Subject:Sound Forge 8 and ASIO problems

Posted by: ringmod

Date:4/30/2008 9:02:27 PM

Hi..

I have a Saffire Audio interface, and Sound Forge 8.0d, and have run into trouble using files of different sample rates. Until recently it seemed to work fine, if I switched to a file that used a different sample rate or bitrate, the interface clicked a little (as if it was rebooting into a different hardware mode), and I could play the file). Now basically Sound Forge Locks into a single sample rate (not sure how it determines which is right), and if I try to play any other file of different rate it just says "Device not available" or similar.

The same thing does NOT happen when I used Windows Classic Driver Mode, ONLY with ASIO.

Any ideas?

Cheers..

Subject:RE: Sound Forge 8 and ASIO problems

Reply by: jackn2mpu

Date:5/1/2008 1:03:15 PM

Do you have any other audio programs running? I get something like this happening if I have Sonar 5 open and then go to Soundforge 9.0c to open another file. It says device in use and kicks me over to using the wdm driver. I don't use different sample rates and bit depths; I convert everything to 16 bit 44.1 khz.
Jack

Subject:RE: Sound Forge 8 and ASIO problems

Reply by: ringmod

Date:5/5/2008 7:48:16 PM

No, I as a rule don't run two audio programs at the same time. With most hardware I've used the software 'hijacks' the audio device anyway so there would be no point to do this. I'm still not certain this isn't an ASIO driver problem with the Saffire interface, but I've updated the firmware and drivers and the problem still persists. Just because I was a little vague last time, let me list the steps to reproduce this issue :

1 - Load a 16 bit, 44khz sound in Soundforge 8.0, with ASIO driver management selected.
2 - Play sound - no problems.
3 - Load or create a file at a different bit/sample rate - no success in playback at all.

Alternately, repeat previous steps using a WDM driver, no problem.

And alternately, repeat previous steps using a higher sample / bit rate file to start with. The problem persists, only this time you are 'locked' to the higher sample rate.

It seems to me that either the software or hardware is unable to switch the sample/bit rate in the same session. It's annoying though because I need ASIO to do recording, as the latency on this card with WDM is unacceptable. Also - I need to use higher resolutions as I'm doing sound design work and need the higher wordlength / headroom to process sounds more cleanly.

Cheers,
alex

Subject:RE: Sound Forge 8 and ASIO problems

Reply by: jackn2mpu

Date:5/6/2008 5:39:32 AM

What you describe is normal for ASIO driver usage, at least in SF. Apparently the Saffire locks in on the first sample rate it sees. Using deduction, to change sample rates you might well need to power down and re-power up the Saffire. Not knowing the unit exactly, there might be something in the Saffire's software setup you can change to relieve your problem. I would suggest contacting the maker of your sound interface and seeing what they might be able to do for you. It's not a Soundforge issue as such, and it's strictly not an ASIO driver problem; it seems to be a firmware issue with the Saffire. Maybe lack of a feature in the firmware, who knows?

I NEVER use WDM, so that's not an issue.

Subject:RE: Sound Forge 8 and ASIO problems

Reply by: groovyone

Date:5/6/2008 9:55:24 AM

I agree with Jackn2mpu.

The issue is with your soundcard - specifically ASIO. Some cards can't operate in anything less than 44.1kHZ 16bit ASIO.

Alternative is to switch to DirectX drivers for lower sample rates.