Anyone using DFH2?

[Daenn]

I just picked up DFH2 a week or 2 ago. Though I'm having a bit of a problem with it. I can't load an entire kit. I know that I need more ram, but the recommended ram amount is 512, and I've got 640, so it should at least run well. But sometimes when I'm working on a track, I'll get drop outs when I output. On top of that, in FLStudio, changing velocities on hits seems to have no effect.

The first one can probably be solved with more ram, but I was wondering if anyone has been using it and knows of a certain way to set it up. Or maybe FLStudio uses too much ram at the same time. And the velocity thing... well I have no idea why that doesn't work.

[Middleman]

I have the DFHS which is the same thing with the new interface. Basically, yeah you need more ram but there are a couple of things to check.

1. Use the cache mode to get things out of ram and into disk streaming. Not sure if your version has this but if it does, use this.

2. Turn off your swap file in windows, delete the pagefile.sys file, then reboot and defrag your hard drive. Run the defrag at least 3 times. Reboot again and turn the swapfile back on and set it for 2 min and 1600 max.

That should give you one large contiguous swapfile to assist you with managing the DFH2 Samples.

I have 1GB and I still need another 512MB to smooth things out. The plus side? The samples sound stellar once you get them going.

[Daenn]

Ugh. Guess I'll be purchasing more ram today.

Thanks for the help.

[Simman]

Originally Posted by Daenn

I just picked up DFH2 a week or 2 ago. Though I'm having a bit of a problem with it. I can't load an entire kit. I know that I need more ram, but the recommended ram amount is 512, and I've got 640, so it should at least run well. But sometimes when I'm working on a track, I'll get drop outs when I output. On top of that, in FLStudio, changing velocities on hits seems to have no effect.

The first one can probably be solved with more ram, but I was wondering if anyone has been using it and knows of a certain way to set it up. Or maybe FLStudio uses too much ram at the same time. And the velocity thing... well I have no idea why that doesn't work.

Good luck finding information. I have never seen a commercial software application worse than DFH2. Technical support absolutely sucks!!!! Detailed information/documentation regarding this product (DFH2) is virtually nonexistent and what you do find is completely useless.

I've thought about upgrading to DFH Superior since it uses its own application and you don't have to use any of the crap from native instruments. Perhaps Middleman could shed some better light on weather DFHS is any better?

[Daenn]

That would be disappointing, because I already spent the money on DFH2. I've got the kit sounding pretty good, but I know that I'm missing out on some features because of the memory problems. I haven't had time this week to try what Middleman suggested. Hopefully this weekend.

[Simman]

Dissappointing indeed.

[Middleman]

Originally Posted by Simman

Good luck finding information. I have never seen a commercial software application worse than DFH2. Technical support absolutely sucks!!!! Detailed information/documentation regarding this product (DFH2) is virtually nonexistent and what you do find is completely useless.

I've thought about upgrading to DFH Superior since it uses its own application and you don't have to use any of the crap from native instruments. Perhaps Middleman could shed some better light on weather DFHS is any better?

The basic kits in DFH2 are the same in DFHS however there are many more kits and sounds in DFHS (35GB). The other main difference is the interface is custom designed to provide access to numerous changes on the variables of the sounds and kits. DFH2 uses the Kontakt plug in interface which is DXi and DFHS uses its own interface, which is not great in Sonar as it is VST only and the Sonar wrapper for VST is marginal.

I like the DFHS interface better than the NI but not being DXi means you're in for more work like constantly opening the plug in after you reload a file. It doesn't remember to come on and play otherwise.

DFHS is a work in progress, love the sounds, hate the operational experience of VST. Once they provide a DXi version of the plug in, it will be a beautiful thing as the sounds are just remarkable.

One thing that DFHS does, if you use its generation capability, is to automatically fill in stick dribbles and random hits. This really adds life and believability to the sound.

[Daenn]

Ok, I've upped my ram to 1024 (1 gig) and kicked up my virtual memory x 3. I can load full kits now with no warnings and no problems. But when I output to wav in FLStudio, I still get drop outs. Even when I cut out the ambiance (or load a kit without it) I still can't output without drop outs. I've defragged, I did the paging file thing. I really have no idea what else to do, and the company forums and support are useless. Trying to go the Native Instruments forum and searching for "DFH" or "drumkit from hell" and you get nothing. It's really frustrating.

Any other ideas?

[patsplat]

Bump...ever get it working?I was thinking of trying DFH2 out with Samplitude 7.xxx.

[ssscientist]

I went to the Samplitude web site and couldn't find definite info about whether or not Samplitude can host VST instruments, or VSTi's. It's clear from the site that Samplitude does support VST effects, but that won't do you any good because DKFH is a VSTi.

Maybe the manual will provide the needed info - you will be looking for not only compatibility information but also installation instructions. Most programs have a 'VST plugins' folder that they rescan each time you run the application.

[patsplat]

Originally Posted by ssscientist

I went to the Samplitude web site and couldn't find definite info about whether or not Samplitude can host VST instruments, or VSTi's.

Hi ssscientist...thanx for the reply!
Yes Sam does VSTi's and I have an XP2800+ w/ 1 GIG of RAM(which is recommended by the company) so the app "should" run fine.I found a pretty killer clip of someone using it over at H-C... http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...highlight=DFH2

...so for the price, I think I'm gonna have to try it.I guess I was just curious as to why the above poster ,who has the recommended amount of RAM, was still having problems running it

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by patsplat

I was just curious as to why the above poster ,who has the recommended amount of RAM, was still having problems running it

Could be any number of reasons. There are almost as many problems with people's computers as there are with people themselves...and FL is not the greatest app to host VSTi's.

And he last posted about having problems three months ago - maybe he got it resolved and is happlily making DKFH music!

[patsplat]

I've got another question about this app...I notice in the pic of the plug-in,it has 61 keys at the bottom of it...Do I need a 61 key MIDI board to use with this app?Or can I get along with a smaller(cheaper one)?

[Middleman]

No, most midi drumsets only use about an octave and a half range. Most of the short keyboards can be mapped to this range.

You can actually just use the on screen keyboard if you like.

[patsplat]

OK...thanx

[patsplat]

hmm...looks like I'll be getting a 61 key model after all.Here's the reply I got back from the toontrack support... http://www.toontrack.com/cgi-bin/yab...num=1114182307
Thought I'd throw that up for anyone who might do a search about this app.

thanx again for the replies.