After the hurricanes and my computer being down for weeks there were updates on pretty much everything but I believe the culprit for this problem is Win 10 update 2004 which now makes Reaper, Cakewalk, BIAB and Realband have crackles and pops no matter where I set latency - actually higher makes it even worse.
I have run LatencyMon and it says audio should be fine but it's not. I have sample rates set to 24 bit 41,000. I have IDT sound disabled. The good old EMU was working perfectly before the update. And windows troubleshooting says I'm using the best driver. The weird thing is I thought I had it fixed when I disabled the IDT Audio which had gotten turned back on with that update - but it was short lived and then the crackles and pops returned.
These pops and crackles drive me nuts and I can't make any music or upload anything or even enjoy just listening. I don't have time for this - I'm trying to find a decent contractor to fix my house (that's a rant for another thread. )
I've read so many threads with other people haVing this problem and nothing they did fixed it so I'm hoping Microsoft will step up if that's true.
Try 16-bit, 44.1K and see if it goes away. At least then you would know if the bit rate or sampling rate would be disagreeing with Windows. Then maybe change one or the other to narrow it down further.
all programs playing up suggests it's system sound related. once you've tried the change to sample and bit rate (and hopefully it works but if not) it might be worth trying your motherboard's onboard sound to eliminate the emu card and driver being the problem
i had driver problems with an old creative card and before i got hacked drivers which cured the problem i was forced to use onboard sound to get anything sounding like decent
You mentioned drivers that were reenabled, a common problem from Windows updates. But did you look for other Sound devices besides your desired sound card? Things like HD Audio for monitors can cause this behavior.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-8, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Don't believe everything that Windows trouble shooting reports. I have had cases where it said that I have the best drivers loaded but when I went to my cards manufacturer's sites they had newer drivers. I would go to your sound card and video card sites and look for new drivers. Note that I have read that video drivers can mess up audio; I don't know for sure as it has never happened here.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Mario, yes, the HD Audio drivers I mentioned are for video - for monitors (the seeing kind) that have built-in speakers. These drivers should be disabled.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-8, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Try 16-bit, 44.1K and see if it goes away. At least then you would know if the bit rate or sampling rate would be disagreeing with Windows. Then maybe change one or the other to narrow it down further.
The lowest 16 bit choice is 88,200. The default shared setting is 24bit 48,000. Changing it to 24 bit 41,000 or leaving it doesn't make any difference. It's set to play whatever bit depth and sample rate each DAW or app calls for.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
You mentioned drivers that were reenabled, a common problem from Windows updates. But did you look for other Sound devices besides your desired sound card? Things like HD Audio for monitors can cause this behavior.
I have IDT High Definition Audio Codec disabled.
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Don't believe everything that Windows trouble shooting reports. I have had cases where it said that I have the best drivers loaded but when I went to my cards manufacturer's sites they had newer drivers. I would go to your sound card and video card sites and look for new drivers. Note that I have read that video drivers can mess up audio; I don't know for sure as it has never happened here.
I'm gonna check into that Mario. I just wish there was a way to keep the security updates and roll back the rest because it was working perfectly before.
A requirement of minimum 88k with a 16-bit setting is just crazy.
You said your sound card is an EMU. That’s an old card by Creative Labs, yes? Which model? It’s possible it is no longer supported by Windows 10. Have you checked the vendor’s website for this?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-8, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
A requirement of minimum 88k with a 16-bit setting is just crazy.
You said your sound card is an EMU. That’s an old card by Creative Labs, yes? Which model? It’s possible it is no longer supported by Windows 10. Have you checked the vendor’s website for this?
0404 USB it's one of those old classics audiophiles still love if they can find one. Or so I've read on forums. Yeah I thought even a choice of that setting was nuts too.
My concern is that it's not just me and my old Emu. There seems to be a smorgasbord of interface brands having the same issue and nothing fixing it. So I'm wondering if it's something to do with the AMD processor or the on board graphics or something else before I toss the old gal out.
............... 0404 USB it's one of those old classics audiophiles still love if they can find one. Or so I've read on forums. Yeah I thought even a choice of that setting was nuts too.
My concern is that it's not just me and my old Emu. There seems to be a smorgasbord of interface brands having the same issue and nothing fixing it. So I'm wondering if it's something to do with the AMD processor or the on board graphics or something else before I toss the old gal out.
Maybe this will help; it is 0404 Win 10 1903 and above drivers:
I'll second those who mentioned not trusting Windows Update for drivers - often I've seen Windows Update install "updated" drivers that are older than the currently installed driver. It happens a lot less with Windows 10 than earlier versions, but still something to watch for.
Windows 10 version 2004 has actually been very stable for me in regards to audio software.
For anyone who might have a similar issues in the future:
This is going to sound really strange I bet, but is the computer that you are running Windows 10 on perhaps a laptop? There are some things that can be checked such as minimum processor states. A lot of laptops that run Windows 10 on them are set to 5% instead of 100%, and this seems to happen the most with laptops due to their options for how they operate when plugged in versus being on battery life. Even if you aren't running these programs from a laptop, it could still be worth checking out. Setting the minimum and maximum processor states to 100% has certainly resolved this issue for others. It may not for you, but it is definitely worth trying so I do suggest looking into that if you haven't yet.
Last edited by Ember - PG Music; 11/03/2009:36 AM.
For anyone who might have a similar issues in the future:
This is going to sound really strange I bet, but is the computer that you are running Windows 10 on perhaps a laptop? There are some things that can be checked such as minimum processor states. A lot of laptops that run Windows 10 on them are set to 5% instead of 100%, and this seems to happen the most with laptops due to their options for how they operate when plugged in versus being on battery life. Even if you aren't running these programs from a laptop, it could still be worth checking out. Setting the minimum and maximum processor states to 100% has certainly resolved this issue for others. It may not for you, but it is definitely worth trying so I do suggest looking into that if you haven't yet.
Thanx for this reminder Ember. I just got my desktop music computer back from the shop and sure enough the minimum setting was 5%. I had forgotten about that setting.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Setting the processor state will increase power consumption and heat in the computer, so it's only recommended to do this if you have a problem, and only to leave it set to 100% if it fixes the problem. I would personally recommend moving it up in increments from 5% rather than going straight to 100%, and if it doesn't fix your problem, set it back to 5%.
Another potential solution is to set the task priority to Above Normal or perhaps High (but not Realtime, that can cause freezing). You can do this from the Details tab in the Windows Task Manager (screenshot attached). Again, this is something that if setting it higher doesn't help, leave it at Normal.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 11/04/2010:03 AM.
My production machine runs at 100%, but my backup machine overheats at 100 so I run that at 90% and the heat drops by about one-third. It’s easy to monitor the heat of various components with utilities.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-8, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I've waved the white flag and ordered a Motu M2 (display model for a discount) from Sweetwater. Should be here in a few days. I hope it plays nice with win 10.
I've waved the white flag and ordered a Motu M2 (display model for a discount) from Sweetwater. Should be here in a few days. I hope it plays nice with win 10.
According to their specs it should play nice with win 10:
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We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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