BIAS FX 2 Audio Troubleshooting – Help Center

This guide covers the most common audio issues in BIAS FX 2: crackling or popping noise, no input signal, and blocking audio from other applications.

Identify your symptom, then jump to the matching section below.

Crackling or popping noise → Crackling / Popping Noise
No input signal (input meter not moving) → No Input Signal
Other apps have no audio when BIAS FX 2 is open → Blocks Other Audio

Crackling or Popping Noise

Crackling noise is typically caused by insufficient CPU resources. CPU will overload more easily on presets with more effects and/or dual amp settings.

Recommended Fixes

Adjust Audio Settings — In BIAS FX 2 or your DAW, set Sample Rate to 48 kHz or lower and Buffer Size to 256 or higher.
Close Unused Applications — Quit background apps to free up CPU resources.
Optimize Windows for Audio — Follow Sweetwater's optimization guide for better audio performance.
Limit Plugin Instances — Avoid running multiple instances of BIAS FX 2 plugins. Export processed tracks to WAV files and re-import them to reduce CPU usage.

Windows standalone users:

Try both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of BIAS FX 2.
Ensure the audio driver for your audio interface is up to date.
Try an alternative driver like ASIO4ALL.

No Input Signal

If the input meter in BIAS FX 2 is not moving, your operating system may be blocking microphone access.

macOS

Navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, and allow BIAS FX 2 to access your microphone.

Windows

Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Microphone, and allow BIAS FX 2 to access your microphone.

After granting permission, restart BIAS FX 2 for the change to take effect.

BIAS FX 2 Blocks Audio from Other Applications

On Windows, BIAS FX 2 may take exclusive control of your audio device, preventing other applications from playing audio. Follow these steps to fix this:

Step 1: Disable Exclusive Mode

Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your desktop and select Sound settings.
Scroll down to Advanced > More sound settings.
Select your output device and click Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Untick "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" under Exclusive Mode and click OK.

Step 2: Match Sample Rates

Ensure the sample rates for both the input and output channels of your device match:

In More sound settings, select your input device (e.g., your audio interface) and click Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab and note the Default Format setting.
Select your output device, click Properties, and ensure the Default Format matches your input device.

Step 3: Use Recommended Buffer Settings

In BIAS FX 2, go to Settings > Audio Setting and start with a 44.1 kHz sample rate and 512 buffer size.

Common Fixes Across All Issues

Restart your computer after any driver installation or settings change.
Update BIAS FX 2 to the latest version from your Positive Grid account.
Update your audio interface driver from the manufacturer's website.
Try ASIO4ALL (download) if your interface does not provide an ASIO driver.

If the issue persists, please contact support.