Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Following is the text of a message I just sent to my four closest and most accomplished musician friends, all of whom are highly skilled with computers as well. It summarizes my experience since Thursday, May 10, through yesterday, Sunday, May 13. I am eminently open to suggestion.

Quote:

Gentlemen,

I'm at the end of my rope on this. I'm about to put my DAW in the shop for resolution. Here's the deal.

Two soundcards (Roland/Edirol UA4-FX and Presonus AudioBox USB) have briefly produced beautiful sound before degenerating into horribly distorted sound completely unrecognizable as the source. Both cards definitely had Win 7 64-bit drivers. Both had the latest version of the driver. The Roland actually never produced anything but distortion. The Presonus degenerated. I uninstalled, reinstalled, and briefly had good sound before deteriorating again. I was never able to get any MIDI throughput through either card. Using the Onscreen Keyboard in Reason 6 produced the same distorted sound with several devices and patches.

I took the Presonus back to the store, where it tested as being in perfect working order. I then spent an hour with Microsoft Support via chat, to no avail. I will take my MIDI controller keyboard (M-Audio Keystation 49e, which was working before) to the same store to test it as well. I have messages in to Propellerhead, Presonus, and the MIDI school I was supposed to start today. I don't think the problem lies with any of them, but I am trying to cover every base. [I have also checked their forums and FAQs as well as Googling extensively.]

This is looking to me like a Windows issue. It has been suggested that it may somehow be a 32-bit vs. 64-bit issue, but I'm not sure how. The only thing that I can think of is that this version of Windows is only licensed for two processors, and I have four. But everything else works perfectly.

I am hoping that this will resonate with something in your collective experience. If so, or if you think of something I haven't covered, please let me know.

Win 7 Ultimate 64, Gigabyte Z68AP-D3, Intel i5 2500K 3.3 GHz quad CPU, 16 Gb RAM, Zotac GeForce GTX 560 2 Gb GPU.

Thanks,
Richard




"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Go to the gigabyte website, support, find your mobo and see if they have released a BIOS flash update for it. This may well be a mobo controller issue.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,367
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,367
There are updates posted to the GigaByte site for that board for audio, USB and LAN drivers. All posted within the last 60 days.


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2024, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Above my pay grade. Going to the shop.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
Hi Richard.

Just trying to get my head round this one. Does this problem happen with all programs, or is it just with Reason? What happens if you play a wav file through Windows Media Player? Have you got both cards installed at the same time? How have you connected the Keystation 49e?

If you can post this info I might be able to suggest some things you could try.

ROG.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Ryszard - Unless you actually have more than two processor sockets, you should be able to access (and be licensed for) all the cores on your computer. A quad core processors shows up as four processors (cores), but counts as a single socket. My reading of the Windows 7 Ultimate license is that it supports only up to two sockets (each of which can have any number of cores). I hope that made sense.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Quote:

Ryszard - Unless you actually have more than two processor sockets, you should be able to access (and be licensed for) all the cores on your computer. A quad core processors shows up as four processors (cores), but counts as a single socket. My reading of the Windows 7 Ultimate license is that it supports only up to two sockets (each of which can have any number of cores). I hope that made sense.




It does. Thank you.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Quote:

Hi Richard.

Just trying to get my head round this one. Does this problem happen with all programs, or is it just with Reason? What happens if you play a wav file through Windows Media Player? Have you got both cards installed at the same time? How have you connected the Keystation 49e?

If you can post this info I might be able to suggest some things you could try.

ROG.




I was in the midst of writing a reply when the power went out. I took the opportunity to take my keyboard to the music store to test it (it worked, as I thought it would) and the PC to the shop.

However, to answer the questions: Yes, the problem happens with Reason, Windows Media Player, and with streaming media. I was able to play MIDI files in BIAB 2009 through the Microsoft synth. I did not try to play any Real Tracks (didn't think to). I only ever had one card installed at a time. The keyboard can be connected by standard MIDI cable or by USB. I tried both. Neither worked. There is a virtual keyboard inside Reason that produced the same distorted audio as when I tried to play demo songs.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:

There are updates posted to the GigaByte site for that board for audio, USB and LAN drivers. All posted within the last 60 days.




