Audio dropout every 4 bars

[Marc Keefer]

Long-time CW user.  New issue for me. 

I came back to an unfinished project and audio playback (everything in the mix) started dropping out for about a second  every 4 bars/measures through the entire song.   Playback does not stop.    If I export audio, the dropouts are present.

These are not random dropouts once they start, so I'm reluctant to consider this a buffer size issue.   I have the issue with buffer sizes of 512 and 1024.

This issue happens with auto backup software and PC security software turned off.

If I open other projects, the issue is present there too...so not specific to this project.

The issue is not related to specific places on the timeline.  If I start playback from different points in the mix, the project will play, but whenever the first dropout happens, subsequent dropouts are exactly 4 bars (to the beat) later.   

Volume automation lanes are not the issue.    

I don't believe it's the sound card (Scarlett 6i6) since other audio sources on my DAW play just fine.

Thoughts anyone.  Thanks in advance...

Cheers

Marc

Edited March 25, 2021 by Marc Keefer

[Hatstand]

just a thought, are you using a trial plugin where the trial has expired?

[Marc Keefer]

Thanks Hatstand! 

That was it, although I don't know why a plugin I paid for and have been using for quite some time would act like a trial plugin and require re-authorization.  But that did the trick.  Thanks again!