VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:24 am Post subject: Pro Tools Ickiness- help?

So, a short while back I was having trouble with my computer and Pro Tools. It seemed I worked everything out, but now a very annoying new problem has popped up. When I try to play audio or record it keeps getting stuck whether I'm hitting the space bar or clicking the actual 'play' arrow in the transport window. I'm sometimes having to hit my spacebar up to 10 times to get it to go. It's killing me! I'm up against deadline on 2 projects and this is making everything take 3 times as long.

Second issue- I keep randomly getting the increase/decrease H/W buffer notice. When I do so, everything works- but it's another delay.

Final issue- the edit line isn't matching what I'm hearing. Meaning, the line that moves along the screen as you record or play back isn't matching up to the audio coming out of my speakers...making it difficult to do tight edits.

I've e-mailed my Sweetwater tech- but I know they are busy. Anyone ever run across these problems before?

I have Pro Tools 7.1 running through an MBox 2 and an HP desktop with XP Pro.

Thanks in advance for any insights!
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Hey Kara,
Could be a communication problem between your interface and system. Do you have an interface or is it a preamp plugged directly into your soundcard?

If using an interface, unplug it (usb or firewire) and replug. See if that works and if not reboot after plug and replug.

KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:04 am Post subject:

I'm uploading some files, but I'll give that a shot when done. I do have an MBox that connects to my computer via USB (My mic pre goes into the MBox). I've been trying to bounce a file, and it won't bounce. At first I thought it was maybe my keyboard wasn't working, but the computer seems to recognize I'm trying to get things to play- it just won't do it. The 'bounce' issue confirms that it's something internal. I tried to shut down, it didn't work- but I haven't tried unplugging yet. fingers crossed!

Oh- and the other issue is that not all of my files from each session are showing up in the 'audio files' folder on the computer. It's really slowing me down!!
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CarynClark · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:13 am Post subject:

Ok, now far be it from me to give tech advice. Just keep that in mind.

Is all your ProTools stuff on an external hard drive, Kara? (I'm pretty sure you're going to tell me yes... I know how you are about external hard drives. Smile

) From the buffer issue, and the audio not matching where you are in the wave, it sounds like a resource issue.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:28 am Post subject:

Good question Caryn! (You know more than you give yourself credit for Smile

)

I record to my main drive, as Pro Tools doesn't like USB drives. I back up daily to a firewire drive, and back up weekly to a second USB drive. I wonder if I should try saving the session to the firewire drive and seeing how it does? I may try that!
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:47 am Post subject:

Well- Eddie- you are my hero today!!

I shut down, switched the MBox USB to another port, resarted and got several windows asking to install drivers, etc- whatever it did, it seems to be working ok now! I'm about to edit a bunch of files- so my fingers are crossed it will continue to work.

Thanks!!! Kiss

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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Good to hear that! Laugh

It may only require the plug/unplug from the Mbox with no reboot. Sometimes a communication breakdown happens between interfaces and systems. If you experience the issue where you hear audio in PT and can not hear in a FF or IE browser do the same drill. You'll know when you hear a clik or system sound "KaDunk" when you replug.

Edo · Guest

Kara, it can be wise to delete your preferences/databases once in a while, and in the underneath link more tweaks can be found...

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=51&navid=54&itemid=23664

Hope you stay clear from anymore system hickups!

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:04 pm Post subject:

Next month I am teaching a 4 hour class (crash course) on Pro Tools for VO users. I am wondering how much of the course should cover editing technique and how much on troubleshooting, because all of those issues you mentioned are widespread Pro Tools difficulties that plague users on a regular basis, and are my most common service call for recording related problems.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:49 am Post subject:

George- if only we could get you to FL to teach that class! I would attend in a heartbeat. For me, a class that discussed common problems (and how to fix them) would be fantastic- as I'm pretty sure I've run into most of them in the 3 years I've been working with Pro Tools. The weirdest part is that you'll be humming along, everything is fine- and out of nowhere...something really weird starts happening. It makes me nuts! Edo- thanks for the link, I did that recently when I was having other issues with the system.

You know, someone needs to create a system that just...works!
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Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:02 am Post subject:

Pro Tools is intuitive, you just know it isn't working properly.

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:31 am Post subject:

KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:50 am Post subject:

When I first started, I bought an M-Audio Firewire Solo to use with Adobe Audition. After some issues- I switched to Pro Tools via the MBox because it was the only other system I was familiar with. I've often thought about switching to something else. I've also been considering a switch to Mac after some great expeiences with my MacBook (which I use for photography and travel mainly). We'll see. I still have that Firewire Solo just in case Smile

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georgethetech · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:02 am Post subject:

Audition, although a great application, has had it's growing pains, too. Many are much happier sticking with older versions like 1.5, or even it's predecessor, Cool Edit Pro. Just seems as the developers heap on new features, they forget about the importance of stability. FYI, you CAN use your Mbox with most any audio application, so any time you want to try out something else, you don't need to go through the process of disconnecting it and swapping in the Firewire Solo.
I wish you a future of painless recording!
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:20 am Post subject:

Good to know George! I may look into some of the other systems you mentioned. I do some multi-track production, so I need to be able to easily move files around, import, export, etc. What I DON'T need anymore is constant notices to increase/decrease my H/W Buffer, and delays in recording and playback. Ick.

If I installed another system while Pro Tools was still installed- would they clash?
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