X2: Random MIDI/softsynth dropouts (Solved)

CoteRotie


I have a new project where I'm using several softsynths:
 
2 instances of Dim Pro
2 instances of True Pianos
1 instance of Superior Drummer
1 instance of Drop Zone
 
During playback I'm getting random dropouts of MIDI notes, primarily from Dim Pro and True Pianos, but other synths are affected as well. (Though Drop Zone and Superior Drummer don't seem to have an issue so far.)
 
There are no audio track dropouts during this time and the rest of the project plays back normally.  Sometimes all the notes sound correctly and sometimes there are dropouts.  It's not always the same notes that drop out.
 
Of course I immediately tried increasing the "prepare using xx ms MIDI buffer" setting but even setting it as high as 10000 has no effect.  I played with ASIO buffers, but no effect and not likely the cause since audio tracks  play back fine during the MIDI note dropouts.
 
The CPU meters barely notice anything is going on, it's not a horsepower issue.
 
I've seen MIDI dropout problems before, but the odd thing here is that these dropouts happen in the final .wav after mixdown as well.
 
Freezing the synths seems to help, so there's a workaround, but I shouldn't have to freeze since my system isn't anywhere near its limits with these few synths.
 
Any ideas?
 
Thanks,
 
John

robert_e_bone


Please list for me your interface settings - sample rate and buffer size, as well as how it is set in Sonar, thanks.

Bob Bone

mwall


Exactly the same problem I'm having, sounds like. My project worked fine in X2 before I upgraded from Windows XP 32-bit to Windows 8 64-bit. 

Tech support is having me do some troubleshooting by email. I'll let you know if I find out anything.

Mark

Noel Borthwick [Cakewalk
]

Hi guys,

The ideal MIDI buffer size depends on a few factors.
- The audio latency (higher requires larger MIDI buffers) 
- The net plugin delay in the project
- The number of preroll buffers

For the next update I have changed the code to make the MIDI buffer size adaptive. i.e. the specified value is just a minimum value and the actual buffer size used takes into account the total delay in the project and the other parameters that affect this.
This should greatly eliminate the need to ever touch the MIDI buffer size. I have tested it with several scenarios that would lead to dropped notes in all prior SONAR versions and it works fine now.
For example prior to this change, if you had a synth track and something like perfect space or other PDC inducing plugins downstream, notes could drop out until the MIDI buffer size was raised.