Max Audio Buffering/Choppy audio

[Matt Tolman]

Logfile for current problem: https://obsproject.com/logs/J_voreZQRiKE__ym

Example of the audio: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/724396164

Audio chain/hardware/software (see attached)

Problem statement: Intermittently and without warning, my stream/recordings will get incredibly choppy and the log files will produce the Max Audio Buffering critical issue.

What I've tried doing to fix:

• Adjusted sync offset (current test, unconfirmed: needed to sync audio and video anyway)
• Got a powered USB hub and reorganize USBs to put the hardware with the most load to be directly plugged into the motherboard
• Adjusted (almost) all of my audio chain to be on the same frequency 2 channel 24bit 48khz
• Removing voicemeeter from my audio chain (thought it was causing the problem)
• Reaching out in multiple tech support communities, subreddits, including OBS discord

I haven't tried bringing Equalizer APO in line with the uniform frequency of 48khz because I admittedly don't know how to. Someone introduced me to it and helped me set it up and then dropped off the face of the earth so Idk really how to use it but it is very useful for getting good mic audio before the mic comes through to any other programs.

I'm at my wit's end I have no idea what to do to fix this and it's been causing me trouble and making me scrap footage for months.

Please help.