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schalliol · Mar 9, 2006, 01:33 PM

I debated whether this should go into this forum or the audio forum, but this seems to be a new issue on this device.

I use a Headroom BitHead headphone amplifier, which connects to my Mac via USB. I've used this on my PowerBook with great success. Now when I plug the device into my MBP, I get subtle popping, even when I switch the unit to its own power and plug it directly into a USB port on the machine. The MBP certainly has the power to play this audio during mundane applications, so I'm wondering what might cause this issue. Any suggestions or anyone else using the USB Audio CODEC on an Intel Mac?

schalliol · Mar 22, 2006, 01:58 PM

bump

JasonSnake · Mar 22, 2006, 03:28 PM

This might be a silly response, but maybe there is some sort of updated codec/drivers with universal patch... Just a guess

schalliol · Mar 22, 2006, 03:35 PM

I'm running the latest OS updates, are you referring to something else or are you just suggesting I check?

onlykaria · Mar 22, 2006, 03:59 PM

i think he is asking if the device you are pluging in has driver updates or firmware updates.... i think

JCT · Mar 22, 2006, 05:13 PM

Hmmm. The Bithead also acts as an external soundcard, right? Are you bypassing (or attempting to) the MBP soundcard?

I own a Headroom Microstack (amp + DAC) -- if I get a chance I will hook the DAC up to the MBP and see.

JT

schalliol · Mar 29, 2006, 01:56 PM

Somehow I didn't see these responses...

The device uses the USB Audio of Codec that's built-into OS X and there aren't firmware updates for it. The bithead does act as an external sound card, and the point is to bypass the dirty internal card/output and use this better product. Did you hook up the Microstack? Results? Thanks!

TFunkadelic · Mar 29, 2006, 02:22 PM

I don't know how it is with your bithead, but with my mixing board that I use as an external hard drive (fire wire) I had to change some system settings rather than just plugging it in. Maybe for smoe reason the powerbook did this but the macbook didn't? If so, you can get at them in applications under Audio Midi Setup...

JCT · Apr 1, 2006, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by schalliol

Somehow I didn't see these responses...

The device uses the USB Audio of Codec that's built-into OS X and there aren't firmware updates for it. The bithead does act as an external sound card, and the point is to bypass the dirty internal card/output and use this better product. Did you hook up the Microstack? Results? Thanks!

I forgot about this thread... oooops. In any case I'm listening to the MicroStack as I type this. Straight USB input into the DAC then on to the Amp via a Cardas patch. Listening to an old vinyl transfer of one of my dad's (very old) Johnny Cash albums

-- no problems whatsoever and all I had to do is choose the USB audio output in Sound. Are you using iTunes or some sort of exernal input device (like a minidisc?).

FWIW, if you ever want to step up your gear this Amp + DAC combo is one of the best pieces of truly portable equipment I have ever purchased.

JT

schalliol · Apr 17, 2006, 12:54 PM

JCT, thanks for your info. Maybe I've got an OS X software issue then (anyone else have this device?). I actually now am listening to music through my amp and Sennheisers on XP and it does sound good - so it's def. not a hardware issue.