# Buzzing when using CQ-20B as an audio device on my mac and sound stops

**URL:** <https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/buzzing-when-using-cq-20b-as-an-audio-device-on-my-mac-and-sound-stops/32564>\
**Category:** CQ Troubleshooting\
**Created:** [21 July 2026 23:48 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/buzzing-when-using-cq-20b-as-an-audio-device-on-my-mac-and-sound-stops/32564 "2026-07-21T23:48:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DOMF](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/domf/32/8760_2.png) [@DOMF](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/DOMF)\
**Post date:** [21 July 2026 23:48 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/buzzing-when-using-cq-20b-as-an-audio-device-on-my-mac-and-sound-stops/32564/1 "2026-07-21T23:48:45Z")

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I recently switched from using a Focusrite device as my main audio output device on my mac for sound, to my CQ-20B.  
Since doing so, if I am playing sound (like through youtube or vlc) and it unexpectedly stops without me hitting the “stop” or “pause” button (Like if the tab or app is closed), it makes a horrible high-mid pitched buzzing tone until another sound source starts. It’s VERY reproducible. I took a video of it because it’s easier to see than to explain. I can’t figure out how to upload videos in this forum so I threw it up on youtube: [https://youtu.be/eA41KycwdlY](https://youtu.be/eA41KycwdlY)

This never happened with the Focusrite, so I think it’s pretty unique to the CQ-20B

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**Author:** ![carysalt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/carysalt/32/9035_2.png) [@carysalt](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/carysalt)\
**Post date:** [11 August 2026 23:06 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/buzzing-when-using-cq-20b-as-an-audio-device-on-my-mac-and-sound-stops/32564/2 "2026-08-11T23:06:32Z")

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I have the exact same issue with my CQ18T. Saw a few more folks mentioning this [Noise Issue with CQ-18T After Upgrading to macOS 26](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/noise-issue-with-cq-18t-after-upgrading-to-macos-26/30398)

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**Author:** ![DOMF](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.allen-heath.com/domf/32/8760_2.png) [@DOMF](https://forums.allen-heath.com/u/DOMF)\
**Post date:** [12 August 2026 16:38 UTC](https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/buzzing-when-using-cq-20b-as-an-audio-device-on-my-mac-and-sound-stops/32564/3 "2026-08-12T16:38:45Z")

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> [@carysalt](#):
>
> Noise Issue with CQ-18T After Upgrading to macOS 26

THANK YOU for replying! I finally feel like I am not going absolutely crazy, and that others also do have this issue! 🤣  
I’ve replied to the other topic as well.