How to make my audio drop outs dissapear

[JDemonie]

Hi,

I recently bought a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24. It works great on my desktop pc, but the only thing I really need to do with it, is perform live on my laptop (Vista... yes I know).

So the problem is, as soon as I choose 'ASIO Saffire' as the audio engine (or Saffire Pro in ASIO4ALL) one of the following things happen:

- either Ableton responds very slow, no sound at all and eventually an Ableton crash
- I can use Ableton normally, but every now and then I get an audio drop out (not latency related, so no pops and crackles ever)

Focusrite advised me to download and use a Latency checker and a Latency tool, one to check if your system is able to perform live streams
and one to give my firewire port more.. you know, better.

So after disabling my network adapter the Latency checker constanly gives me green bars ("your system is able to perform live streaming").
Rarely I get a red bar, which should mean 'a' driver of 'something' in my computer 'doesn't function correctly'. So I have to shut things down to rule that particular item out as the bad bully, f.e. a network adapter.

But anyway, cutting to the chase, is there a program or tool to let my system (Vista) prioritize Ableton? (IF that would be the problem)

*EDIT* So basically a tool that (if needed) slows other stuff on my pc down, in order to let the audio stream without drop outs

[Tone Deft]

you should google "Vista DAW optimization guide" to see what people are doing to minimize the stuff that's running on your computer.

trying the latest driver is a good idea.

ASIO4ALL works on my machine better than the stock drivers, it supports XP.
http://www.asio4all.com/

I think you're on the right track, dropouts are CPU load related, right up there with cracks and pops.

also, lowering your sample rate lowers CPU load, decreases pops and whatnots but increases latency.

[JDemonie]

Thanks a lot for your answer,

I've tried ASIO4ALL too, works with the same results as the stock drivers.

I'll try out your advice

[JDemonie]

pfff forgot I've run through such a guide two times already,

I'm in the dark here, the ppl from Focusrite don't really seem to get it either

[Tone Deft]

my first sound card was a Presonus Firebox. I started using it and it would drop out audio every second, like clockwork. I tried for two weeks to get it working, it wouldn't work. so, I tried an Edirol UA101 and it's worked great. I don't know why the Presonus didn't work, I just moved on.

dunno if that will help you. since you're playing out with the laptop maybe you can get a simple card for the laptop. what do you play out? you probably only need a stereo out and a cue headphone out, right?

[JDemonie]

So actually you're saying I should get rid of the Saffire Pro and buy another interface?

I need at least 3 (preferably stereo) outs, so actually 6 outs, which the Saffire Pro has.