and rebooted.

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-11 2:35PM

Logged Out most of the time between samples unless otherwise indicated.

2025-06-11 4:00PM CPU Time 1:19:32.28 230.3 MB 3,260 Ports

2025-06-12 9:51AM CPU Time 18:51:17.30 740.1 MB 3,262 Ports

Logged Out.

Printed a few pages from iPhone to nearby AirPrint printer.

Just now Logged In and launched Activity Monitor.

2025-06-12 11:13AM CPU Time 19:49:13.29 760.5 MB 18,527 Ports

2025-06-12 12:10PM CPU Time 20:22:36.66 771.7 MB 26,335 Ports

Uninstalled LaCie Seagate Toolkit.

https://www.seagate.com/support/kb/lacie/uninstalling-toolkit/

In the top left, click on the Apple icon

Click on System Settings

In the left-hand window, scroll towards the bottom and locate Toolkit

Click the Toolkit icon then click uninstall

Finder Search: This Mac "Macintosh HD" > Search "LaCie"

Removed

LaCieToolkit.zip

Logged Out.

Shut Down.

Moved Mac Mini back to original location.

Start Up 2025-06-12 1:01 PM.

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-12 1:01PM

Logged Out most of the time between samples unless otherwise indicated.

2025-06-12 1:19PM CPU Time 14:50.00 130.2 MB 2,450 Ports

EtreCheckPro report 2025-06-12 13.26.16

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201 replies

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

May 20, 2025 4:10 PM in response to tcabq

Epson printer software was uninstalled.

Logged Out. Shut Down.

2025-05-19 5:50 PM Monday. Started. Logged In.

audiomxd history after startup at 5:50 PM Monday 2025-05-19

2025-05-19 7:47PM CPU Time 56:01.46 201.0 MB 3,049 Ports.

2025-05-20 9.08AM CPU Time 13:10:46.50 631.1 MB 13,781 Ports.

2025-05-20 4.40PM CPU Time 19:44:09.20 756.9 MB 34,778 Ports.

Epson printer software was uninstalled

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

Jun 3, 2025 7:22 PM in response to tcabq

This still sounds like some bad third-party software or the Mac mini attempting to connect to a bluetooth audio device.

Possibly even when the Mac mini is suppose to be in sleep mode.

https://community.jamf.com/t5/jamf-pro/audiomx-process-maxed-out/m-p/342280

https://iboysoft.com/tips/audiomxd-processor-using-so-much-ram.html

https://macsecurity.net/view/614-coreaudiod-cpu-overuse-mac

If the audiomxd numbers seem to be building when the Mac mini is sleeping at night...?

Then as a test, shut down at night and check the audiomxd numbers in the morning after startup.

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Jun 18, 2025 4:14 AM in response to den.thed

Reinstalled macOS

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Start Up 2025-06-17 5:01PM.

audiomxd activity after 2025-06-17 5:01PM

2025-06-18 4.54AM CPU Time 11:17:17.02 588.5 MB 56 Ports

CPU Time and Memory are similar to previous Start Up statistics, but the number of open Ports is smaller.

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

Jul 28, 2025 7:47 AM in response to tcabq

The only other thing that I can suggest at this point, is to disconnect the Apple Pro Display and test the Mac mini using an aftermarket USB-C/HDMI Display or an HDMI TV.

Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

May 24, 2025 4:03 PM in response to tcabq

Correction:

Finder ~/Library/Services

Remove GPGServices.service

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

May 12, 2025 8:55 AM in response to tcabq

EtreCheckPro is an excellent tool for finding and sorting out various problems.

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

May 19, 2025 11:39 AM in response to tcabq

Probably not the cause but should still be gone, delete this file & restart…

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist

Also the high usage started on the day these were installed…

2025-05-12 EPSON Printer Driver (13.26) - Installer

2025-05-12 Epson Scan 2 (6.4.143) - Installer

2025-05-12 EPSON PC-FAX Driver (2.40) - Installer

2025-05-12 Epson Extended Service Plan (1.0.1) - Installer

2025-05-12 ET-4850 (1.0) - Installer

2025-05-12 macOS 15.5 (15.5) - Software update

2025-05-12 RosettaUpdateAuto (1.0.0.0.1.1746349326) - Install on demand

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

Jun 7, 2025 10:58 AM in response to tcabq

Sorry to hear that you have not yet found the problem.

Uninstall Audacity (3) and monitor the audiomxd activity for a day or so.

If that fixes it, maybe try the 3.7.3 ARM 64 (Apple Silicon) version.

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/mac/

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Jun 20, 2025 8:02 PM in response to den.thed

If I saw Memory usage level out or shrink, I wouldn't suspect that I was somehow causing a memory leak. I use the Mac mini every day and, if I had to Shut Down every night, then the daily Start Up of the LaCie external Hard Drive would probably decrease the Mean Time Between Failure of the backup drive.

