diff --git a/services/audioflinger/AudioFlinger.h b/services/audioflinger/AudioFlinger.h
index 963a87d..692a904 100644
--- a/services/audioflinger/AudioFlinger.h
+++ b/services/audioflinger/AudioFlinger.h
@@ -843,7 +843,8 @@
 
     nsecs_t mGlobalEffectEnableTime;  // when a global effect was last enabled
 
-    sp<PatchPanel> mPatchPanel;
+    // protected by mLock
+    PatchPanel mPatchPanel;
     sp<EffectsFactoryHalInterface> mEffectsFactoryHal;
 
     bool        mSystemReady;