M4: Crackling noise when turning "input Monitor Mix" knob

[Chrisk-K]

I have been using the M4 only as a sound output device for virtual instruments on my M1 Mac Mini for two weeks. No external instruments are connected to an input of the M4.

I found the following today. When the 1L or 2R input monitor button is engaged, turning the input monitor mix knob while playing a virtual instrument generates tiny crackling noise. It appears that the noise is generated when the knob is being turned counterclockwise past 12 o'clock. This happens regardless of virtual instruments being used and regardless of the instrument or headphone volume. The noise volume is low but it can be clearly heard.

Is my M4 defective?

[stubbsonic]

IIRC, I noticed something about the volume changes not being smooth, as if they were zippering (changes in steps rather than ramps). I'm not using the M4 in my current setup, but let me go see if I can find what I said.

[stubbsonic]

Here's what I wrote in the M2/4 thread:

"Another observation:

When I set one input channel to MON, and then adjust the input monitor mix between input and playback, there a bit of clicking while adjusting. It sounds like the volume levels of both the input and playback are snapping to new values abruptly (as opposed to smooth analog fading). It is more noticeable with faster bigger moves.

I can't imagine a scenario where I'd need glitch-free fades between input and playback. So I don't think this is a particularly problematic design flaw."

Here's that whole thread, but this particular topic wasn't worked out. Bayswater followed my post with a zinger that still makes me giggle.

https://www.motunation.com/forum/viewto ... 37#p571137

[Chrisk-K]

When I set one input channel to MON, and then adjust the input monitor mix between input and playback, there a bit of clicking while adjusting. It sounds like the volume levels of both the input and playback are snapping to new values abruptly (as opposed to smooth analog fading). It is more noticeable with faster bigger moves.

Hmm....maybe you and I experienced the same thing but described it a little bit differently. Like you, I don't see if this would be a problem for me. I just wanted to know if something was wrong with my unit.