Bug: Sonoma 14.5, eqMac does not open and is instantly freezing

[seankmg]

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Describe the bug
EqMac freezes right after startup and is endlessly loading (program does not respond) and DOES NOT even open.
HOWEVER, with the latest release from here (legacy), it does work: https://github.com/bitgapp/eqMac/releases/tag/v1.0.0
When prompted to update to latest version, same behaviour continues.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open EqMac (latest Version from website, both directly from website downloaded or via update wizard in old release)

Expected behaviour
EqMac should open and display the regular interface without freezing.

Setup information:

• Audio device used for playback: MacBook Pro Headphone Jack
• Audio transmission interface: 3.5mm Jack
• macOS Version: 14.5 Sonoma
• eqMac Version: latest (05/15/2024)
• eqMac UI Version: latest (05/15/2024)

Screenshots or Console.app logs

Additional information
Problem started to occur, when i upgraded from macOS Ventura to macOS Sonoma.
Legacy Version 1.0.0 strangely does work for me.

Troubleshooting i already did:

• As in FAQ mentioned: sudo killall coreaudiod
• Install latest version from website
• Upgrade from legacy 1.0.0 version to latest version via update wizard
• Cleared cache from ~/Library/Caches and deleted : com.bitgapp.eqmac
• Tested Versions: 1.7.1 / 1.8.3 / 1.8.7 / latest

[dem-ola]

Same issue since upgraded to Sonoma or since the last eqmac upgrade which is set to Auto-check so I believe I have the latest. Sometimes the problem resolves after about a minute or so but then recurs if I change speakers e.g from my wifi/hifi to the laptop speakers. Sometimes it just crashes/freezes completely and I have to force quit.

[ragauskl]

Are there any crash reports in the Console.app related to eqMac?

[seankmg]

Maybe i have an idea what causes the problem. I have some audio plugins installed on my macbook. I installed them in macOS Ventura and everything was working fine. When i updated to Sonoma, it seems that there is a problem when eqMac tries to load them.

I believe this, because when i launch eqMac and it freezes, some of the plugins are opening their interface in a loop (e.g. open, close, open, close,...)

Hopefully that helps.

PS: I just updated today to the latest release, and the problem seems to be gone. I believe (1) my workaround was installing Final Cut Pro / Logic Pro X, which was then scanning my audio plugins or (2) the problem was fixed in the latest release.

[ragauskl]

Plugins are known to be causing issues, one of example is such issue #910 . Latest release does have a 'update' to how plugins are being handled, previously they would get loaded as soon as eqMac launches, potentially causing a freeze or other issues if the plugins are crashing. With 1.8.8 plugins are now only loaded/read when you open the plugins dropdown .

1. So one way to test if this was an issue with plugins you can try clicking on plugin dropdown and see if that still causes the issue of freezing or similar.
2. If freezing occurs you may need to remove the failing plugin (As you'll find in mentioned issue this in some cases is due to issue with plugin not working on specific version of macOS and get's fixed on with macOS updates):
   • In directory /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
     • If you know which plugin is failing - remove it
     • Otherwise it's suggested to remove all plugins and add the ones you are using and have licenses for back into that directory as needed