Adding a webcam and Sonar

Just a note here:  I plugged in a Logitech web cam to skype on my recording computer (swore I would never do it but she is hot) just a week earlier I added an external hard drive for the storage of the projects on Sonar x3. Over the course of 2 daysI found that I could open a project in Sonar but it would not play all of the projects, just some of the projects. Then it stopped playing the projects it was playing. Then it would not play any of the projects. A dialog box would opened saying that it couldn't support the audio path. So Assumed it was the new external hard drive so I checked the settings in preferences to see if something had changed there. I came to find the webcam was scheduled for the audio tracks to run on. I say all this to maybe save anyone the trouble of trying to figure out what happened. My guess is everyone else is smart enough to install a web cam the proper way and not just jam the USB into a slot and try to roll with it.

I'm not sure what you're getting at.  I have a Logitech webcam installed via USB, and it does not interfere in any way with my converter which is firewire, btw.  You don't list your specs, but I'm guessing maybe that your converter is USB?  If you list your specs, you may get some help.
 
p.s.- you don't have to leave the camera plugged in all the time.

Lynn
I'm not sure what you're getting at.  I have a Logitech webcam installed via USB, and it does not interfere in any way with my converter which is firewire, btw.  You don't list your specs, but I'm guessing maybe that your converter is USB?  If you list your specs, you may get some help.
 
p.s.- you don't have to leave the camera plugged in all the time.

Hey thanks for the suggestion. I wasn't really needing help, I was just saying that somehow Sonar switched from using my Fast Track M-audio interface to trying to use my webcam as in and outs. I just uninstalled the camera software because it would not stay on the M-Audio settings despite setting them and hitting "apply". So this post was more of a note for anyone down the road who might find trouble once they plug in a webcam.

mettelus
Often that situation is Windows driving the "default device" for you (which it can do haphazardly as it sees USB connections). To prevent this (in Win7), open the sound panel (with the M-Audio Fast Track connected and on), and on the "Playback" tab select something other than your M-Audio (an onboard sound card is preferred), and click "Set Default"... and do the same on the "Recording" tab (if the onboard audio does not appear here at first, right click in that area and select "Show devices" for anything not checked).

By doing this, I have found that Windows7 will not randomly shift the default device around, and your M-Audio should be free so that X3 can use it.
 
Also, I thought Logitech's web cams only function in two modes (Tape Quality (16KHz/16-bit) and FM Quality (32kHz/16-bit))... both of which would most likely conflict with your X3 settings.

I did as you suggested. Thanks. I think that will help set thing strait.

mettelus
Often that situation is Windows driving the "default device" for you (which it can do haphazardly as it sees USB connections). To prevent this (in Win7), open the sound panel (with the M-Audio Fast Track connected and on), and on the "Playback" tab select something other than your M-Audio (an onboard sound card is preferred), and click "Set Default"... and do the same on the "Recording" tab (if the onboard audio does not appear here at first, right click in that area and select "Show devices" for anything not checked).

By doing this, I have found that Windows7 will not randomly shift the default device around, and your M-Audio should be free so that X3 can use it.
 
Also, I thought Logitech's web cams only function in two modes (Tape Quality (16KHz/16-bit) and FM Quality (32kHz/16-bit))... both of which would most likely conflict with your X3 settings.

 Under "preferences/sync and caching/Recording Latency Adjustment (samples)" was "HD Webcam C525". When I was selecting "M-Audio 1-4" instead of the webcam from the drop down menu and hit "apply", it would go right back to "HD Webcam c525". The cure was to uninstall the webcam and reinstall the new drivers for it on line. It all goes back to my rule that I don't follow. DON"T add anything but recording stuff to the recording computer.

mettelus
Is not to "not add things" but realize that Windows acts dynamically to have "something"... when the default device goes "offline" Windows then chooses another for you (there is no option to choose "primary backup"), so once the "default" tag fails, everything goes in the crapper. That is why I always recommend folks to tell Win7 the onboard audio is "default"... it is always online, and keeps Windows7's "grubby paws" off any ASIO drivers that it sees come online.

Great point. I think my rule comes about because I don't know enough about all this stuff and when I do add stuff, things like this happen and I can't figure out how to get it fixed. When I turn to the forums, I get the wisdom to fix the problems but still, much of the terminology is over my head. So it really becomes a rule or a decision, do you want to learn and grow in understanding of recording or do you just want to get a set up that works and record and if so...don't change it. I keep trying to find a happy medium between the two. It does not exist I tell you.

Sixfinger
On a side note, sorry for the digression, but can one use a web cam without using the web?  Such as so I can see the drummer who is set up in another room with no line of sight window?
 
I'm so new at this thought I don't even know the right questions to ask :)

(ah SWEET. Someone newer than me)

Sixfinger
On a side note, sorry for the digression, but can one use a web cam without using the web?  Such as so I can see the drummer who is set up in another room with no line of sight window?
 
I'm so new at this thought I don't even know the right questions to ask :)

Yes, but only if you have a cord that's long enough.  You may possibly need a USB extension cord.  However, I don't know if it would work for you at the same time you're using Sonar.  It would probably depend whether your  converters are USB or firewire.  Maybe someone can advise here who's tried it.

Lynn

Sixfinger
On a side note, sorry for the digression, but can one use a web cam without using the web?  Such as so I can see the drummer who is set up in another room with no line of sight window?
 
I'm so new at this thought I don't even know the right questions to ask :)

Yes, but only if you have a cord that's long enough.  You may possibly need a USB extension cord.  However, I don't know if it would work for you at the same time you're using Sonar.  It would probably depend whether your  converters are USB or firewire.  Maybe someone can advise here who's tried it.

I do have a second computer (laptop) but straight to a monitor or tv would be ideal.

mettelus
Often that situation is Windows driving the "default device" for you (which it can do haphazardly as it sees USB connections). To prevent this (in Win7), open the sound panel (with the M-Audio Fast Track connected and on), and on the "Playback" tab select something other than your M-Audio (an onboard sound card is preferred), and click "Set Default"... and do the same on the "Recording" tab (if the onboard audio does not appear here at first, right click in that area and select "Show devices" for anything not checked).

By doing this, I have found that Windows7 will not randomly shift the default device around, and your M-Audio should be free so that X3 can use it.
 
Also, I thought Logitech's web cams only function in two modes (Tape Quality (16KHz/16-bit) and FM Quality (32kHz/16-bit))... both of which would most likely conflict with your X3 settings.

Sorry to beat a dead horse. You suggest choosing something "other than" the M-Audio in "playback". I don't have anything else in there other than "speakers" and "headphones'. I currently don't have any sound when playing a project in Sonar. I can see the levels moving up and down as the song is playing but no sound. I can play windows media player and get sound. I checked all settings in preferences for M-Audio. Do you think it's a Sounds setting or a Sonar setting that is wrong?

CakeAlexS
Logitech bloatware, skype and Sonar together is something very much to be avoided IMHO.
Use Skype on your smartphone, you can even take it to the restroom (unlike Sonar).

I uninstalled the skype and webcam. Still no sound.