So, playback of a 25 track audio project was crackling like crazy. After checking things I found "always open all devices" was checked in prefs. I unchecked it and crackling went away.
Sometimes I get audio engine has stopped message also.
But my question is this: Task Manager shows 3.3GB total memory being used by all processes...I have 32 GB's of high performance ram. Also shows, about 11% of CPU total being used. I have an 17 3770 ghz.
so I am not understanding how I ever get any glitches at all? What is the other 28.7GB of ram doing? What is the other 97% of the CPU doing? Shouldn't it all show in task manager and also process explorer? I have many things disabled also, using this forum over the years and also Blak Vipers Win 8.1x64 suggestions.
Thanks

Defrag ? I get odd sounds on playback also..i found when it starts happening i pause..then globally arm and disarm record then unpause..sounds are gone..i have no idea why it works

It's a SSD, so no defrag. But I run the Intel ssd optimizer (trim function) every week auto. Which is basically SSD defrag of sorts.

stratman70
It's a SSD, so no defrag. But I run the Intel ssd optimizer (trim function) every week auto. Which is basically SSD defrag of sorts.

I thought that ssd optimizer wasn't necessary from Windows 7 onwards? I've never been clear what it does or whether I should use it on my SSD. 

sharke

stratman70
It's a SSD, so no defrag. But I run the Intel ssd optimizer (trim function) every week auto. Which is basically SSD defrag of sorts.

I thought that ssd optimizer wasn't necessary from Windows 7 onwards? I've never been clear what it does or whether I should use it on my SSD. 

To be honest, I am not sure either. I will research it. Last time I did research it warned to NOT use a regular defrag app. But I cannot remember how long ago that was. 
But honestly, I do not believe that is my issue. Unchecking the option I mentioned in op seems to have stopped all incidences...so far anyway.

Ok so here is what I found:
Reason NOT to use a defrag app because it causes wear and tear on the drive and lessens it's life span.
 
Reason to use trim:
Trim command for SSD
A trim command (known as TRIM in the ATA command set, and UNMAP in the SCSI command set) allows an operating system to inform a solid-state drive (SSD) which blocks of data are no longer considered in use and can be wiped internally.
 
It appears Win 10 has a trim function but it is off by default. I am on win 8.1x64

Latencymon results?

Side note.. I believe black Viper turns off UAC, you need to turn that back on. It's a security risk off and does not improve performance turning it off either.
(Google for details). Hopefully he hasn't told you to turn off firewall etc.

Also have you excluded files and processes for your antivirus application real time scanning?

CakeAlexSHere
Latencymon results?

Side note.. I believe black Viper turns off UAC, you need to turn that back on. It's a security risk off and does not improve performance turning it off either.
(Google for details). Hopefully he hasn't told you to turn off firewall etc.

Also have you excluded files and processes for your antivirus application real time scanning?

The latencymon results say, with Sonar running and playing a project that "this computer is suitable to handle 
real time audio and other tasks without dropouts.
 
I have been turning UAC off since it's inclusion in windows. Malware-bytes is Much more efficient than UAC. I tired quickly of the continuous stupid interruptions. I have NEVER EVER had a virus or malware of any consequence going back to Win 7, which I considered the first "OK" windows OS from M$.
 
Alex I do not claim to have the knowledge about PCs I once had. I definitely do not. I worked as as network admin and desktop support tech for many years. 5 useless M$ Certifications. But That was 16 years ago. 
 
But basic common sense stuff doesn't real change much. Windows firewall is turned off...by me, not black vipers page.
I only used his site to review and research what he considered  ok to disable. I did not follow it verbatim. 
 
I use Bit defender and have for years. I use a second int HD for for samples and CW Content. That drive is excluded from on access scanning in both malware-bytes and Bit defender. So are every folder that has any VSTs or other audio stuff.
 
BTW, I replied to you, but do not mean to be confrontational. I just thought a better explanation of myself might be good...especially lately :-) 
 
Like I stated, turning off "load or open all devices in Sonar Prefs stopped it all--for a day anyway so far.
 
The only issue I see are lots of page faults by rundll and some by bit defender. I also had the APC backup apps running wish I don't really need.
 
Thanks for the advice. It's appreciated always
Frank

Firstly Malwarebytes is a virus scanner, UAC is built in Windows admin permissions check preventing unauthorised applications from running. If an application requires admin access windows will prompt with it. This stops anything weird needing admin permissions. Comparing a malware scanner with a user permissions check is a bit like comparing a lock with a burglar alarm. In your case turning off UAC (which is turned on by default for good reason by MS, and a similar thing happens with Linux and other OS's btw) disables the lock so you are hoping the alarm gets set off and the security guards will arrive when broken into (door is already open). You basically need firewall, antivirus, a malware scanner and UAC on to protect your PC please don't kid yourself.

If your firewall is off and you have been connected for some time, even with a hardware firewall in place it's extremely likely you may have an infection. Turning firewalls off is simply crazy..so you have no parameter fence.. If what I say is true then frankly I'm not surprised you have performance problems. Btw in a lot of cases the firewall can also improve performance.

In regards to latency monitor, regardless of your result you need to go to the drivers tab and sort by highest DPC. Post a screenshot here I suggest.

To add I am assuming Windows update is totally up to date, as are your drivers and firmware via third party sites. You may wish to rule out dodgy plugins as well. That should about cover it I think you it's going to take some time to get your PC configured to be stable and secure. I fear you may have over tweaked somewhat. Good luck..