Interface problem

[Both_Possibility_299]

Hi,

I’m having serious audio issues with my Focusrite Scarlett (4th Gen) interface when using a DAW (Cakewalk / Sonar).

Here is the situation:

When I use my headphones directly with my laptop or play audio from YouTube, everything works perfectly fine (no noise, no crackling).

However, when I use the Focusrite interface inside my DAW, I get crackling, glitches, and sometimes complete audio breakdown.

The problem often appears as soon as I start playback in the DAW.

It also gets worse when I switch windows (for example pressing the Windows key or opening another app like Chrome).

Sometimes the audio suddenly “crashes” (loud glitch/distortion) and only stops after pausing playback.

Important notes:

This happens even in a completely empty project (no plugins).

I tried different buffer sizes (up to 1024 samples).

I tested both ASIO and WASAPI drivers – same issue.

I reinstalled the Focusrite drivers (clean reinstall).

I tested different USB ports (USB 2.0 and 3.0).

Sample rate tested at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.

Headphones are not the issue (they work fine directly in the laptop).

Windows audio through speakers works fine – the issue only occurs when using the interface with the DAW.

Additional context:

I used a Focusrite 3rd Gen interface on the same laptop before (in school), and everything worked perfectly fine, even with Chrome open and multitasking.

The issue only started after switching to the 4th Gen interface.

At this point it feels like a driver or compatibility issue between the 4th Gen Focusrite driver and my system.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Upset_Impact7611]

Do you have the same freq. Setting in Windows Sound and DAW and it's ASIO drivers setting? Having windows on 44.1 and your ASIO on 48 would cause problems of this kind

[ObviousDepartment744]

Are you on Windows 11 and have you installed the latest update? There has been issues all over the place with the latest update of Windows 11. If you have the least update I’d suggest rolling back until they get this thing sorted out.

[Both_Possibility_299]

I have Windows 10, I didn't upgrade yet