Ableton Forum

Hi,

i am using live 4 and have recently big problems with the speed of my harddisk. i get noises, klicks and delays and the red button comes up.

I am using 1,5GHz Powerbook G4, 512MB PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM Harddisk 80GB Ultra ATA/100 mit 4200U/Min

I always get problems in a song using more then 7 or 8 audio tracks, though i changed the tracks from stereo to mono, and use the RAM function for my samples...the cpu is only at about 25 - 30 %...

does anybody know how to solve this problem?

thanks,

jan

did you try to change the buffer-setting?

yes i did.

i think maybe the harddisk is to slow?

yes, maybe. but you told us that you used the RAM-function.

maybe your soundcard-driver is the problem?

well i use an ECHO INDIGO IO PCMCIA soundcard.

could that be the problem? normally i haven`t any problems.

I don't think so.

what kind of processes are also running on your computer?
virus-scan-tools? network-scannings?
you have to close all processes in the background!

nothing like that is running at all when i am working in live.

i check tonight again and let you know who things develop. maybe i should use a firewire harddisk??

thanks anyway.

jan

Just a thought: if you're using the RAM function, but trying to load 7-8 full length tracks into RAM (as opposed to 7-8 loops or short samples) you probably won't have enough RAM, so Live may end up having to stream the tracks from the hard drive anyway - which your hard drive probably can't handle.

Jenne123 wrote:does anybody know how to solve this problem?

thanks,

jan

Use an external Firewire drive. 4200 RPM drives are too slow to handle more than five or six tracks. Most notebooks come with 4200 RPM drives standard, 5400 if your lucky, 7200 if you swap it out yourself or get a "high end" laptop like Alienware. Most people like to use external drives anyway so it doesn't fragment the heck out of their OS drive.

Also, your Core Audio buffer should be around 256 or 512. If you crank it down too low, which isn't necessary anyway, you will get crackles and pops.

It must be something else, I use old pc notebook 1,2 G- inferior to yours- 4200 HD and Indigo, and never have any problems, even with lots audio and midi tracks. I never use Ram function for the samples because I have only 512 so try to keep it free, could that be your problem ?

my 1.25 GHz Powerbook had the same problem, my 80gig harddrive had to be exchanged. also on my mates 1.5 GHz Powerbook, same thing. so if it keeps on making noises, klicks and delays get it checked out. by the way, my Apple hardware test dvd never showed any problems even right to the end when the harddrive wouldn't even start up anymore.
also back up all your stuff.
but i'd upgrade the ram if i'd be you, makes a lot of difference.

@MarkH:
4200 RPM drives are too slow to handle more than five or six tracks

i am still using my 4200 internal drive and i am working with 16 tracks in live and logic without any problems.

I use a firewire HD - It's a Lacie 120 GB (actually inside it's a Maxtor) - but any reputable external 7500 rpm drive is good.
My powerbook has a paltry 3200 rpm drive. Great for quiet cool operation,
horrible for music. Lacie has a rackmount kit so your drive(s) can fit in your rack with your external gear. I also have gobs of space for sound libraries and live sets!

@MarkH:

i use now an external harddisk diamond max plus 9 7200 rpm, 8mb, 120GB, 3.5" Aluminum External Enclosure ME-740 Series but still i get the same problems with crackle. mostly when changing from one part to another, sometimes consolidate function helps but today i had a sketch with 5 audio tracks (filter, eq, compression for ech track) cpu at about 18% but crackles....maybe i should do partitions on the disk (3 x 40 GB) ???

One of two things can fix crackles:

Run Drive 10 on both drives to defragment them - YES, Mighty Macs Need defrag.

Increase the buffer on your sound card a bit. THis also increases latency - so you will have to do the latency compensation thingy again. My old mbox used to need it's buffer increased.

Jenne123 wrote:@MarkH:

i use now an external harddisk diamond max plus 9 7200 rpm, 8mb, 120GB, 3.5" Aluminum External Enclosure ME-740 Series but still i get the same problems with crackle. mostly when changing from one part to another, sometimes consolidate function helps but today i had a sketch with 5 audio tracks (filter, eq, compression for ech track) cpu at about 18% but crackles....maybe i should do partitions on the disk (3 x 40 GB) ???

What is your Core Audio audio buffer setting in Live's Preferences?