Upgrading n-track??

[iiigjb]

I have an older version of n-track (v3.0.2) which worked OK for me in the past but had a few seriously annoying bugs (dropped wavs in mixdown, parts of wavs "silenced" during mixdown, etc). I haven't used it in a while but am thinking about doing so, however, I only want to use it if I can upgrade and have fewer problems than before. That's a long way of asking: has this product become any more stable in the last year or two? Are there "new" bugs in newer versions that I should be aware of? I should mention that I did not upgrade in the past because several people on this board thought the upgraded version had more problems than whatever older version they were using, so that's why I am asking.

If the consensus is that there are still major bugs: what comparable programs would you recommend? I don't need/want anything too complicated or expensive.

Thanks in advance,

-J

[dave in toledo]

most all problems with n track are due to set up, not the program, if you go the the fastsoft forum, you will find info on checking your system to make it more compatable with n

[iiigjb]

No, unfortunately these were not setup problems. They were known bugs at the time, and Flavio (sp?) was working on them (we e-mailed...nice guy). I think he even said they had been corrected, or maybe I read that afterwards with respect to later versions...but the word on this board at the time was that upgrading only caused a new set of problems to arise, and many were choosing not to upgrade for that reason (better the devil you know). I guess my question is: for those that have older versions and have upgraded, is upgrading OK or are the upgrades buggy as well?

-J

[Teej]

I know a few folks who swear that 2.3 is the most stable version ever. I personally run 3.3 and have zero stability issues.

But i don't run MIDI. Can't speak about that.


tj

[TimOBrien]

The current 3.3 version on the Fasoft website (says Build 1513 but really installs as Build 1516) has been up there longer than any other I've seen --- rumor is that Flavio is working on getting v4 out the door with some help of other programmers...

I've had ZERO problems with it; it's very stable. The comments of the fasoft website seem to indicate that those with some problems have traced it down to problems in their PC, not the program.

NOTE that you CAN install more than one copy of N-Track on your computer. Simply keep your old copy where it is now and put the new build in another directory. You can put your VST plugin folder elsewhere on your PC (a good idea anyway) and point both versions to your plugins in the Preferences (DirectX plugins do not need any redirection). Always a good idea when dealing with new versions of ANY software....

[badassmak]

The only time I ever have stability issues is when I'm working with plugin's, usually of the free variety. That is the ONLY time it ever crashes on me. I've only recently upgraded to 3.3, so far so good. One quirk...it doesn't stop at the end of the song anymore, it just keeps playing forever...am I the only one?

[Teej]

mark,
Flavio coded that change into N awhile back at the request of users. N was stopping the recording process at the end of existing tracks when users wanted N to continue to record.

Look in Preferences for Stop Playback At End Of Song. Enable that, and your problem should go away.


tj

[Toker41]

I am running build 1516 v3.3. Only problem I have had is once in awhile when I record a track it will be way off time (late) in playback. Puter is only using 21% of cpu, with a gig of PC2700 ram, on a P4 2.6 with hyperthread...pleanty of power so I am asuming it is a N-track problem..not PC. I have to close and restart N-track, and then remove the track (not just the part), before the problem clears up. Anyone else find this??

[nisthana]

Yes my nTrack 3.3 has the same problem.It records one track properly but when additional track is recorded, playback is delayed.I have to close nTrack before recording a fresh track.Thats really annoying and today I came here to ask you guys if anyone has had this issue.
Anyone knows how can we rectify it ? My PC is also not lame (although not as powerful as Toker) and the fact that older version of software worked properly tells me that program has some problems.
Any comments?

[Teej]

In my experience, guys, upgrading any software package presents a risk. If N isn't stable for you, there's something wrong with the install. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with N. I'm running build 1516, and it runs perfectly well on my PC. I trust you have the same build?

Perhaps you could tell us the process you used to upgrade? You'd be surprised how often we hear someone claim 'N isn't stable' on the n-Track Forum only to find out that a suggested reinstall using common sense procedures solves the 'problem' entirely.

I don't know enuf about your situations to comment much further other than to list some of the silly things i've heard people admit to over the years that are known to cause problems.

