[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20have%20a%20vocastor%20two%20connected%20to%20my%20laptop%20as%20a%20sound%20card%20and%20it%20works%20mostly%20but%20very%20occasionally%20jaws%20the%20screen%20reader%20stutters%20and%20I%20have%20to%20turn%20it%20off%20and%20back%20on%20again%20what%20could%20be%20going%20on"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If JAWS stutters occasionally when you\u2019re using your Vocaster Two as the sound card, there are a number of potential causes\u2014ranging from hardware and driver issues to mismatched audio settings or interference from other devices. Here's what might be going on and how you can address it.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Possible Causes\n\n1. **Buffer Size Too Low / Latency Issues**  \n   A small buffer size means the system has less time to process audio data, which can lead to dropouts, stutter, and glitches. Multiple users report Vocaster Two experiencing stuttering or audio glitches on Windows unless the buffer size was raised (e.g. to 512 samples) ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1jxefwc?utm_source=openai)).\n\n2. **Sample Rate Mismatch**  \n   Vocaster Two is designed to run only at 48 kHz. If your system or JAWS is set to a different rate (for example 44.1 kHz), this mismatch can cause hiccups in audio playback or processing ([support.focusrite.com](https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/5828107101330-Vocaster-Supported-Sample-Rate?utm_source=openai)).\n\n3. **USB / Power or Connectivity Issues**  \n   Problems like loose USB ports, inadequate power, or using non-standard USB controllers can cause intermittent dropouts. For example, some users found dropouts were reduced when plugging Vocaster into certain USB ports or avoiding shared/suspect USB hubs ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1fhpm03?utm_source=openai)).\n\n4. **Conflicts with Other Devices (Wireless/Dongles)**  \n   Wireless keyboards, mice, and USB dongles have been known to interfere with audio interfaces\u2014especially when dropouts occur \"randomly,\" even with minimal activity. Disconnecting or disabling these devices sometimes resolves the issue ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1fhpm03?utm_source=openai)).\n\n5. **Driver / Software Bugs**  \n   Outdated drivers or software glitches may contribute, especially if system updates haven\u2019t been applied. Some users report that driver/software conflicts reduce output quality or cause audio instability ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1ulw5uw/vocaster_two_gain_issue_software_drivers/?utm_source=openai)).\n\n6. **JAWS Sound Routing or Output Device Confusion**  \n   Sometimes JAWS can get confused about which sound device is in use (especially with multiple sound cards or when switching devices), causing stutter or silence. Also, sound splitting or balance settings in JAWS (via its Voice Assistant or other settings) may accidentally route parts of the audio through incorrect or less capable paths ([rblv.org](https://rblv.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/2023_JAWS_Updates.pdf?utm_source=openai)).\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udee0 What You Can Do\n\nHere are steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully fix the issue:\n\n| Check | What to Do |\n|-------|-------------|\n| **Buffer Size / Latency** | If your DAW or audio control panel allows it, increase the buffer size\u2014try 256, 512, or higher. Vocaster users found 512 helpful ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1jxefwc?utm_source=openai)). |\n| **Sample Rate Settings** | Make sure the audio rate in Windows, in JAWS, and in any DAW or recording program is set to **48,000 Hz**, to match Vocaster Two\u2019s fixed rate ([support.focusrite.com](https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/5828107101330-Vocaster-Supported-Sample-Rate?utm_source=openai)). |\n| **Update Drivers & Vocaster Hub** | Ensure you have the latest Vocaster driver and Vocaster Hub software installed. Focusrite releases new versions periodically ([downloads.novationmusic.com](https://downloads.novationmusic.com/index.php/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-two?utm_source=openai)). |\n| **Try Different USB Ports / Cables** | Plug the Vocaster directly into a USB port on your laptop\u2014not through a hub\u2014and test different ports if your laptop has more than one. Use a high-quality cable with proper shielding. |\n| **Disable Wireless USB Devices Temporarily** | Remove or disable dongles for wireless keyboard/mouse to see if they\u2019re causing dropouts. If that helps, consider switching to wired or different wireless tech. |\n| **Check JAWS Audio Output** | Press Insert+Space, V, C in JAWS (Sound Card selector) to ensure the correct output device is active. Also check sound splitting or per-app audio routing if those are active ([rblv.org](https://rblv.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/2023_JAWS_Updates.pdf?utm_source=openai)). |\n| **System Performance Tweaks** | Close unnecessary apps, especially those that use CPU or USB heavily. Make sure system power settings aren't throttling performance (e.g., laptop in power saver mode may reduce USB controller speed). |\n| **Contact Support / RMA if Needed** | If none of the above helps, the hardware might be faulty. Focusrite support may help with logs or suggest repairs/replacement. Several users have contacted them for similar issues ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/1fhpm03?utm_source=openai)). |\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me whether you're using Windows or Mac, what your buffer size currently is, and what version of JAWS, I can give more tailored advice."
    }
]