I will add to Mario comment... If the test unit is a "smaller" interface, it might be completely different game.
I have a small USB bus powered interface that works on laptop perfectly without external power plugged to it and laptop running on battery.
My larger, recording interface, while also advertised to "work" powered by USB, gives me all kind of glitches under moderate load, unless both, the unit itself and laptop plugged in.
Since buying this Interface, I have been exclusively connected to "Monitor 1 and 2" on the back panel.
Today, for grins, I connected to Outputs 3 & 4 and still get the glitch.
I'm thinking that either 1. Speedstep is the culprit and/or 2. The Tascam can't handle the newer technology of the i9 machine.
Generally speaking most failures be they mechanical, electrical, optical, software, human organizational or even biological happen at the juncture of 2 or more entities coming together and trying to interact. Common arthritis (at a juncture or joint) is an example. In this case it would be the i9/Tascam juncture.
Thinking back to what the Tascam engineer said about the unit running fine on Win 11 (which I know from my i5 experience) what he didn't say is that he has expeience running on a Win 11 i9 machine. Which is why I asked if anybody has success with i9s and audio interfaces.
If I didn't mention this before, absent the periodic crackles and noise, the audio quality is fine.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
For that reason, I still recommend the free DPC Latency Checker. It has a lot of tips! One caution: it has not been updated, so the readings you get in Windows 10 or 11 look way too high. Ignore that. The ‘new’ baseline is 1000. A perfectly tuned win 10 or 11 PC will read around 1050 to 1100, in the yellow. Using that as the new zero, track down the cause of the spikes. DPC runs and you see the spikes occurring. If, say, a spike appears every 35 seconds, or whenever you move your wireless mouse, you can start to track it down.
You most likely have one of three culprits: WiFi nearby, a wireless mouse, or some program that starts up with the computer and runs in the background. That could be all kinds of things, so you first go to startup programs and disable them one by one, reboot, and test. If that doesn’t do it, look for Services running that are not by Microsoft and kill those one by one and test. DPC can run throughout and you see the results within a minute. And kill Cortana too, just because.
Do you have a website for DPC Latency Checker?
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
FYI - Here is a screenshot of the app run on my machine.
Thanks Dan,
I had another over-seas call with Dell last night. I shared with the technician the research that we all have done and the diagrams I have produced. I mentioned Speedstep to him and he was unaware of this setting and what it does. So I shared a web article on the subject with him which he read. He consulted with his colleagues and said OK, let's disable it. I asked him about any system reliability hit I might experience and he said my reliability might be decreased 1 or 2%. [Of course I took that with a grain of salt coming from a guy that 5 minutes earlier had not even heard of Speedstep.] Clearly we are now in a realm that the Dell tech support people have little/no experience. But I achieved my goal of having them disable it rather than me which might have voided my warranty.
In any event, he disabled it and I haven't yet had time to play music and listen for glitches.
He plans to follow up with me again and has agreed to re-install Windows if the problem is not fixed. And if that doesn't work he will swap me a new machine.
We will see . . .
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
For that reason, I still recommend the free DPC Latency Checker. It has a lot of tips! One caution: it has not been updated, so the readings you get in Windows 10 or 11 look way too high. Ignore that. The ‘new’ baseline is 1000. A perfectly tuned win 10 or 11 PC will read around 1050 to 1100, in the yellow. Using that as the new zero, track down the cause of the spikes. DPC runs and you see the spikes occurring. If, say, a spike appears every 35 seconds, or whenever you move your wireless mouse, you can start to track it down.
You most likely have one of three culprits: WiFi nearby, a wireless mouse, or some program that starts up with the computer and runs in the background. That could be all kinds of things, so you first go to startup programs and disable them one by one, reboot, and test. If that doesn’t do it, look for Services running that are not by Microsoft and kill those one by one and test. DPC can run throughout and you see the results within a minute. And kill Cortana too, just because.
Disabling Speedstep did not fix the problem. Two glitches were heard, I captured the 2nd one.
Can anyone suggest a good interface for me to purchase, ideally one that has been validated on an i9 machine?
I don't need anything as capable as my Tascam but I would like at least 2 instrument inputs (for my bass and keyboard) and 2 outputs for monitor left and right. At least one 1/4 inch headphone jack would also be nice.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
BassThumper, do you have a mixer? If so it might be faster and cheaper to (1) enable your i9 computer motherboard's audio interface, (2) run your bass and keyboard audio to the mixer and (3) connect the mixer output to your computer audio in. Use the motherboard audio interface for awhile and discover if it glitches. If it doesn't the issue is not your computer but has something to do with the TASCAM.
