Distortion when playing hi res files

[Wes]

Hi folks, just transferred my library to my new laptop. Loaded the driver for my Chord Mojo. Playing my CD rips or downloads in 16/44.1 the music plays clean with no problems but when I play my hi res files there is a distortion sound in the background. Any ideas why it won't play them? It's the same for ASIO and WASAPI. Thanks.

[hiccup]

What is your exact MusicBee version/install type?
Did the hi-res files play fine with MusicBee on your previous computer?
Are there any issues visible when you open Windows > System > Device manager?
Could you install a portable version of foobar2000 and see if that plays them without a problem?
How is your Mojo connected to the laptop?
(edit: if it is USB, see if other ports behave differently. USB 3 vs. USB 2 sometimes is an issue with digital audio)

Just some rough and random ideas, but they could be a first step in eliminating some suspects.

[Wes]

I downloaded the most recent Microsoft Store version.
Hi Res files played fine on my last laptop.
Just checked Device Manager and there is one under "Other Devices" which then says "Unknown Device" but this is without the Mojo plugged in so not sure if that is in connection to the Mojo or something else.
Connected with USB - have tried both my USB ports and same problem.
Only way to describe the sound is it's like a very scratched vinyl playing so there is this distortion/crackling in the background yet it's clean with CD standard files which makes me think that it's either the Mojo or MusicBee having problems with the hi res files?

[hiccup]

I downloaded the most recent Microsoft Store version.
Hi Res files played fine on my last laptop.
Just checked Device Manager and there is one under "Other Devices" which then says "Unknown Device" but this is without the Mojo plugged in so not sure if that is in connection to the Mojo or something else.
Connected with USB - have tried both my USB ports and same problem.
Only way to describe the sound is it's like a very scratched vinyl playing so there is this distortion/crackling in the background yet it's clean with CD standard files which makes me think that it's either the Mojo or MusicBee having problems with the hi res files?

The majority of forum members here are not getting enthusiastic when MusicBee 'Store version' users ask for help support on issues.
There is nothing actually wrong with it, but it trails the most recent improvements and updates.

At least for the purpose of testing this and finding a solution, find and install MusicBee 3.4 portable on a partition different than C:, or at least in a folder outside the the reach of protected Windows folders.

There are some unclear parts in your reply.
You see 'unknown device', and you have the Mojo unplugged. Why not plugging it in in trying to resolve this?
You ask if it could be a MusicBee problem, and you say the files  played fine on your last laptop.
But you don't say if you used MusicBee on that laptop too.
Did you try foobar2000 to see if that works with these files?

To improve the chances on solving this and getting adequate help, it would be good to be precise and give as complete information as possible.

[Wes]

Didn't realise that the store version was any different. In which case I will download the other version you mention.
With Mojo plugged in this had no effect on the device manager issue - i tried to find out what this related to but when trying to update drivers for this unknown device it could not be found.
I was using MusicBee on previous laptop as well.
Haven't tried Foobar yet but will give it a go, thanks.
I've only got 5 albums in 24/96 so it's not a major issue - but would be good to resolve it.
Thanks for all the tips.

[hiccup]

Thanks for all the tips.

No problem.
So MusicBee and the Mojo played the hi-res files just fine on your previous laptop?
Then it looks like some Windows/driver issue on your new laptop.

Don't be (too) afraid to disable or even remove devices that seem problematic in the 'devices' panel.
Windows 10 nowadays is quite good at re-installing the correct or necessary drivers after a reboot. (or a 'scan for hardware changes')

edit:
Also be sure to check the support page for downloads for your specific laptop model.
Sometimes the manufacturer releases specific drivers that are more reliable or stable than the original (or even newer) drivers from the manufacturer of the soundcard, or the most recent Windows drivers.

[Wes]

Playing hi res on Foobar portable - all good. So either MusicBee issue or a driver issue on my new laptop.

[hiccup]

Strange indeed.
Maybe a screenshot of MusicBee's Configuration > Player panel?

[hiccup]

I forgot to ask:
I was assuming they are flac files?

[Wes]

Mixture of FLAC and ALAC. Although looking at the light on my Mojo - it hasn't changed colour when changing from CD to Hi Res so looks like Foobar might not be outputting at 96 - as Mojo is indicating 44.1 - so it must be downsampling. Foobar looks like a nightmare but will try and get it playing 96.

[hiccup]

Mixture of FLAC and ALAC. Although looking at the light on my Mojo - it hasn't changed colour when changing from CD to Hi Res so looks like Foobar might not be outputting at 96 - as Mojo is indicating 44.1 - so it must be downsampling. Foobar looks like a nightmare but will try and get it playing 96.

The plot thickens...
That seems to indicate either some audio mixer is interfering here, or still some drive issue, or perhaps file corruption, but Flac usually is quite reliable and resilient to corruption.
If you would want to you could PM me a link to such a file. Perhaps I can detect something odd with the files themselves.

[hiccup]

P.S.
You are not using a USB hub are you?
And the USB cable is not from 1996 with your cat's teeth-marks on it?

[Wes]

Okay - this just gets more weird. I had plugged my external hard drive in to download the portable Foobar - and with it still plugged it just re-tried MusicBee and the hi res is clean!!
Disconnect the hard drive and the noise returns. So sounds like a hardware issue? With Mojo and my hard drive plugged in at the same time - no problems. Just Mojo on its own and the noise returns.
My head is going to explode.

[hiccup]

Haha, the power of chaos.

So for now it looks like there is some issue with the usb ports on your new laptop then.
Maybe a physical design issue (grounding, power supply), or still some driver issue.
Perhaps check if there are some bios settings related to the USB ports that could help?
Or maybe check the power supply of your Mojo DAC?

Perhaps a high quality (powered) USB hub can solve the issue?
(but note that using usb hubs is usually dis-encouraged for audio devices)

[Wes]

I shall investigate further!!