Audio buffer underruns and dropout resolution

During intensive system multitasking (such as compiling large Xcode codebases, running Docker containers, or rendering 4K video while on a call), macOS CoreAudio can experience buffer underruns. This guide explains how to ensure glitch-free audio recording.

Identifying audio buffer dropouts

Symptoms of audio buffer underruns:

• Clicks, static, or robotic audio artifacts in playback.
• Sentences in the transcript that skip words mid-phrase.
• CoreAudio warning logs in macOS Console app (CoreAudio: Audio hardware buffer underrun).

Troubleshooting steps

1. Adjust buffer sizes in Oyma

1. Open Settings › Meetings › Advanced Audio.
2. Locate Audio Buffer Size.
3. Switch from the default (512 samples) to 1024 samples or 2048 samples.
4. Larger buffers provide more processing headroom under heavy CPU load with negligible transcription latency.

2. Check unified memory pressure

Open Activity Monitor (⌘Space › Activity Monitor) and select the Memory tab:

• If Memory Pressure is in the red zone, macOS is actively swapping unified memory to disk.
• Close unused Electron apps or heavy browser windows to restore real-time audio bandwidth.

3. Audio sample rate synchronization

Ensure all connected microphones and external DACs share the same clock rate (48.0 kHz):

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (⌘Space › Audio MIDI Setup).
2. Select your microphone in the left sidebar.
3. Confirm the Format is set to 48,000 Hz (or 44,100 Hz).

Related guides

• Pipeline mechanics in System audio pipeline and ScreenCaptureKit.
• Hardware tips in Headset selection and echo cancellation.
• Device conflicts in Audio device switching and troubleshooting.