This afternoon I spoke on the phone with an Apple tech with whom I shared my screen. She saw that I had removed almost all of my third-party software and almost all of my old apps and associated files. While we were talking, I Shut Down the Mac mini then Started Up the Mac mini. This always resets the memory, CPU Time, and Ports.

She sent an email with a case number so that when the audiomxd memory growth reappears I can reopen the case. I expect that in a week or two the memory allocation will be significant. If so, then an Apple tech may be able to Log In to my screen and track which app is causing the memory trouble.

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-19 12:47PM

2025-06-19 6.25PM CPU Time 0.07 2.8 MB 58 Ports

2025-06-19 8.22PM CPU Time 1:47:00.70 258.4 MB 3,454 Ports

2025-06-20 7.21AM CPU Time 12:33:49.48 619.0 MB 3,455 Ports

2025-06-20 9.18AM CPU Time 13:36:23.48 642.5 MB 10,113 Ports

I re-connected to the first Wi-Fi network, which has the two AirPlay devices and the AirPrint printer.

Log Out.

Shut Down.

Start Up 2025-06-20 4:27PM

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-20 4:27PM

2025-06-19 6.25PM CPU Time 4:09:02.52 368.4 MB 4,123 Ports

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Jun 21, 2025 5:39 PM in response to tcabq

When I am Logged In, the audiomxd process is found in the list of Other Users Processes, and is labeled Inactive.

"Other User Processes": includes processes owned by other user accounts on the Mac, as well as CERTAIN SYSTEM PROCESSES THAT RUN UNDER THEIR OWN UNIQUE USER IDs, LIKE nobody OR _hidd.

Deleted some Shared files found in ~/Users/Shared/

Log Out.

Shut Down.

Start Up 2025-06-21 02:28PM.

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-21 02:28PM

2025-06-21 6.26PM CPU Time 0.05 2.8 MB 55 Ports

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

May 4, 2025 7:12 AM in response to tcabq

Highlight that process then click on the tiny I in a circle icon.

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

May 19, 2025 9:27 AM in response to tcabq

Sorry, but those Activity Monitor and Info screenshots are not really helping us see the problem.

Please post your EtreCheckPro Report, as per > https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211

den.thed

Level 10

90,802 points

Jun 12, 2025 11:33 AM in response to tcabq

Maybe something below will help you figure out what process or service is opening ports.

On macOS, ports are opened by specific processes or services that need to communicate over a network. The system uses a process called launchdto manage these processes and open ports as needed. While macOS's firewall helps manage connections, apps and services can still request and be granted access through it.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

1. Processes Open Ports:

When a process needs to listen for incoming connections or send outgoing requests on a specific port, it requests that port from the operating system.
If the process is allowed to use the port, launchd (a background service) will open it and keep it open as long as the process is running or actively waiting for connections.

2. Sharing Services:

Sharing services like file sharing can automatically open specific ports to allow other devices on the network to connect.
These ports are opened and closed based on whether the sharing service is enabled or disabled.

3. Firewall:

The macOS firewall allows or blocks connections based on applications and services, not individual ports.
You can add an app to the firewall's allowed list to grant it access, and macOS will automatically open the necessary ports.

4. Identifying Open Ports:

You can use commands like lsof or nmap in the Terminal to see which ports are currently open and which processes are using them.
For example, lsof -i :8080 will list any processes using port 8080.

5. Closing Ports:

You can close a port by stopping the process that's using it.
For example, you can use kill -9 <PID> to forcefully stop a process and close its associated ports.

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Jun 24, 2025 6:04 AM in response to tcabq

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-21 02:28PM

2025-06-21 6.26PM CPU Time 0.05 2.8 MB 55 Ports

2025-06-22 6.05AM CPU Time 11:20:54.15 589.4 MB 54 Ports

2025-06-22 8.11AM CPU Time 12:44:59.98 622.3 MB 10,636 Ports

2025-06-22 10.59AM CPU Time 14:57:36.42 669.4 MB 17,254 Ports

2025-06-22 3.53PM CPU Time 15:31:47.87 682.9 MB 30,779 Ports

2025-06-23 6.06AM CPU Time 29:03:18.19 904.5 MB 66,986 Ports

2025-06-23 7.29AM CPU Time 29:03:19.30 904.5 MB 66,986 Ports

2025-06-23 10.09AM CPU Time 31:09:38.18 932.4 MB 66,987 Ports

Apple menu > System Settings... > Privacy & Security > Local Network

Ecrp: OFF (Epson Customer Research Participation )

Epson Installer: OFF (This may be optional for an AirPrint printer)

EtreCheckPro: ON

Log Out.

Shut Down.

Start Up 2025-06-23 10:42AM.

