Q: My USB audio device supports 24-bit / 96kHz audio quality, but I can’t playback or record at 96kHz in my audio software.  Why isn’t 96kHz a selectable option for me?

A: Due to the bandwidth limitations of USB 1.1, your 24/96-capable USB audio device is not capable of recording AND playing back 24-bit / 96kHz audio at the same time.  To play back audio at 96kHz, you will need to have the inputs on your device disabled.  To record at 96kHz, you will need to have the outputs disabled.

Disabling the inputs or outputs on your device must be performed via the M-Audio software control panel:

On Windows computers, this control panel is located under Start menu / Control Panel. Once you have accessed your Windows Control Panel folder, you will see an icon that represents your specific M-Audio USB audio device.

On Mac OS X computers, this control panel is under System Preferences/ Other.  You will see an icon that is specific to your M-Audio USB Audio device under the “Other” device category at the bottom of your System Preferences menu.

Once this control panel has been opened, you will need to disable all inputs if you wish to play back 96kHz audio, and disable all outputs if you wish to record 96kHz audio.  Before exiting the control panel, be sure to set the appropriate bit depth and apply/save the changes you have made.

Please note that some audio applications (such as Pro Tools M-Powered) will require that you exit out of the program before applying changes to your M-Audio control panel.