Subject:Voice of the Unicorn

Posted by: wobblyboy

Date:7/15/2004 9:56:00 PM

I recently upgraded to a newer faster computer with Windows XP. I have been using the Motu 2404 for several years on my older computer with no concerns. I installed PCI card and drivers for XP on my new conputer. The card works fline with Vegas, Cubase, Acid Pro, but has loud noise issue with Sound Forge and CD Architect. Crackle and noises on both record and playback. I have reported to Sony Supportbbut have not received a reply yet. Any ideas would be helpful.

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:7/16/2004 8:56:20 AM

In XP when you install it, it defaults to ACPI mode, where it assigns all your hardware peripherals to the same IRQ. This is not the best thing, especially when using a pro level sound card, which like to have there own IRQ. Reinstall Windows XP in Standard PC mode, so you have control of the IRQ assignments.

Early on in the install process, you will prompted to press F6. Immediately press F5,(you only have a few seconds so be on the alert), then in the ensuing dialog box you will be able to scroll and choose the "Standard PC" option.

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: kbruff

Date:7/16/2004 10:37:42 AM

Is this the same case for Windows 2000. Furthermore can I make the adjustment without proceeding to a fresh reinstall?

Thanks -
Kevin

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:7/16/2004 2:45:51 PM

I believe this is the case for win2K also. I can't give you specifics, because I haven't done it in win2k, you might want to search for help on microsofts site on "win2k standard PC mode", or do a search on the net for optimizing a win2k system for audio.

As far as going from ACPI mode to standard PC mode, this is possible. I have read that it has many draw backs in doing it this way as far as causing problems and conflicts. It is best to do it from the initial install. I have experienced the clicks, pops, stuttered playback though when running in ACPI mode. Others have had good success with running in ACPI mode, so mileage may vary.

From Microsofts Knowledge base:

Manually assigning IRQs to PCI slots in the system BIOS as a troubleshooting method may work on some non-ACPI systems that use a standard PC hardware abstraction layer (HAL), but these settings are ignored by Plug and Play in Windows if ACPI support is enabled. If you need to manually assign IRQ addresses through the BIOS to a device on an ACPI motherboard, you must reinstall Windows to force the installation to use a Standard PC HAL. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

How to Force a Hardware Abstraction Layer During an Upgrade or New Installation of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q299340

From Microsoft Knowledge base for Win2k:
For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q252420

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn-w2k

Reply by: heinz3110

Date:7/16/2004 2:51:14 PM

Yes,Same for windows 2000. You can change from acpi to Standard PC in Device Manager ,but it can be tricky depending on motherboard etc.

But yes,hitting F5 will do the trick,too,while installing w2k

Gerard.

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn-w2k

Reply by: kbruff

Date:7/16/2004 3:28:29 PM

--- GEEEZ ----

Could this be the reason why I am seeing gaps in my recorded audio, when using my

Digial Audio Labs, Card Deluxe when recording at 96 / 24. I never ever had this issue until I upgraded to WINXP. The thing is Digital Audio Labs does not know what the problems, and Sony Sonic Foundry does know either, I guess Microsoft knows...

The issue now is that I would have to do re-install and that is like 3 days of reinstalling all my apps (ok I stop being a victim).

Well before I consider it, my issue is that I am seeing gaps, while recording with my DAL, and also with my M-audio FW 410.

My system has 1.5 GB of DDR RAM PC 2700, Processor is P4 2.4 Ghz, with PSB of 400 Mhz.

-- Any thoughts --

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: wobblyboy

Date:7/16/2004 6:53:23 PM

I checked IRQs. Both PCI 324 and standard sound card are assigned IRQ 17. What I don't understand is why I have no problems when using Vegas, Acid Pro or Cubase. I only have playback and record problems with Sound Forge and CD Architect. Although I haven't yet tryed to record 16 wave files at once from ADAT. One option might be to just remove standard sound card and run with the Motu Unit? It's not a huge problem at this point since I am primarly using Sound Forge for mastering two track and can preview using standard sound card.

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn-w2k

Reply by: wobblyboy

Date:7/16/2004 7:37:34 PM

I would try updating drivers etc. first.

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: wobblyboy

Date:7/16/2004 8:01:53 PM

To add to the mystery, when I go to direct X diagnostics, I have similar problerm with test on PCI324. But do not have the problem with Vegas, Cubase or Acid Pro. Perhaps they are not going thru Direct X?

Subject:RE: Voice of the Unicorn

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:7/16/2004 9:57:32 PM

Along with updating drivers, I would also just try disabling the standard sound card in the windows Device Manager, to see if this solves your problem.

When I installed XP in ACPI mode, I would get intermittant stuttering playback in Sound Forge and Windows Media player. I would also get occasional static in my playback in Sound Forge. I would stop playback and it would disappear and reappear. I had originally installed XP in standard PC mode and didn't have these problems, but was having some major problems one day due to a virus on my PC and decided to reformat and quickly reinstall windows and had forgotten the "F5" step and did the default ACPI mode. I think there was a conflict with my Echo Gina Sound Card and my Ethernet card. I found when I opened Internet explorer and was connected to the net at the sametime as running Media Player or Sound Forge, I would run into these playback issues.

Here's an excellent website for tips on setting up your system for audio using XP.

http://www.musicxp.net/