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-23 10:42AM

2025-06-23 10.58AM CPU Time 0.06 2.9 MB 55 Ports

2025-06-23 12.50AM CPU Time 1:36:51.94 249.0 MB 3,390 Ports

2025-06-23 3.03PM CPU Time 3:22:24.95 337.6 MB 7,752 Ports

2025-06-24 6.57AM CPU Time 18:23:05.68 733.1 MB 12,265 Ports

tcabq Author

Level 1

50 points

Jul 2, 2025 10:00 AM in response to tcabq

Activity Monitor history of the audiomxd process indicates that the audiomxd process ended then restarted. The Mac mini M4 Pro macOS 15.5 Sequoia has been running continuously for 8 days without any Shut Down or Restart.

-----

https://superuser.com/questions/1706964/macos-activity-monitor-what-is-the-starting-time-for-cpu-time#:~:text=CPU%20Time%20starts%20when%20the,the%20process%20and%20restarting%20it.

macOS Activity Monitor - what is the starting time for CPU Time?

CPU Time starts when the process is launched and accumulates as the process uses the CPU.

It cannot be reset, except by ending the process and restarting it.

-----

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=does+apple+macOS+15+Sequoia+Activity+Monitor+reset+the+CPU+Time+of+audiomxd+to+zero+while+the+when+audiomxd+holds+onto+allocated+memory%3F&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

AI Overview

Activity Monitor in macOS 15 Sequoia (and other macOS versions) does not automatically reset the CPU Time of the audiomxd process to zero just because it's holding onto allocated memory.

Here's why:

CPU Time accumulates: CPU Time in Activity Monitor represents the total CPU usage by a process since it launched. It's a running total, not a real-time snapshot.

Resetting requires a restart: The CPU Time counter for a process is only reset to zero when the process is terminated and relaunched. This typically happens during a system restart or when you manually quit the process.

Memory allocation and CPU time are different: Memory allocation indicates the amount of memory a process is using, while CPU Time indicates the amount of processing time it has consumed. One doesn't automatically reset the other.

Monitoring audiomxd memory growth -

audiomxd activity after Start Up 2025-06-23 10:42AM

2025-06-23 10:58AM CPU Time 0.06 2.9 MB 55 Ports

2025-06-23 12:50PM CPU Time 1:36:51.94 249.0 MB 3,390 Ports

2025-06-23 3:03PM CPU Time 3:22:24.95 337.6 MB 7,752 Ports

2025-06-24 6:57AM CPU Time 18:23:05.68 733.1 MB 12,265 Ports

2025-06-24 12:52PM CPU Time 24:08:27.34 828.2 MB 29,518 Ports

2025-06-24 4:35PM CPU Time 27:18:14.56 876.1 MB 40,574 Ports

2025-06-25 6:58AM CPU Time 41:36:07.62 1.03 GB 40,578 Ports

2025-06-25 6:36PM CPU Time 51:35:29.81 1.15 GB 114,475 Ports

2025-06-26 5:41AM CPU Time 62:24:15.94 1.25 GB 127,171 Ports

2025-06-26 3:24PM CPU Time 71:35:38.54 1.34 GB 155,207 Ports

2025-06-27 6:58AM CPU Time 86:54:51.69 1.47 GB 169,520 Ports

2025-06-27 10:53AM CPU Time 88:29:23.29 1.48 GB 184,937 Ports

2025-06-27 2:08PM CPU Time 91:20:43.53 1.51 GB 200,539 Ports

2025-06-28 5:05AM CPU Time 105:46:01.07 1.63 GB 263,458 Ports

2025-06-28 10:09AM CPU Time 2:53:34.28 314.9 MB 3,813 Ports

2025-06-28 3:26PM CPU Time 6:05:53.89 442.4 MB 18,496 Ports

2025-06-29 7:13AM CPU Time 21:27:09.22 783.8 MB 18,497 Ports

2025-06-29 10:52AM CPU Time 24:00:30.03 824.8 MB 27,906 Ports

2025-06-29 6:54PM CPU Time 31:52:34.31 935.6 MB 37,499 Ports

2025-06-30 5:21AM CPU Time 40:57:26.90 1.02 GB 47,351 Ports

2025-06-30 12:37PM CPU Time 46:21:41.45 1.09 GB 68,583 Ports

2025-06-30 4:24PM CPU Time 49:47:14.85 1.13 GB 90,409 Ports

2025-07-01 6:42AM CPU Time 63:42:07.09 1.27 GB 102,286 Ports

2025-07-01 5:54PM CPU Time 72:29:31.63 1.36 GB 151,041 Ports

2025-07-02 5:55AM CPU Time 83:00:59.58 1.45 GB 176,776 Ports

2025-07-02 10:24AM CPU Time 86:22:43.51 1.48 GB 190,289 Ports

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

audiomxd high memory allocation port allocation CPU time