How to fix audio dropouts and glitches in djay

Reliable audio performance is crucial when DJing. Audio dropouts and glitches can occur for many reasons, including unstable USB connections, outdated software, system load, or incorrect hardware setup. This guide walks you through the essential steps for each platform to ensure the best possible performance in djay.

Troubleshooting audio issues

macOS

1. Keep macOS, djay, and firmware up to date

• Update macOS to the latest version.
• Update djay through the Mac App Store.
• Check your controller or audio interface manufacturer’s website for:
  • Firmware updates
  • Updated macOS drivers (if required)

note

Most modern DJ controllers are class-compliant on macOS and do not require separate drivers. Only check for drivers if the manufacturer explicitly provides them for your device.

2. Check your USB connections

USB instability is one of the most common causes of audio dropouts.

Try the following:

1. Use a different USB cable—preferably shielded.
2. Avoid placing USB cables near power adapters or speakers.
3. If you must use a hub, use a powered USB hub.
4. If possible, connect your controller/audio interface directly to your Mac.

3. Close unnecessary apps

Background applications can consume CPU, RAM, and disk resources.

• Quit other apps, especially browsers, video apps, or any background syncing services.
• Disable unnecessary utilities that run in the menu bar.

4. Wait for Spotlight to finish indexing external drives

If you connect an external drive:

• macOS may temporarily index it (Spotlight), which increases disk activity.
• Audio glitches can occur during this time.

Wait until indexing completes before performing.

5. Avoid running resource-intensive tasks

• Rendering video
• Large file transfers
• Cloud syncing (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud Drive)

Such tasks can interrupt stable audio processing.

note

On macOS, buffer size and sample rate cannot be changed within djay. djay uses the system audio settings automatically.

iOS

1. Update iOS and djay

• Update iOS to the latest version.
• Update djay through the App Store.

2. Check your USB or Lightning adapter setup

For USB controllers or audio interfaces:

• Use Apple-certified adapters.
• Avoid unpowered hubs unless your controller provides its own power.
• If the controller needs external power, ensure the power supply is connected.

3. Reduce system load

• Close background apps (swipe them away in the App Switcher).
• Disable unnecessary Bluetooth accessories.
• Free up storage if your device is nearly full.

4. Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode may throttle performance.

Go to Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode and turn it off.

5. Avoid overheating

If your iPhone/iPad becomes hot, iOS may slow down audio processing.

• Remove the case.
• Avoid leaving the device in sunlight.
• Pause heavy screen effects if using Video mode in djay.

note

Buffer size and sample rate cannot be changed on iOS.
djay handles audio configuration automatically.

Windows

1. Update Windows, djay, and device drivers

• Install the latest Windows updates.
• Update djay Pro for Windows through the Microsoft Store.
• Install the latest drivers or firmware for your controller or audio interface.

2. Change your audio buffer size (Windows only)

Some audio issues can be fixed by increasing the buffer size.

1. Go to Settings → Audio Devices.
2. Select your audio device.
3. Increase the buffer size slightly.
4. Test performance and adjust as needed.

3. USB connection troubleshooting

• Try a different USB port.
• Use shorter or shielded USB cables.
• Avoid USB 3.0 ports if your device prefers USB 2.0.
• If using a hub, ensure it is a powered USB hub.

4. Disable exclusive mode for audio devices

In Windows sound settings:

1. Go to Control Panel → Sound.
2. Select your audio device → Properties.
3. Under Advanced, disable
   Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.

5. Optimize power settings

• Set power mode to High Performance.
• Prevent USB ports from powering down:

Go to
Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus Controllers → USB Root Hub → Power Management,
and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

6. Close background applications

Especially:

• Browsers
• Antivirus tools
• Syncing apps
• Gaming overlays

These may interrupt real-time audio processing.

Android

1. Update Android and djay

• Install the latest Android OS update available for your device.
• Update djay from the Google Play Store.

2. Check USB controller/audio interface connections

Android devices vary in USB reliability. To ensure stability:

• Use certified USB-C OTG adapters.
• Avoid unpowered USB hubs unless your controller is self-powered.
• If your device supports it, enable USB debugging only if required (normally keep disabled).

3. Reduce system load

• Close unused apps via the app switcher.
• Disable battery-saving modes.
• Turn off unused Bluetooth devices.

4. Disable Battery Optimization for djay

Go to:
Settings → Apps → djay → Battery → Unrestricted

Battery restrictions can interrupt audio processing.

5. Watch for overheating

Android devices may throttle performance if they get too warm.

• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Remove the device from its case.
• Pause video or graphics-heavy features if needed.

note

Android does not allow changing buffer size or sample rate in djay.
Audio configuration is handled automatically by the OS.

Additional Tips

Try a different audio device

If possible, test:

• A different USB controller
• A different audio interface
• Your device’s built-in speakers/headphones

This helps determine whether the issue is hardware-related.

Restart your device

A restart can clear temporary system resource issues that affect audio processing.

Test with local music files

Streaming tracks require a stable internet connection.
Try local files to rule out network-related issues.