In the last few days I’ve developed a problem with my Focusrite Clarett 8pre (thunderbolt) audio interface that leaves me clueless. I connect a Yamaha CP33 stage piano to it (midi), and a condenser vocal mic (Rode NT2000), then run the interface into my Mac (intel, Ventura) and from there into Logic. Lately, the midi sounds from my piano are corrupted (notes will randomly pitchbend, double, be incorrect, fade out, etc. And the vocal mic sound is full of loud static at higher input levels. I have up-to-date drivers in both the Focusrite and Yamaha. I have reset both to factory settings. When I run the Focusrite through Midi Monitor to see midi messages, I see tons of Sysex info, pitchbend info, stuff that I never noticed before (I’m not really sure what Sysex is or does). I have checked to see that sample rates across the system are the same (44.1 K).

I’ve tested the Yamaha piano by connecting it via USB straight to the computer, and everything is fine. I’ve run the microphone through another small interface (Centrance RX-4) into the computer, and everything is also fine with the mic (no static electricity sounds, distortion). I have rebooted my OS, and even reinstalled it, but no change. The Focusrite unit has been mostly running ok on Ventura (although quirky, often I have to rescan midi inputs after a logout or restart). A guitar I also run through the Focusrite sounds fine. Nothing else has really changed in my system setup, and the problem just appeared overnight.

Anyway, I am at a loss. Perhaps my Focusrite has died, or on last legs? I’m reluctant to think this, and still hopeful I am just missing something simple. I would be grateful for any advice from this esteemed group. Thanks!