Same problem here. We are currently unable to run anything in the simulators essentially halting the development process for iOS. Using Sonoma 14.2.1 (23C71) and XCode Version 15.2 (15C500b). Does anyone know a workaround?

The problem still persists on my Macbook Pro M1 when using Mojo Chord connected with USB-C (but not with directly connected headphones). However, I recently got a used Mac Mini M1 and after connected the Mojo Chord to that I've had no cracking issues at all, so essentially switched using that for music instead of the Macbook which I use for work. Both machines are running latest Ventura release, have Rosetta installed and have multiple Intel processes running. I have to assume it's something to do with the Macbook hardware or architecture. Maybe that's why they don't seem to be able to fix it with software updates.

As explained a few days ago on Reddit, it seems that Intel processes which are "non-native" for Macs running on M1 processors seem to be the culprit here. Check the Activity Monitor for any processes in the CPU view listed as type "Intel". The type column might be hidden, so you need to unhide it. I've noticed that if I avoid running any applications which spawn Intel type processes, I don't get any distortions or issues. However, even music players like Qobuz still run as an Intel process, and one or two processes is generally fine. However I get too many of those Intel processes running, the popping etc starts happening immediately. I guess it might be something to do with how the Rosetta 2 translator handles those kind of processes and too much CPU and/or memory consumption starts causing problems. I have updated Java, node etc. to run natively as Apple processes. Unfortunately many apps I need for work still run non-natively on M1 Macs and thus causing problems with audio.

So if you want to listen to music, you can't use any other applications at the same time? That's hardly a fix. :D

I started having this issue when I upgraded to a new expensive Macbook Pro with a M1 processor. Never had any USB audio issues with my previous Macbook Pro. My extremely good quality USB DAC (Chord Mojo) has essentially become a paperweight since it will start having clicks and pops within the first 15 minutes of listening to music. I tried switching USB cables, adapters, switching apps, shutting down apps. Nothing works. It's the USB output from Mac that's the issue. High CPU usage seems to make it worse but is not required to reproduce this. Running MacOS Monterey. It's absolutely ridiculous with a laptop of this price range and apparently the issue has been reported over a year ago if not two. Apple, fix it. Fix it now. I paid almost two thousand euros for this machine, not to mention the audio hardware! This makes me sick.