I think we have a winner.

Whether you install it yourself or you take it back to the shop and have it done, I recommend doing that as it may well solve your problems.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
Richard.

From what you describe, the way I'd approach it is to first reduce the possible causes, to try to identify the problem. I'd uninstall both interfaces, get rid of all trace of the drivers and unplug the Keystation. Then I'd see if Media player will work with the on-board audio. If it does, it shows that the basic machine is working ok under Windows. If not, I'd reload the audio drivers. If it's still not working, at least you know it's not the interfaces or programs and can look at the GigaByte up-dates.

If you can get media player working, then try each of the audio programs with the on-board audio. If these work, connect the Keystation, which should be class-compliant, via USB and see if that works. If you can get it all to work with on-board audio, the problem is with the interfaces. You say the Presonus has been checked out, so the problem, in this case, could be a driver conflict.

I imagine you've possibly done some of this already, but I'm just thinking how I'd do it from scratch in the hope that something might help.

Good luck with it.

ROG.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Richard,
How many USB devices to you have connected to the computer? It's really possible that you're exceeding the USB bandwidth limitations.

My $100US way to resolve this issue is to install an M-Audio 2496 card in one of the two available PCI slots. That will give you a stereo input and a stereo output, plus two channels of digital in and out, plus a MIDI connector for in and out. Drivers work with Win 7 64 (although they don't like Skype)

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Here's the latest from the bench tech working on my PC:

Quote:

We're still trying to isolate the source of the issue. I don't think it's going to be a software issue, it sounds/looks like it's electromagnetic interference being picked up from somewhere in the PC. I've tried a PCI sound card and the problem still showed up. I tried another Video card to eliminate yours as a potential source and the problem still happened. I've even disconnected the SSD and the HD from power the still got the hiss. I'm going to have to do a bit of research and see if it could be USB related.




Curiouser and curiouser.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
Richard.

If I was a betting man (which I'm not) I'd be putting money on it being a faulty power supply at this stage.

ROG.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I don't buy that tech's "electromagnetic interference" call. Not. At. All.

Ask if they've even *tried* to update the BIOS...



--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
I just did.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Just got off the phone with the technician, who has been working on my machine for two days. He was working through the onboard sound, not the USB sound card I sent with the PC. However, he plugged USB speakers directly into USB and heard massive static, something I had never noticed. Right now the thinking is defective mainboard.

The incredible news is that somehow the technician ran into the pro sound/recording guy at the music store where I bought the Presonus. They got to talking and realized they were both dealing with me. Now we're all on the same page. The technician knows for certain that the Presonus works. because I took it back to the store and had it checked out. He also understands my mission--recording and mixing music--and says that he'll try to have it ready today, assuming they can find another mainboard. (I know there's one at their store across town, but not where my PC is.)

Onward through the fog.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
It's not the system board; they swapped it out for a substantially better one with no change in the noise coming through the USB bus. They also subbed the RAM and the power supply, also with no change. That leaves the CPU and the liquid cooling system. The technician spent three hours with it today but he's off tomorrow, so yet a third person will be fooling with it . . .


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Did they try updating the BIOS? .........

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Probably not. But they tried a new and different model system board, so that could hardly be it, could it? I have, however, sent them a note to that effect.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Here's my suggestion. Hook the Presonus up to something else that has nothing to do with your computer and see if you get the noise you're talking about. If not, then hook up those USB speakers your tech was working with, and see if they have the same massive static that your system shows. If not, that's good. Then it's somewhere in your system.

Since the mainboard, PSU, video card, etc have all been replaced, pull the SSD out and and boot to Linux and see if it still manifests itself. If it does, pull the hard drive cables so there's no power or data going to the hard drive.

I doubt very much if it's the CPU, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was the SSD drive. By the way, any tech that spends two days on this is either working on a whole lot of other stuff, or doesn't know what he's doing. It should not be that difficult to track down by process of elimination where the noise is coming from.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,643
Posts735,393
Members38,525
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
theyearofjess, OlvaJownDay, Tranner Track, Ely Bass, Barking
38,525 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 183
DC Ron 101
dcuny 89
rsdean 71
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5