I have Music Creator 5.0.5.6 and use exclusively the staff notation for entering notes and other events. I recently discovered how to use Sound Fonts (sf2) and VSTi plugins to get some pretty awesome and realistic sounds. Problem seems to be I can only use one plugin per project. Adding another plugin on a second track produces clicks and pops and distortion that is unrecognizable.
 
If I use only the Cakewalk built-in sounds everything is ok over multiple tracks. Plugins provide some realism to standard instruments (Oboe, Bassoon, etc.), which I need and desire.
 
Any ideas appreciated.
Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit) PC Lotsa memory.
VSTi plugins provided by Native Instruments via their various free downloads.
 

the problem is going to be your soundcard.  since you didn't mention it then you're probably using your onboard soundcard.  while you don't need a good recording soundcard for recording if you only use staff view, you do need it for the better drivers to prevent popping, clicking, stuttering and dropout.  so my best advice is to buy a better soundcard.  they start at about $150.  I have recommendations on my website.

you might be able to get your soundcard to get by until you can get a new soundcard.  first, go to OPTIONS>AUDIO and move the latency slider to the SAFE side.  if that doesn't help enough, you might be able to get by if you download and install ASIO4ALL on your computer, then change the driver mode in MC5 to ASIO.  OPTIONS>AUDIO>DRIVER MODE

in the mean time......

Once you get one track done..... simply do a BOUNCE TO TRACK on the synth. MC5 will take it's time and render the synth to a new track as an audio file....(WAVE FILE) which should play just fine.

now.... hopefully you have added the tracks manually and if so, "disconnecting" them from each other is easy. 

After you disconnect the midi source track from the synth, drag it to the bottom and let it set there. A disconnected midi track uses NO CPU power in the project. Archive it or hide it if you wish. It can be unhidden later if you need it. 

Now.... simply insert a new midi track..... connect the new midi track to the synth and change the patch or the samples and create the next track in staff/PRV. 

Repeat the process by bouncing, then do it all again.... one track at a time. I have heard a few people's work here that was amazing and they used this very method. 

MC5 and a factory card can often run the audio tracks pretty well. It's the real time midi rendering that causes issues for factory cards. Getting a nice after market interface will solve that issue and let you run multiple synths in real time with no clicks and pops....depending of course on the computer's ability and specs. 

Hope this helps you some.

Beagle


the problem is going to be your soundcard.  since you didn't mention it then you're probably using your onboard soundcard.  while you don't need a good recording soundcard for recording if you only use staff view, you do need it for the better drivers to prevent popping, clicking, stuttering and dropout.  so my best advice is to buy a better soundcard.  they start at about $150.  I have recommendations on my website.

you might be able to get your soundcard to get by until you can get a new soundcard.  first, go to OPTIONS>AUDIO and move the latency slider to the SAFE side.  if that doesn't help enough, you might be able to get by if you download and install ASIO4ALL on your computer, then change the driver mode in MC5 to ASIO.  OPTIONS>AUDIO>DRIVER MODE

Thank you, Beagle! Very helpful. I didn't suspect the sound card/factory drivers (yes, I was using the built-in sound chip on the MB), but it now makes sense to me. Thank you for your website with the table of sound interfaces. I will purchase one very soon.
 

Thank you Herb (GuitarHacker). I will follow this advice on my current project. Got a bit discouraged when I couldn't procede the way I thought it worked. Your tips are extremely helpful! Classical musician since birth, but love bluegrass and Americana just as much. (Enjoyed your websites) Thanks a milion.