Audio Dropout and Processing overload with ZERO tracks on Cubase 13

Cubase
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[SOLVED] The issue was Riot Game’s Vanguard software.

Hi guys,

I’ve recently relocated from Korea to UAE. I’ve been working with Cubase as my main DAW for quite a while so far, but after my recent relocation, I’m facing some really strange issue with Cubase.

Even with ZERO tracks/plugins and whatsoever on the project (clean, created empty project), I’m getting pretty regular audio dropouts and processing overload on Audio performance meter. Strangely, when I get issue, none of the sub-components in the audio performance meter (Real Time, ASIO-Guard, Peak, Disk Cache) is even over 5% of their capacity. Please check the video below:
Audio Meter

Below are my system specification and cubase setting for your reference.
Hardware specifications and OS:

CPU: Core i7-14700KF
RAM: Corsair 32GB DDR5
GPU: GeForce RTX 4070TI Super
Motherboard: MSI Pro Z790-P
SSD: Samsung 980 Pro 2TB M.2
Power: Corsair RM850e (850W) Power Supply
OS: Windows 11 Pro (Original authenticated)

I have another desktop that runs on AMD (Ryzen 5600, purchased from Korea) on which I have been using Cubase for more than 2 years now, has the identical issue :frowning: I’ve recently purchased PC above thinking that it was my PC that was the issue, but strangely, I’m having the identical problem.

Audio Interface:
Tried with (1) RME Babyface Pro and (2) Babyface Pro fs, both have the same issue.

Preamp:
Neve 1073SPX
(I have the peak issue when Neve is not even powered on, so I’m kinda ruling this out of the cause)

Mic:
Telefunken T47 / Lewitt LCT940
(I have the peak issue when Mic is not even powered on, so I’m kinda ruling this out of the cause)

Cubase:
I’ve tried on 3 versions of cubase. 10.5 Pro, 12 Pro, and 13 Pro. All same issue. Tried uninstall/reinstall bunch of times…+ as mentioned above I actually purchased a new desktop and tried a clean install, still did not have any effect.

Other pheriperal system softwares:
All (as far as I know) major software drivers including OS, graphics, RME Fireface driver, etc is up to date.

Cubase / Sound related Settings:
As I can embed only one image per post, I’ll have it up on the thread.

Other DAWs:
Just to check, I’ve tried recording on CakeWalk and Studio One, they are working without any issue.

Is there anyone who’s experiencing the same issue?
This has been driving me pretty crazy :smiling_face_with_tear: for last few weeks. I’ve tried to look up this issue on internet but it seems like not many people have the peak issue with zero loads on the project. If anyone has any clue on how I can solve this issue, I will be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL SIR.

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Studio Setup on Cubase:

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I’ve just ran LatencyMon Test, and for the first time I saw ‘Peak’ has actually peaked from the audio performance meter. I’m still getting Processing overload and audio dropout approximately every 20~50 seconds
LatencyMon test1

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When does this initially occur? Cubase/Project launch? Sporadically while playing? Can you hear a problem.

What that meter shows isn’t like a meter showing a signal level. Rather it shows how well the ASIO system overall is able to handle the current workload - the moment by moment realtime processing capacity. Basically what it indicates is that some ASIO task had to wait for something else to finish. It’s not necessarily a problem. When launching Cubase and/or a Project it almost always trips for me. But it doesn’t matter since it occurs when realtime performance isn’t essential. But if it occurs while playing a Project, a realtime task, it will be a problem because it will cause an audible glitch.

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Hi Raino,

Thank you for your reply!

I’m using Cubase primarily to record vocals. The issue appears from the very opening of Cubase and creation of the empty project. This also happens when other saved projects are loaded as well.

Whenever I’m trying to record, due to this issue, the recording is interrupted. :frowning:
Vocal recording issue

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Have you tried increasing the Buffer size on the Fireface?

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Yes I’ve tried changing the buffersize to all available range, maximum to minimum. It does not seem to have an effect on the issue.

Other things that I’ve tried, but no effect on the issue:

  • Tried enabling/disabling MMCSS for ASIO on Fireface settings.
  • Tried enabling/disabling Steinberg Power scheme
  • Put my PC to work on performance (no power saving)
  • Changed WDM Devices count to minimum and maximum
  • Changed the cable connecting audio interface to my computer.
  • Tried adding DC power to audio interface (Babyface Pro fs)
  • Tried different sample rates
  • Tried multiple USB ports
  • I was suspecting if this is electrical issue, I’ve tried different power souces around my house, still the same issue
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Are you using NVIDIA graphics? If so make sure to use the Studio and not Gaming driver.

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Yes I’m using NVIDIA Graphics, and I’m using Studio!

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Thank you Raino for your continued inputs… I really appreciate it.

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Did you use the same Nvidia card with the AMD system ? From a troubleshooting standpoint, if the Intel and AMD systems used the same Nvidia card I would suspect that. If yes, does your Intel MB have onboard graphics you could try?
If different graphics for each system, it must be something else in common. Are you using some kind of utility software on both ? Any common hardware that uses a driver (keyboard, mouse,LAN bluetooth,etc)?

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Hi Microapp,
My old PC is equipped with RTX3080ti Super, and my new PC (no hardware is shared with the old PC) has a new card, RTX4070ti Super. So perhaps I think I can rule out the GPU.

For other hardwares,
I’m using Logitech bluetooth Mouse (MX Master3 with Logi Options+ software installed), and Real Force BT3 bluetooth keyboard (I don’t think I’ve installed any software or driver for this though). I’ve tried using wired keyboard, and had the same issue persisting.

Apart from that, my computer is not running special utilities program I guess, mostly Chrome browsers and messenger apps like Teams, Slack, Telegram etc.

I have Elgato Stream deck connected and running at the moment, but I had the dropout issue on Cubase before I had connected Stream Deck so I’m also guessing this is not causing the issue as well.

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Kill anything running that you do not need for Cubase. Periodic dropouts such as you describe can be caused by running processes or a background task phoning home and so on. Get down to an ‘as minimal’ as possible system, identify the issue, then add back things you need. If that messenger app is active that would be my bet. I would kill your LAN/WIFI completely and try that as well.
Since you tried a completely different hardware and encountered the same issue, it MUST be something in common. I don’t think it is Cubase otherwise we would all be having this problem.

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OH MY GOD
Thank you, with all non-cubase related processes killed, the issue disappeared.
image
Why have I not thought of this. Okay now I’ll turn them back on one by one to find the culprit.

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[SOLVED]
Found the culprit.
It’s Riot Game’s Vanguard.
Also found some reddit posts about Vanguard causing audio driver issue.
https://www.reddit.com/r/riotgames/comments/1d10vvf/vanguard_audio_driver_issue/

Thank you Microapp, Thank you Raino.

I hope anyone experiencing the same issue will find solution here.

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@KeithKim I think you should mark @microapp post as the solution, not your own.

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agree and updated!

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I wouldn’t even contemplate playing games on my audio machine. If your serious it’s best to keep it clean for audio purposes.

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I’m a full time gamer with recording as my side hobby haha :stuck_out_tongue:

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lol. If I had funds then I’d have two PCs. Glad you sorted it anyway :blush:

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Whelp I was looking for my 13th reason to uninstall Valorant. Who knew that it breaking my Cubase would be the reason. LMAO Thank you for figuring this out!!