1
Diagnostic step 1
For immediate stability, connect the audio interface directly to the MacBook's USB‑C/Thunderbolt port when using >48kHz sample rates.
FULL AI ANALYSIS
macOS Monterey audio dropouts when USB‑C audio interface runs >48 kHz through Thunderbolt dock
Generated Oct 3, 2026, 12:35:03 AM
Analysis summary
Evidence points to intermittent USB link resets between dock and Mac when device bandwidth or isochronous USB scheduling increases at higher sample rates. The dock's controller firmware, hub bandwidth allocation, or Thunderbolt-to-USB bridge may not reliably handle the sustained isochronous load at 96kHz leading to brief disconnects. Direct connection bypassing the dock removes the failing bridge, confirming the dock as a likely culprit.
Possible causes
Thunderbolt dock USB controller firmware bug failing under high isochronous bandwidth at >48kHz
90%MacOS USB host stack interaction with dock bridge driver causing periodic resets at heavy isochronous load
60%Focusrite firmware interacting poorly with hub/bridge when sample rate >48kHz
30%USB-C/TB cable compatibility or power negotiation causing transient resets under higher throughput
20%Suggested fixes
2
Diagnostic step 2
Collect IO logs: run log stream during a reproduction (log stream --predicate 'process == "kernel"' --info) to capture disconnect messages and attach to vendor support case.
3
Diagnostic step 3
Try toggling 'Prevent computer from sleeping' and disable other high-bandwidth devices on the same dock; test with a known-good Thunderbolt cable and different dock if available.
4
Diagnostic step 4
If dock firmware available, apply updates and retry; if problem persists, open a support ticket with dock vendor and Focusrite including reproducible steps, system logs, and a short packet capture of IORegistry disconnects. Escalate to Apple support with console logs if vendor guidance requires OS-level debugging.