I've noticed in all your graphs so far there is a small blip just prior to the big glitch. I don't know what that's telling us but the graph is trying to tell us something.
Tascam is asking computer: -Hey man, give me a six pack of that fine Yuengling. Computer says: -My mama said I can only give out 2 at a time....
Two weeks later....
Sexy red Focusrite shows up. -Hey computer! I am so cool, I have multiple personalities, they even gave me two driver licenses! Give me a six pack of that fine Yuengling!
Computer replies: -Look dear, I can give you 2 bottles per person. That is what my mama told me. So you get 4 bottles instead of 6.
Two weeks later... level 2 Dell rep shows up.
-Hey computer why you don't want to give more than 2 bottles per these fine characters? -My mother.... -STOP please. Your mother passed away 25 years away and you inherited this bar. No more playing games and throw that hand written note down the drain.
----------------------------------------------
What you can try... Get a free screen recording software. Open Task Manager>Details Start playing YouTube or whatever you are playing for testing purposes. Pull task manager to the front so you can see what is happening. Start recording until spike happens. That way you can pinpoint which process is causing that and know if it is Tascam or Dell wasting your time. What other spectators of the thread think of this idea? I know there is a bunch of "Event recorders". But I think what I offered is more user friendly.
Testing audio while running a screen recorder is a good suggestion, Mischa.
I still would very much like to see what happens with two minutes of the DPC Latency Checker and nothing else running.
Did anyone notice that graph of the CPU spike looks like it coincides exactly with Ethernet activity? Perhaps something is trying to call home. Temporarily shut down your Internet and test again.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, One of the things Steve tried is put computer in Airplane mode and glitch was still there. So I think we safely can rule out Bluetooth, Wifi and Ethernet related issues.
OR maybe you are right and some process IS trying to "use" Ethernet, even when it is disabled?
Matt, One of the things Steve tried is put computer in Airplane mode and glitch was still there. So I think we safely can rule out Bluetooth, Wifi and Ethernet related issues.
OR maybe you are right and some process IS trying to "use" Ethernet, even when it is disabled?
Misha, what if he is connected to the Internet via hard wire? Airplane mode is only for wireless connections. Also if the Ethernet card is not disabled there might be some component trying to call home. I have had this in happen to me in the past.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Yes, I think you both maybe right. Even if it is not actually connected with hard wire. It is a simple test to disable it temporarily and run test to rule it out.
BassThumper, do you have a mixer? If so it might be faster and cheaper to (1) enable your i9 computer motherboard's audio interface, (2) run your bass and keyboard audio to the mixer and (3) connect the mixer output to your computer audio in. Use the motherboard audio interface for awhile and discover if it glitches. If it doesn't the issue is not your computer but has something to do with the TASCAM.
I've noticed in all your graphs so far there is a small blip just prior to the big glitch. I don't know what that's telling us but the graph is trying to tell us something.
Hmmm, I must say I don't fully understand your idea but I can appreciate that you are an out-of-the-box thinker.
As it happens I do have a small 6 channel mixer that before the pandemic we would get together with friends and jam. Input CH 1 would be my bass and input CH 2 would be a mic for my wife to sing into. The output would be sent to my bass amp. It actually worked pretty good.
Where you lost me is "connect the mixer output to your computer audio in".
And of course if simply buying another interface is a more direct/definitive approach, that may make more sense.
I called GuitarCenter today and asked to talk to the most smartest, geekiest, nerdiest, techno-dude in the shop. So I was connected to Andy who said this screams of a buffer size problem. Of course I told him I ran at 128, 256, 512, 1024 and 2048 samples all of which caused glitches. He had no other suggestions other than to tell me they have a 45 day return policy.
I should be able to hook up a new interface, test/experiment for a week and (if it glitches) get it back to the store with 2 weeks to spare. If it doesn't glitch, I keep the new interface and throw the Tascam in the closet in case a software update comes along in the future.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
BT, Shiny new interface. Sure. Can you make us happy, temporarily disable Ethernet adapter, put computer in airplane mode and try to fish for a glitch one more time?
There might be a piece of software that is "sending statistics" or similar that is causing this. You went pretty far. These are peanuts. (But very well could be the culprit)
FYI - Here is a screenshot of the app run on my machine.
Here are my DPC Latency Checker results. Studio One was open in the background but not playing music.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean