Soundcard and Midi Keyboard problems
Hi,
My efforts to get the best out of n-track seems to have resulted in a couple of serious problems. Any thoughts or advice gratefully received (other than "you should have quit while you were ahead!).
My first problem is regarding my midi keyboard (M-Audio Keystation 49e). I had version 4 of n-track and had a terrible delay between the pressing of the keys and the sound coming from the speakers. I adjusted all of the latency settings, but no improvement. Then came the first build of version 5, which made the problem disappear completely. It worked like a dream. Having just installed the latest build, the latency has returned and I can’t get rid of it. I’ve tried system restore, but it seems to take me back to version 4 (even though I’m restoring to just a day ago). If I re-upgrade from version 4, I can only install the new build of 5. Either way, I’m stuck with the latency problem. Any thoughts.
My second problem is my soundcard. I suspect the advice here will be get a different card, but I’ll give it a try anyway. I have a Creative SB X-fi soundcard. I thought a better card than the Windows standard issue might improve the quality of my recordings. Wrong. I have seen the new card listed on the n-track site as having quality issues, but those aside (unless you have any thoughts on improving the quality), I don’t seem to be able to record a second track without recording the first with it. I know about switching off the wave in the playback section of the sound controller, which is what I have done with previous, standard issue soundcards, but with my Creative card, I can mute everything but the speakers (or headphones) and I still get the spill. The people at Creative said it’s a software issue (they would). Again, any advice gratefully received.
I mainly use n-track for sountracks for my Flash animations and the ability to play back whilst viewing a movie is a valuable feature. For that reason, I am eager to get around the problems and stick with n-track if possible.
Thanks.
Toonz
MIDI - if using ASIO set samplerate to a low level - if using WMA set buffers setting to low - this will alter latency if using kbd to play a VSTi BUT NOT the Msoft synth which has a min of half a second delay and there is nothing you can do about it -
RECORDING - check the SB control panel is not set to WHAT YOU HEAR - or set the output of the played back track to another output on your soundcard and monitor from there using phones (may need some sort of conversion lead)-
another possability with the SB card is if you are using the LINE INPUT you will have to mute it in the control panel as the input will always return to the output - although it is muted on soundcard N can still record from it _ have same problem with SB audigy card -
Dr J
Thanks for your response. No joy I’m afraid. For the midi I’ve tried all sorts of configurations but nothing seems to make a difference. I just don’t get how it was working fine before. Looks like I might have to simply put up with the delay.
Regarding the audio - What U Hear is the only option available - all the others are greyed out. I know it works if I mute the line in, but then I can’t monitor it. It all works fine on my cheap, nasty laptop, so I’ll probably have to use that for recording audio for the time being.
Thanks anyway.
Toonz
Hi, Regarding your Midi delay look at Midi settings / devices /output port and if it says something like “MS wavetable synth” try changing it to “SB synth” or something similar. You need to use the hardware synth on your card assuming it has one.
nick
Nick, you are a genius. SB Synth did it. Thanks.
Toonz