Line noise in logic pro x since updating to sequoia 15.6.1

Starting yesterday, my Logic has a persistent, fuzzy hum/crackle on any/every input track. I tested removing different cables and hardware components of my rig, but eventually got down to just my laptop using its own built-in microphone as the input source and it's still there, always around -30 dbs. I also tried Audacity, and it has the same noise, so it's something to do with the laptop or drivers. It seems odd that the timing of this issue coincides with the date my laptop updated to Sequoia 15.6.1. Has anyone else had a similar issue since updating?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 23, 2025 01:04 PM

Reply
6 replies

Aug 23, 2025 03:24 PM in response to yoyoBen

Its a steady static crackle. You can hear it here: https://youtu.be/vMdWj6c0QOY


I have tried everything I can think of, including disconnecting all cables including power. If I have the laptop all by itself, nothing plugged into it, using the onboard mic as the line in, it still has it. I have moved around the house into other rooms and it is not affected. I restarted Logic, the laptop, reset core audio...

Aug 24, 2025 04:29 AM in response to logicproxuser384

Wow, the noise is heavy...


• Even unlikely causing it, but make sure that your Mac's Mic Mode is set to "standard". You can access it with the orange mic icon in the top bar when Logic is active or in the control center of your mac.


• switch the audio device in Logic back and forth, don't forget to press apply after each set.

• switch the audio device in the system preferences back and forth.

• check the sample rates in all devices


Does it also happen when using an external sound card?

What computer Model and Logic version are you using?


Aug 24, 2025 07:54 AM in response to yoyoBen

It happens when any input is selected, not just the Mac Mic, so changing the Mic Mode is unlikely to change anything. I have switched the audio device multiple times, and I have looked at the sample rates - I never changed those sample rates so it's unlikely that would be the culprit anyway.


I don't have an external sound card to test with, unfortunately.


My laptop is a Macbook Pro 14-inch from 2023 and I'm running Logic Pro 11.2.2.

Aug 26, 2025 04:58 PM in response to logicproxuser384

If you have your devices plugged in on different outlets, you could be getting ground loop noise.

I use a Klein GFCI Outlet Tester model RT210. It costs less than $20 to test for outlets lacking grounds or outlets not wired correctly. I used to take it to gigs to test outlets before plugging in amps and the PA.


Best if you can have all your devices plugged into the same circuit (same outlet). I use a pair of Furman power strips, which reduce EMI and RFI interference and one has regular surge protection and the other one has the rapid detection and shutoff circuit to save my gear from a huge spike.


I would test the outlets first and double check the way all your gear is connected, especially if you have a guitar with a pedal board in the circuit. Some devices have ground loop switches, and when they're all on the same circuit, only one device needs the ground and the rest can turned be off to avoid ground loops. They all will share the single ground.


Other solutions:

  1. A power conditioner
  2. DI boxes


DI boxes isolate circuits and that stops noise in its tracks, but that should be a last resort.


If you discover that your house is not properly grounded, maybe from old copper plumbing being replaced with PVC pipes, then you need an electrician to install a ground rod and hook it up to your main breaker.




Aug 27, 2025 01:41 AM in response to logicproxuser384

Hi



logicproxuser384 wrote:

I have tried everything I can think of, including disconnecting all cables including power. If I have the laptop all by itself, nothing plugged into it, using the onboard mic as the line in, it still has it. I have moved around the house into other rooms and it is not affected. I restarted Logic, the laptop, reset core audio...

If you have disconnected everything including the power brick, you may have a hardware issue.


If you have a spare external drive you could try a clean install of the macOS and a basic Logic setup, boot off that drive to see if that fixes it?



CCT

Line noise in logic pro x since updating to sequoia 15.6.1

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.