Ableton Forum

Hello,
I just got a new laptop with following specs:

Processor type ‎AMD Ryzen 7
Processor speed ‎3.2 GHz
Processor cores ‎8
Storage technology ‎DDR4
Memory Type ‎DDR4 SDRAM
Max supported size ‎16 GB

I currently use it witout an audio interface. When I play a live set, the sound often begins to "crack". My CPU istn´t overloaded at all, neither my RAM. Would this issue be fixed, if i connect my laptop to an audio interface? Or what could cause these cracks? I currently use the headphone output of my laptop.
Thanks very much!

lots of guides to choose from online:

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=how+to+optims ... fab&ia=web

Chances are pretty good it's simply a processing intermittent problem caused by using your PC to process the audio. Typically PC's don't come with very efficient audio device drivers and that's why almost everyone doing live performances with a laptop uses the USB output from the laptop to an external audio interface. Not only does this provide Ableton with a more efficient, low latency audio device to work with, it also completely offloads the digital to analog conversion of the audio signal to the audio interface. That means the laptop runs smoother without interrupts. MOST important in this regard in my opinion is you now have a professional output for live production such as stereo 1/4" audio or stereo XLR audio lines at appropriate signal levels that can be used on a mixing board for live production.