What are the limits

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mlipscombmtl
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2012/04/13 18:07:49 (permalink)

What are the limits

I have a super fast computer, when I have 10 sysths all playing at once my cpu is at 7%; however, there's some crackle and clearly problems with my sound coming from ( I assume) my lame fast track pro. But I'm hesitant to buy another card as I've regularly had problems with them. So I'm wondering if buying a better card would allow me to run more synths at higher sample rates etc...
I'm curious at what sample rate and bit depth others run their cards at. Would any one care to chime in? Thanks
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    daveny5
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/13 21:08:12 (permalink)
    Specs, please. 

    Dave
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    #2
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/13 21:14:38 (permalink) 
    See below..sorry:-)
    post edited by mlipscombmtl - 2012/04/13 21:21:47
    #3
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/13 21:18:34 (permalink)
    I tried pasting something above...lol, I guess that didn't work, let me try again here:-)


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    #4
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/13 21:22:58 (permalink)
    It tells you just about everything up there but my sound card. It's a fast track pro, and the asio drivers are useless with Sonar...forces me to use generic asio drivers..I have the latest version of driver, and they work fine in other programs. 
    #5
    Guitarhacker
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/13 22:29:17 (permalink)
        the buffers might need adjusting. give them more space..... make them a bit bigger and see if that changes anything.   


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    #6
    Living Room Rocker
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 03:08:31 (permalink)
    Yupe, just as GH mentioned...it must be (usually is the culprit with crackles, etc.) your buffers.
    #7
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 07:18:32 (permalink)
    That makes sense, but does that happen because of laws of nature? Physical limits of hardware/software? Or is it because I have a cheap card? 
    #8
    mudgel
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 08:02:30 (permalink)
    Hardware differences are not as important as the quality of the drivers that connect windows to the hardware.

    Some companies write good drivers while others do not.

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

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    #9
    ProMusic27
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 09:19:03 (permalink)
    Well, I had many different M-Audio interfaces and they are pretty honest (in it's price range)... Besides, Fast track Pro continues to be produced by M-Audio... So, it have up to date drivers...

    On the other hand, Fast Track Pro isn't a very powerfull interface... I have one UA-25ex from Cake/Edirol, just for my mobile set-up... No comparisons with my VS-100... Wich cannot be compared with my VS-700...

    So, you definitely will find and experience a lot of limitations on your interface...

    But buffering is really a good tip.

    Peace.

    Mauricio Monteiro - Brazil
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    #10
    californiamusic
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 09:54:23 (permalink)
    Buffer size will probably fix your issue.  But if you're serious with your recording, a higher end sound card/interface would be key for your recording future. ; )

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    #11
    CJaysMusic
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 12:03:53 (permalink)
    Things that effect performance:
    • Your sound card,
    • Your sound card drivers written for that specific card
    • Your WDM or ASIO driver settings
    • Your I/O buffers (playback and Recording)
    • Your PC (Mobo)
    • Your Track count, Effects and the number of synths in a project

    A better sound card with better drivers will give you better performance

    Cj

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    #12
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 13:01:44 (permalink)
    Interesting. So while I probably couldn't afford the vs-700, I could the 100. So lets say I have $500, what would be the best card to spend my money on?
    #13
    CJaysMusic
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 13:27:15 (permalink)
    For Thant range, i would look into Focusrite or Motu or save a bit more and go for an RME card

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    #14
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 14:16:02 (permalink)
    I just remembered I have an old Motu 828 kicking around here. I just pulled it out of box to take a look and the front screen is cracked but still working, but I can't remember why I stuck it in a box and bought another card anymore, can't remember if it still works. This is a very old unit though, I'm surprised these are still considered relevant! 
    #15
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 14:17:16 (permalink)
    OH, and I don't have a fire wire port on my computer any more. If I bought one, are they all considered more or less equal? Do some work better? 
    #16
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 14:20:44 (permalink)
    I've noticed that for example the Echo products don't use USB, only firewire, is firewire a superior product?
    #17
    ProMusic27
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 14:25:43 (permalink)
    mlipscombmtl


    I've noticed that for example the Echo products don't use USB, only firewire, is firewire a superior product?

    I believe FW is more stable... But this something that applies to , for example, a record with 32 chanenels and 30minutes long... Or something like... RMEs are realy goo, by the way...

    Mauricio Monteiro - Brazil
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    #18
    John
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 15:07:55 (permalink)
    USB is very stable. In fact if you have the wrong chip set with FW it will give one nothing but trouble. Where USB is a very mature interface. As for speed USB 2 is plenty fast enough for multi-channel audio.

    Best
    John
    #19
    eikelbijter
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 15:13:38 (permalink)
    Have you turned off Turbo for the CPU, or at least set the CPU to run at 100% at all time through a custom power profile? R

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    #20
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 15:38:13 (permalink)
    eikelbijter


    Have you turned off Turbo for the CPU, or at least set the CPU to run at 100% at all time through a custom power profile? R

    I havn't a clue what this means...will look into it though:-)


    #21
    mlipscombmtl
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 15:46:57 (permalink)
    eikelbijter


    Have you turned off Turbo for the CPU, or at least set the CPU to run at 100% at all time through a custom power profile? R

    So I de-activated it, now what? :-)
    #22
    californiamusic
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/14 22:25:51 (permalink)
    Depending on your Track count & Plugins/Softsynths in use.. USB 2 and Firewire can end up lacking in speed.  I'd always suggest a PCI-E card for Digital audio.  Data transfer rates are WAY faster (2.5gbps) verses Firewire 800 (800mbps) or even the slower USB2 (480mbps).  Plus PCI-e is a faster thru than going through a port. 

    BUT all depends on what you're doing right.  Tons of people using USB and firewire without issue.  I use a modest Motu 2408 MK3/PCI-e and it's wonderful.. lots of inputs and updated drivers (key).  About $950 new or $600 used.  ; )

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    #23
    daveny5
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/15 09:42:03 (permalink)
    It's a fast track pro, and the asio drivers are useless with Sonar...forces me to use generic asio drivers.


    I seriously doubt that the generic ASIO drivers (I assume you mean ASIO4ALL) are better than the M-Audio drivers. 

    Dave
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    #24
    ProMusic27
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    Re:What are the limits 2012/04/15 09:54:26 (permalink)
    daveny5



    It's a fast track pro, and the asio drivers are useless with Sonar...forces me to use generic asio drivers.


    I seriously doubt that the generic ASIO drivers (I assume you mean ASIO4ALL) are better than the M-Audio drivers. 
    +1


    Mauricio Monteiro - Brazil
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    #25
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