Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

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Raffaele Mariotti

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Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 4:32 pm

as in title, it happens only with the 2 latest releases of Desktop Video.
basically when I work in Resolve, no other audio is working from the system, like VLC, Spotify, iTunes, etc.
if I force in System Preferences the Ultrastudio audio output, nothing comes out.
when I close Resolve, everything works back again.

I'm using a Mac Pro 2013 with an Ultrastudio Express, mac OS 10.12.6
I noticed the last 2 drivers change the name of the audio output.
worked fine until Desktop Video 10.9.7 or something, but not with .10 or .11

any ideas?
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Andrew Kolakowski

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 5:26 pm

Resolve most likely using it in "exclusive mode".
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Raffaele Mariotti

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 5:28 pm

Andrew Kolakowski wrote:Resolve most likely using it in "exclusive mode".


well, but why?
and why just from this version?
it was working fine, I don't understand the need. seems stupid and useless
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Andrew Kolakowski

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 8:57 pm

Because this is the correct way.
You don't want system "noises" going into your Resolve audio. People use this for professional monitoring, so it has to be separated from anything else (system audio).
You shouldn't really set BM device as system audio. It's not designed to be used this way.

It's not stupid or useless- you are trying to use pro equipment in "home style" .
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Raffaele Mariotti

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 9:32 pm

thank you for your reply, but... "System noises"? what are you talking about?
so if I'm looking for a song to license on some stock-music website for my project, then it's "home style"?
and if I use my Genelec professional speakers with my Ultrastudio on Resolve/Fairlight, it's not professional enough?

this is clearly a problem with the latest BM drivers. if BM changed their mind about this I'd like to know it, as it has been working flawlessly for 5 years.
and nowhere on BM website, promo materials and manuals it's stated that one "should't really set BM device as system audio".
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Andrew Kolakowski

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostMon Feb 19, 2018 10:01 pm

No, using BM device as system audio is not very professional. All system audio is mixed into your signal, so this is far from desired.
You would like to use Resolve as pro software for accurate monitoring and in the same time when you open youtube have this mixed into same signal- is this professional?

This is why you need this separation, so when you work in Resolve audio device is exclusive for Resolve use and nothing gets routed into it.
Even non-pro good home players use this exclusive mode for accurate playback, e.g. Audirvana.

You can use BM as system device, but it's definitely not professional. Same like monitoring video in Resolve GUI preview.
Well- now Resolve will lock your from using it in inappropriate way, which is good.
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Raffaele Mariotti

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostTue Feb 20, 2018 9:47 am

I understand your point, but I still don't agree.

Everyone has different needs, and while I agree on the fact that Resolve should have "priority" (there's also an option in the preferences) I think that something has changed in the latest drivers.

I just find it weird that no one else seems to have noticed this change, and I hope that there will be some clarification about this.
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Andrew Kolakowski

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Re: Mac system audio doesn't work when Resolve is open

PostTue Feb 20, 2018 10:30 am

Yes it probably did change with latest drivers.

Do you need latest drivers? In 95% cases people don't need them, but install only because they came out. With BM you don't really want to be on latest as their releases are quite often full of bugs. Avoid major ones, always give them few 'point' releases.

The best solution for you is probably going to older drivers.
If you want clarification write to support.

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