diff --git a/src/hardware/rigol-dg/api.c b/src/hardware/rigol-dg/api.c
index ea8189b9..e8a3aadc 100644
--- a/src/hardware/rigol-dg/api.c
+++ b/src/hardware/rigol-dg/api.c
@@ -780,6 +780,7 @@ static int dev_acquisition_start(const struct sr_dev_inst *sdi)
 			devc->counter_enabled = TRUE;
 		else
 			devc->counter_enabled = FALSE;
+		g_free(response);
 
 		if (!devc->counter_enabled) {
 			/*
@@ -834,8 +835,6 @@ static int dev_acquisition_start(const struct sr_dev_inst *sdi)
 		}
 	}
 
-	g_free(response);
-
 	return ret;
 }