What the hell is wrong now?

[Planetdust]

Hello everyone,
Im still relatively new to this game so this may not be a complicated problem but I can't suss it out.
Im using an old version of Cubasis and Im trying to record my guitar. I set up an audio track, check the levels and everything is fine. Then at some point before or after i've recorded, the level goes up into the red and wont come back down. I have to close Cubasis and sometimes even restart my PC in order to record again. What is the problem here? What could cause the system to be fine and then go crazy at some random moment?
Any help would be appreciated as Im tearing all my hair out and Im too young to go bald.
Thanks,
Michael

[NYMorningstar]

What version of cubasis?
Is it a demo or a cracked version?
Was it a package deal with a soundcard? Do you have the same card?
What system are you running it on? How much memory?
Do you have programs running in the backround?
Have you installed any new programs recently?
Is it only when you record the guitar?
Were you able to record guitar before?
How are you recording the guitar; Line in, DI box or micing it?
"What could cause the system to be fine and then go crazy at some random moment?" Are you married with children?

Sorry for all the questions but the more information you give the better shot you have of getting an answer. If you describe your sound chain and tell the circumstances that led up to the problem that will be a great help.

[Planetdust]

ok, thanks for the response. I'll answer the q's for you.
I think it's the 1st version of Cubasis VST - I bought it about 3 years ago. It's a shop-bought version not an illegal one.
It was not a package deal - I got it on it's own.
Im running XP with 512MB RAM, the chip is P4 2.6GHz.
I don't have programs running in the background. I have not installed anything since Cubasis.
It's only when I try to record the Guitar, but it's strange because it works for a while, I may get some recording done but all of a sudden the level goes up into the red and I can't think of what may be causing it. It happens seemingly at random.
Im using the USB Audio/Midi interface in the M-Audio Ozone. It has an instrument input that seems to work fine. The Midi side of things is problem free too.
I hope that helps. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Michael

[NYMorningstar]

The worst problems to hunt down are intermittent ones like this one. If the midi works alright then lets rule out the USB interface and your computer as causing the problem. That leaves the guitar hookup. How do you have that connected, mic-in, line-in? Does the guitar have an active pickup?

[Planetdust]

The connection is just an electric guitar through a lead into the Instrument Input of the audio interface.
If you don't think it's the computer or USB interface, could having a dodgy lead be causing this sort of problem?
The guitar does not have an active pickup.

[Bass Master "K"]

Do you defrag your HD regularly?
Do you have the latest driver downloaded for your soundcard?
Have you tried recording with a different guitar, or instrument like a bass, keyboard, ect.?

[NYMorningstar]

Originally Posted by Planetdust

The connection is just an electric guitar through a lead into the Instrument Input of the audio interface.
If you don't think it's the computer or USB interface, could having a dodgy lead be causing this sort of problem?
The guitar does not have an active pickup.

Couple things:

I don't own one but I'm guessing that the instrument-in you speak of is looking for a line lvl input. If that's the case then you need to to bring your guitar signal up to line level and yes, a bad cord can cause you havoc.


I read an article that said the computer's power management software can cause crackling with the Ozone. The article also said that Windows repeatedly refused to recognize the Ozone and cut off the sound. It said several USB audio experts stated that Windows XP — incredibly — often fails to recognize USB devices when they're connected to a different port than the one on which they were installed. An M-Audio tech recommends installing the software for each port. This is clearly an ongoing issue with Windows XP and not M-Audio's fault but not mentioned it in the manual. It also stated whenever the latency value is set to Very Low and played audio the computer blue-screened. (It had no crashes with higher latency settings.)

Like I said I don't own this product but maybe these issues are related to your problem. I'd change the cord first and bring the guitar up to line level and go from there. g/l

[Planetdust]

Wow! When It works Im very pleased with the Ozone, the sound is very good. But there does seem to be a couple of issues with Windows. I have experienced the cut-out of sound. I suppose all I can do is keep downloading thelatest drivers and hope the problem clears up. I will change the lead on my guitar (im using quite an old one) and keep the Latency settings as high as I can. Thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.
Michael