- they don't close all programs before installing programs (including firewall and antivirus)
- they do an UnInstall and then ReInstall without rebooting between
- they ReInstall and then copy the old install folder overtop the new install
- they receive an error message during install but ignore it and then complain when N won't run
- they ReInstall an older verison overtop a newer version
- they've never run a registry cleaner and have no clue what one is
- they've installed N on top of a known unstable Windows install

I guess they figure that installing n-Track should fix whatever Windows problems they're having. it's amazing really..

Anyway, you might try downloading the N install program again (downloads do get corrupted at times). You might try UnInstalling N, running RegClean, rebooting, renaming the n-Track Studio folder, and installing N again. I've had to do this a few times myself, but it always seems to solve all problems.

That's assuming you don't have driver issues. Each card (and the way their driver files are written) is a bit different and each presents their own challenges in getting stable performance (for any audio program). Remember that digital recording is a complex process. There are a lot of components in the chain. Each component has to work right for success.

It is very possible your problems lie somewhere other than N, yes?


tj

[Toker41]

Originally posted by Teej
In my experience, guys, upgrading any software package presents a risk. If N isn't stable for you, there's something wrong with the install. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with N. I'm running build 1516, and it runs perfectly well on my PC. I trust you have the same build?

Perhaps you could tell us the process you used to upgrade? You'd be surprised how often we hear someone claim 'N isn't stable' on the n-Track Forum only to find out that a suggested reinstall using common sense procedures solves the 'problem' entirely.

I don't know enuf about your situations to comment much further other than to list some of the silly things i've heard people admit to over the years that are known to cause problems.

- they don't close all programs before installing programs (including firewall and antivirus)
- they do an UnInstall and then ReInstall without rebooting between
- they ReInstall and then copy the old install folder overtop the new install
- they receive an error message during install but ignore it and then complain when N won't run
- they ReInstall an older verison overtop a newer version
- they've never run a registry cleaner and have no clue what one is
- they've installed N on top of a known unstable Windows install

I guess they figure that installing n-Track should fix whatever Windows problems they're having. it's amazing really..

Anyway, you might try downloading the N install program again (downloads do get corrupted at times). You might try UnInstalling N, running RegClean, rebooting, renaming the n-Track Studio folder, and installing N again. I've had to do this a few times myself, but it always seems to solve all problems.

That's assuming you don't have driver issues. Each card (and the way their driver files are written) is a bit different and each presents their own challenges in getting stable performance (for any audio program). Remember that digital recording is a complex process. There are a lot of components in the chain. Each component has to work right for success.

It is very possible your problems lie somewhere other than N, yes?
tj

Was not an upgrade. Was a flawless full install on a new machine I built (one of many) running Windows 2000. It does not happen often. Twice in the past 3 weeks, and once about 2 months ago. I have recorded over 400 tracks (14 different songs) and only had this happen 3 times. However, that is 3 times to many.

[larenga89]

Hello and sorry to bother, I just installed the Ntrack v3.3 build 1516 and I cannot find the serial number for it. Could any one please give it to me. Name/ code 1 /code 2.
Thanks!!!. I am from Argentina and there is no way I can afford to pay for the registration.

[dave in toledo]

get a life or a job and pay for what you want

[TimOBrien]

A) I wasn't aware there were no jobs anywhere in Argentina.

B) If you're going to pirate, why do you want to pirate a lowly $60US program instead of something REALLY expensive?

C) There are much cheaper hobbies for someone with no cash.

To get back on-subject, I'm running N-Track on 3 PCs (not simultaneously) with no problem. One is a P4 on Win2k, one is a P2 on Win98SE and the other is an Athlon on Win98SE.

If you are having stability problems, it is most likely driver or component problems (the biggest problem with Windows PCs.... please thank Mr.Gates for all that). Video and soundcard drivers can be a bear to track down and fix (and not all manufacturers have succeeded in making their products work with every one of the gajillion possible mixes of PC hardware available... and that's why you see soooooo many posts on audio boards.

I personally am sticking with pure Intel motherboard/chipsets and namebrand soundcards that have a proven track record with good user feedback on the boards.