Cubase - Focusrite - 2i2 - Pop/Click Recording Issue

this link is a link to a soundcloud sample of recording using a focusrite 2i2 which I have been recording with using cubase artist 12 - for years (apple macbook with sonoma). One day everything is fine - the next day all I get is what is linked. Clicks, dropouts and spikes of input signal. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any hints would be much appreciated. Thanks.