Why doesn't Mac Core Audio use the clock of an external audio interface?

[JulianW]

In MIDI Management, the clock source is always set to default. Can Core Audio clock directly to the hardware like ASIO, or is there always an asynchronous layer in between?

 

[majingotan]

Core Audio always use async so your USB module in your DAC is the one that is the master and the Mac is always the slave. If you're referring to Core Audio Exclusive mode, there are apps that does that such as the Qobuz or Tidal app (ironically, the built in iTunes/Apple Music app doesn't Apple fail lol) or if you want a fancier app that disables some services to have less interference with the USB buffer (minimizing pops and crackles), you can use Audirvana in extreme mode