Korg Forums

I'm trying to hook up my Kronos to play software instruments through Logic via the usb port (using Kronos as an audio interface). For some reason, I am getting crackling and notes dying and delayed from the built in logic instruments. I'm using the latest Macbook Pro with maxed out memory and storage.

It works fine when I just send midi from the Kronos and use the laptop's headphone output for audio. It seems to be a Kronos audio/usb issue. I've tried changing all of the audio setting in Logic -- that doesn't help.

Any ideas?

I also had this problem a while back, everything was ok for a few minutes, then I'd get the crackles and an echo/feedback delay effect - try a different USB port on your Mac.

I'm not sure why, but it fixed it for me (1st Gen Mac Pro quad)

FYI - it wasn't just the Kronos, my Alessis 16 USB 2 mixer had the same problem.

It's not generally recommended to use USB3 ports for USB2 audio interfaces. Not sure if this is your issue but try to avoid the blue ports. Don't use a hub but connect directly to the computer. You will have to put the sample rate in Logic to 48KHz as this is the only frequency the Kronos supports.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Here's a summary of what I've tried so far:
- changed Logic sample rate to 48 to match Kronos.
- swapped usb cable
- updated Kronos midi driver on laptop
- changed every possible audio preference on the Macbook
- tried using the other usb port on laptop (I'm connecting directly from the Kronos to the Macbook).

Same problem.

More info --

I tried using MainStage instead of Logic -- same issues with popping and dropouts.

I tried using my little Zoom H6 recorder as the audio interface and it works perfectly. So that leads me to think it is some sort of setting on the Kronos.

Any other thoughts?

There are many variables to this problem and also several settings that can be made.

Try increasing the I/O buffer size in Logic.

On the mac,via "Audio midi Set Up",try setting the Kronos to "Re-sample this device".

It will need to be part of aggregate device set up……some users can have problems with this,but I can vouch that it does work on a fault free mac.
This leads onto another possibility,if all else fails….there could be a fault with the mac itself,maybe the usb ports,but that will be the last resort following several setting variations first.

Be aware that setting the mac does need to follow a certain proceedure,also there could be a lag in implementing any changes made.
It's important not to do this in a hurry as it's so easy to miss a vital step etc.
Also,closing the setting page will help finalise things.

Settings within Logic can be complex and will need a closer examination to their effect during set up,but the manual explains all of this.
I don't use Logic myself,I've just briefly glanced at the manual and there's a lot to learn.....(I use Cubase Elements6).

Let us know the results......and if need be, we shall try to take things further.

Good Luck.

Uninstall the Korg USB midi driver.

That's what did the trick for me.
Had the same issues, but they went away after uninstalling and rebooting.

The Kronos is USB audio/midi Class compliant, so you don't need to use the driver for it to work with os x.

Force the ports to use USB 2.0 instead of 3.0. Use a 2.0 hub and then connect the Kronos to the hub.

USB Audio interfaces that were designed for 2.0 no like 3.0 on some computers. Known fact. You will get the snap, crackle and pop problems.

here are some references:

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2012/06/u ... operating/

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201163

Codd12
What's the latest......any further developments ?
Hope you're making some progress.....don't give up.....well,not just yet...
Would appreciate an update,please.

As a sort of reminder to some of the information already posted by other members.
Usually audio crackles are related to sample rates or their differences between other audio devices which can be altered via the software being used and the Audio midi Set Up.
Other factors can be involved,of course and would need eliminating as a matter of routine troubleshooting.(trial and error method).


Qtipcore.
Probably the re-boot had a greater effect regarding the core audio setting.
Now that the audio is working correctly,I wonder if re-installing the driver would alter anything.
I agree,there's no great need to have it installed,but I've kept mine and all is well.

crazylounyc.
I knew I had read something similar about this,but couldn't find the reference.
Thanks for posting alternative links.

Some have had problems with different connected peripherals via usb3 on an iMac,even with usb3 devices.
Prior to a recent repair,my external usb3 hard would only work with an usb2 hub,but since the whole logic board was replaced,it now works correctly in its intended port.
Another external hard drive also works as it should,even though it's an usb2 device directly connected to an usb3 port.

I still have my Kronos connected to an usb2 hub,plus other peripherals, into the iMac and they all also work fine.

Some usb2 devices can work either directly connected,or via an usb2 hub, to usb3 ports on an iMac.
Meaning that there can be an alternative if one method doesn't work.
(If neither routing won't,that would be another matter,though).


Best Wishes All.

pedro5 wrote:Codd12
Qtipcore.
Probably the re-boot had a greater effect regarding the core audio setting.
Now that the audio is working correctly,I wonder if re-installing the driver would alter anything.
I agree,there's no great need to have it installed,but I've kept mine and all is well.

Well - I have tried several things, and my computer/kronos USB Audio thing was working fine before OS X Mavericks/Yosemite.

Had the same issues as the OP - Everything seemed to work fine, but every now and then I would get hiss/crackles etc.
I also assumed that adjusting buffers etc would fix it. Which it did not.
Could also reproduce the symptom across several reboots, and in several apps.

Firewire Audio was working fine however.

The only thing that solved it for me was uninstalling the Korg Midi Driver.
Fwiw:-)

OP here again. I appreciate all the suggestions.

I tried deleting the Korg midi driver. No change.

Also, I remembered that I also have Logic installed on my iMac (2009), so I connected via usb and the Kronos works perfectly with it.

I'm now down to my last couple of options:
1 - get a usb 2.0 hub to see if that helps.
2 - upgrade from Mavericks to Yosemite.

I guess #3 -- will be to buy a separate interface, which I would hate to have to carry around to gigs.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks to both Qtipcore and Codd12 for the update and further information.

It appears that there's no single remedy for these ongoing problems, which are so annoying...all we want to do is make music,but are hampered in trying to get there.
I can empathize with all sufferers.


Codd12
I wish I could offer better advice,but am at a loss as to what to suggest futher.

Good luck with finding a solution.

Best Wishes.

OP here with an update. I've solved my problem and I'm posting here in the hope it helps someone else avoid all my wasted time.

While searching the internet, I came upon an old article about MacBooks, discussing the USB ports. Specifically, how both ports don't perform the same, since 1 may be wired to support a bunch of things, like the card reader, keyboard, etc.

Anyway I tried plugging my Kronos into the other USB port (the one on the left side) and it now works fine. I still can't believe how simple the answer was.