Error opening sound device

Audacity Help Forum macOS
1

I am narrating a 438-page book, and when I got to the next-to-the last page, I got this message:

“Error opening sound device. Try changing the audio host, playback device and the project sample rate.” I have no idea what that means.

I have a MacOS Mojave, version 10.14.6

I eventually lost the mouse as well.

I don’t know what I was doing any differently than what I’d been doing on the first 437 pages.

I really hope you can help me.

Thanks,
Sara Bartlett

2

Are you using wireless (bluetooth) headphones?

As for the mouse, is it wireless? Does it need to be charged?

– Bill

3

It’s a wireless mouse but has batteries. It’s called a Shhhh Mouse.

I have earbuds, not wireless.

4

I’m still wondering what theanswer to this problem is. If you get a chance to let me know, I’d appreciate it.

Thanks,
Sara Bartlett

5

Which version of Audacity?
Is there an error number in the error message? Common error codes are documented here: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/error_opening_sound_device.html#codes

6

I have version 3.0.2 of Audacity.

There was no error number, just: “Error opening sound device. Try changing the audio host, playback device and the project sample rate.”

Thanks,
Sara

7

What are you doing when that error occurs?
How are your earbuds connected to the computer?

8

Mac OS Ventura 13.1
Audacity 3.2.3

I have a similar problem with AirPods Pro connection.
I am able to select the AirPods though - Audio Setup>Playback device - and work just fine as long as I don’t disconnect… this means not removing the device from my ears, walking away beyond Bluetooth range or answering a phone call. If I should remove an AirPod - to speak to someone or answer the phone - then the connection is broken with Audacity and I must save all my open windows and reboot the program to re-establish a Bluetooth connection with Audacity. All my other programs with audio connections (iTunes, Apple TV, YouTube, Sibelius) are unaffected so it seems to be a problem with Audacity.

9

My book is 438 pages long. I didn’t do anything differently with the last page except try to decrease the size of the Audacity part of the screen so that I could read the final paragraph in Preview.

I don’t have a blue tooth. I just have earbuds, and I didn’t do anything differently with them.

10

My earbuds plug into my Autotechnica AT2020 USB+ microphone

11

Two suggestions (do both):
Check the USB lead for damage, and ensure that it is securely plugged in at both ends.
Shut down and reboot the computer.

12

I’ll give that a try.

Thanks so much for all your help,

Sara B.