Hello,

I have seen quite a few posts about folks having issues with pop and crackles, and I apologize if this is redundant.  However, nothing I have found seems to have solved my issue.  From what I can tell, my systems requirements are good.  However, I may be missing something.  Here is what I am using:

Sonar X1 Essential
ASIO Interface (set to the max buffer)
Sample 44.1
355 GB of 465 GB free 
RAM (6.0 GB: available 5.87)
My RAM usage is at 75% (Sonar running in the background)
CPU Usage: 41 to 75%
WDC WD5000AAVS-00G9B0 ATA Device
64 Bit OS

Is it possible I still need more RAM?

Thanks in advance for whatever postings or advice you can send me to.

Dan

Having
Your buffers at maximum can be as problematic as Gavin them set at the smallest. Try settings in between and see how it goes.
Tell us a little more about your project, sound card and computer.

Track count, plugins, CPU, etc

Hi,dr hauser,
you can try 128 to 256 samples buffer size if you are not 
running extrem counts on tracks,effects aso, this buffer sizes have to work.
Like mudgel mentioned, need some more infos about your interface.
good luck

I have ran into this situation when:

1) Playback Timing Master is not set to the correct output device (Edit-> Preferences-> Audio-> Driver Settings)

2) The file bit rate and the project bit rate and the output device bit rate are different.  You may want to try (Utilities-> Change Audio Format) and set your tracks to the same bit rate as the project bit rate.

edit - I just noticed your CPU load and memory comment.  These are really quite high.  What's eating all of the CPU?  Check your Task Manager and see what is consuming your machine.
 
Glen

ASIO Interface (set to the max buffer)

I never had to set it to the max, even with a 100 track project.
 
This is a sound card driver isssue and/or a PC issue. So please list these:
 
1. Sound card? (Make and model)
2. PC Specs (is it an quad core or I7 or dual core). Please list  the ram and processor
3. Do you have the lastest drivers for your audio sound card/interface?
4. have you tried WDM and ASIO driver modes with different settings
4. What flavor icecream do you like the best?
 
CJ
 

Thanks, all! I'll give these suggestions a shot and respond with what has worked. Here's some additional information: The projects I've been working with typically have between 15 and 20 tracks. Usually, three to five of these are audio tracks (guitar through a UA-G1). I have very flew plug-ins (I primarily use AmpliTude X). I'll need to look up more specific specs when I'm in front of my home computer. I know that I am using a quad core. And my favorite ice cream is usually mint chocolate chip. Take care! Dan

Hi Dan,

First, make sure you're machine's DPC latency is low/consistent.
Do you have the audio interface connected to a USB3 port?  If so, connect it to a USB2 port.

As was mentioned, this is a machine/config issue...

Hello,

I played around with the buffer size.  Mudgel, When I dropped it down to 6, the track became unusable.  The tempo slowed down, more cracks/pops, then a drop out.  I changed to the buffer size to eight and nine and the quality of the audio marginally improved.  However, I made an adjustment under ASIO Settings: I changed switched from "Use smaller ASIO buffer size" to "Use ASIO direct monitor."  To be honest, I have no idea what this means. However, this has made a vast improvement.  Could someone explain why?

Jim: My audio interface is connected to a USB2 port.  Good idea about a USB3 port.  Thanks for suggesting.

GColbert: When I went to look at the bitrate under utilities, my option was to look at the bit depth.  I'm assuming this is not the same thing.  Anyhow, my only option was for 16.  However, when I looked in my driver settings, I saw the bit depth was 24.  But, there was no option to change this field.  Could this be something.

I've added additional information about my set up as suggested.  CJay, I think my sound card is the generic Microsoft one (high definition).  Or am I misunderstanding this?  I also have an M-Audio driver.  Sorry, I'm kinda new to this.

Thanks for all your help! 

Dan

Sonar X1 Essential 
ASIO Interface (set to the max buffer) 
Sample 44.1 
355 GB of 465 GB free  
AMD 9600  Quad Core Processor 
2.30 Ghz
RAM (6.0 GB: available 5.87) 
My RAM usage is at 75% (Sonar running in the background) 
CPU Usage: 41 to 75% 
WDC WD5000AAVS-00G9B0 ATA Device 
64 Bit OS