diff --git a/source/modules/rtaudio/RtAudio.cpp b/source/modules/rtaudio/RtAudio.cpp
index 27a0c8323..5fce9b24b 100644
--- a/source/modules/rtaudio/RtAudio.cpp
+++ b/source/modules/rtaudio/RtAudio.cpp
@@ -6681,7 +6681,9 @@ unsigned int RtApiAlsa :: getDeviceCount( void )
       nDevices++;
     }
   nextcard:
-    snd_ctl_close( handle );
+    if (result == 0) {
+      snd_ctl_close( handle );
+    }
     snd_card_next( &card );
   }