· using an external DAC (EarMen Traduto). Used to work, but now when i try to enable it, I cannot fill in the name, and it just hangs, Cannot get beyond this step
When Roon hangs or refuses to let you name a device, it usually means the software is trying to “handshake” with the DAC’s driver, but something else in Windows is blocking the door. However, if another application (like the Tidal desktop app, YouTube in a browser, or even a system alert) has already “grabbed” the DAC, Roon can get stuck in a loop trying to claim it.
Please try these steps to clear the path:
Check for “Stealing” Apps:
Make sure apps like Tidal, Spotify, or any other media players are completely closed (not just minimized).
If you have Tidal open, ensure its own “Exclusive Mode” setting is turned off so it releases the DAC.
Windows Sound Settings:
Open your Windows Control Panel (not just the modern Settings gear) and go to Sound.
Find your EarMen Traduto in the “Playback” tab, right-click it, and select Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Ensure “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” and “Give exclusive mode applications priority” are both unchecked.
Note: If they are already unchecked, try checking them, clicking Apply, then checking them again to refresh the setting.
The USB “Reset”:
Unplug the USB cable for the Traduto.
Restart your Roon Server.
Plug the DAC back in and wait 10 seconds before opening the Roon app to try and enable it again.
The EarMen Traduto often relies on specific XMOS drivers.
Open your Windows Device Manager.
Look under “Sound, video and game controllers.”
Do you see any yellow warning triangles next to the Traduto or an “XMOS” entry? If so, you may need to reinstall the EarMen driver from their website.
Let us know how it goes after the exclusive mod would be unchecked.
