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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51 |
Hi all. Haven't been here for awhile and just getting back into some recording. I seem to have multiple issues, which is not surprising.
I've got a new laptop which I would like to use. The soundcard is Realtek High Definition Audio. It sure doesn't seem to have an asio driver that I can find.
Btw, this is a windows 8 machine ( a learning curve there) and I'm using Powertracks 12. Yes, I know I need to update Powertracks!!
I've tried using the asio4all driver but it doesn't appear to connect on the output. The messages indicate that the MS GS Wavetable synth may be enabled. I'm sure it is, but can't figure out how to disable in order to use the asio driver.
I have a few free synths which I would like to use and hear them while I am playing them. Right now all I hear is a piano sound until I record something and play it back. Then I get the synth sounds on playback.
So aside from going back to my now dated xp desktop, which worked asio fine, is there any way of making this new laptop more functional for recording? Esp. with regards to asio. I'm believe I need the asio to hear the synths in realtime?
Would a newer copy of powertracks help me out in any way?
I should mention that I'm a complete novice when it comes to recording and my be like a deer in the headlights sometimes!
Maybe I should have bought a desktop?
Thanks!
Terry
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Hi Terry.
First go to OPTIONS - MIDI DEVICES and deselect ALL the output choices. You don't need them in order to play VSTi/DXi synths. This will get rid of the wavetable synth.
Now install your ASIO4ALL drivers again.
Now go to OPTIONS - MIDI THRU and make sure the enable box is ticked. You should now be able to hear your synths in real time.
Get back to me if you still have a problem.
ROG.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
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OP
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Thanks Rog
I gave that a go and it did work however powertracks was kind of quirky . Sometimes the built in mic would be active and picking up every sound in the room. Othertimes not.
Deselecting all output drivers gives the message "no output drivers selected' Continue anyway? Yes.
I then set up asio4all as you suggested and did get the synths to play the selected patch.
Set up this way I guess I cannot play any midi tracks since there is no output driver selected. Am I correct that all tracks except audio have to be played through a dxi or vst synth with this setup? I CAN play midi tracks thru dxi however this seems like an awkward arrangement.
I also an access violation error message a couple of times. An access violation in module ptw.exe. Hmmm....
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Terry.
Use the Windows audio settings to turn off the mic, or change the input to line.
The MIDI tracks do need to go to a VSTi/DXi synth, but the Coyote WT synth which is bundled with PowerTracks is General MIDI and will do the task nicely. It should have installed itself at the same time as PT.
The Access Violation could be due to any one of many things, including a conflict with one of your soft synths. See if it always happens when you're using a particular one. Get back to me if you still have problems.
ROG.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
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OP
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Thank you so much Rog!!! In fact I couldn't thank you enough.
This seems to work just fine. I had to download an evaluation copy of Forte to check it out since it doesn't seem to be included with PT12.
After some fooling around it would appear that if I want to use another synth in addition to Forte I need to set each individual track to the desired synth in order to avoid a rather strange response. Setting all tracks to Forte and then adding another synth to one track (ie Crystal) will result in all tracks becoming the second synth, but that's another thing to investigate.
I think I will be updating my Powertracks in the near future and then getting a new audio interface to plug in an instrument/mic via usb. Then I'll have a portable setup, which is what I wanted.
After purchasing a new laptop with very nice advertised specs ( Intel Core i7, nvidia graphics etc etc) it is rather disheartening to learn that these machines can be so sadly lacking in the audio department.
Thanks again for your wonderful responses and advice on this problem!
Terry
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Hi Terry. Glad things are starting to work out. There are two versions of Coyote - the one which is bundled with PT is Coyote WT and then there's the one you downloaded which is Coyote Forte. Of the two, the sounds in Forte are far superior and well worth the money to register it. I use Forte for much of the time and find it works great with PT. If you like soft synths, you might like to visit - http://www.gtgsynths.com/plugins.htmI particularly like their GTG K1.3 synth which seems very stable when used with PT. The forum is a great place if you need any more help. ROG.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2003
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To add to this. You hit the nail on the head. Your new computer will be fine in the OUTPUT using the internal card but truly lacks quality in the INPUT side of things. They do this on purpose.
You'd be much happier with your portable setup if you invest in a real USB recording interface. You can get some nice ones for less then $100.They have REAL ASIO drivers as well.If you're so inclined to need them.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
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OP
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Thanks Rog. I upgraded to PT2013 yesterday and am using the ForteWT right now since it came with the package. It seems to work ok. I will check out version 1.6 as well.
John, I've got a m-audio m-track for guitar input but I don't think that this is the kind of thing that you are talking about. If not could you pass on a couple of examples of what I should look at?
Thanks to you guys for all your help!
Terry
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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You should be using the MAudio for all the ins/outs on the lappy. Forget about the internal card.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
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OP
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I'm striving to take that advice John. I only bought the m-track yesterday so still figuring out how it interacts with the pc, powertracks, windows, and asio4all. I think I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel although it doesn't always work the way I think it should. 
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