ASIO in Win98?

[kgirl72]

Hi guys.

This may sound dumb, but after switching my XP laptop to ASIO drivers yesterday with Sonar2.2...I got to thinking.

I quit using my desktop running Windows98SE with my Sonar, because it had Windows98. I tried to upgrade to XP, so I could use WDM drivers properly, and there is a bunch of stuff that wouldn't upgrade properly. I could probably make that work still, but then again, maybe not. A lot of it was over my head...so I gave up on upgrading the OS.

Now, I told my mom I'd give her my computer (though I still like that computer) because I couldn't do the audio stuff on it properly. I got to thinking though that maybe if I go ahead and upgrade the Sonar on my desktop computer, the HP(which is still sitting at an older version), would I maybe be able to use the ASIO drivers on my Layla 24 instead of the MME drivers. And, if so, what functionality would I be missing as a result of the OS being Windows98SE?

Anyone know? The new drivers for the Layla24 have some ASIO improvements among other stuff, and supposedly even lower latency. The direct sound option I believe is to work directly with the hardware...is this correct, and therefore, I could still use the Windows98 with the ASIO drivers and enjoy a low latency system?

I'm curious. Mom wouldn't be happy, but if I could keep the computer and not buy a new one later, I'd be happy. Someone has to come out on top. Right now, all that computer is being used for is my 7-year old daughters games. That's it, and seeing as how I forked over upwards of $2000 for that entire system, about 2 years ago, not including the special Layla24 breakout box and card I purchased afterwards to work with BOTH my desktop and laptop systems...I'd rather keep it than give it away.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I want to be able to use dxi's and monitoring for effects. If I can still expect horrible latency...I'll go ahead and give it to her, unless anyone has any other fabulous ideas.

Thanks,
Kirstin

 

[dachay2tnr]

Can't speak for Win 98, but I am using the ASIO drivers in Win ME without any problems, and better latency than I got with MME drivers.

I have a Delta sound card, and could never get their WDM drivers to play nice with Win ME. However, ASIO seems to perform OK. However, be aware I don't run my rig with super low latency. If you're looking for latency settings that will allow you to use input monitoring for example, I don't know if you'll achieve that.

However, it's certainly worth a try. Seems like even if it didn't work, it would only cost you some time.

 

[kgirl72]

Thanks Dachay,

yes, I could still find some use for that computer I think...it likely has a better RPM (is that what we call those 7200/5600/etc numbers) than my laptop.

It won't be hard for me to just try it out tonight. I already told mom that she may not be getting it...and I feel so mean! She wants to be able to work from home and doesn't have a computer, so I told her she could have mine. She's adamant that I take out all my stuff though, so it's bare. I told her I'd buy her a new one if she wanted some financial help for now. but heck, if I'm going to do that, I may as well buy myself the new one, right?

Cool, if anyone else knows anything...chime in, but it can't hurt to try it...just wanted to ask before I remove the soundcard and reformat the drive!

Speaking of WindowsME, I also have an upgrade disc for this that I bought for that HP computer, but took it out back some time when everyone said that it sucked bad. That upgrade went okay, but the XP upgrade didn't work at all. HP only supports Windows98 on my computer, which is an XL766 (model number). So, theoretically, I may still be able to install Windows XP...but I don't know for sure. Anyone got any thoughts on that? Problem is, it's only got 128 Ram (laptop has 512) and I'd need to upgrade probably to use it with Xp...but ME IS an option for me.



-Kirstin

 

[AlChuck]

As far as I know ASIO drivers were fine in Windows 98. They use a different scheme than WDM does to improve over the capabilities of MME, and hence are not tied to the OS support for WDM that Microsoft promised but only partially delivered for Windows 98...

 

[kgirl72]

I don't know how input monitoring works yet with the Layla either...not in ASIO mode. I have as good a latency setting as I did with my WDM drivers in the laptop, but I haven't monitored any EFFECTS yet. I do know though, that the dxi's played great through the direct monitoring of ASIO. We'll just have to see, I suppose. Damn, gonna have to move that computer after all!

Thanks again dachay.
-Kirstin

 

[kgirl72]

Thanks AlChuck,

This day's getting a little brighter, that's for sure!
Thank god my brain started working a bit...and I've been using that Sonar2.2 with WDM for some time now, cause I was afraid of ASIO, never having used it before. This all came about from reading the new readme file for the Layla driver yesterday...

I can't wait to see what happens!

-Kirstin

 

[moskus]

I don't know how input monitoring works yet with the Layla either...not in ASIO mode.

As far as I know (as the huge IM fan I am ) Input Monitoring is not driver-dependant, only latency. If your latency is usefull, then Input Monitoring should work just fine.

 

[kgirl72]

Wish you guys could see the excitement in my face...and the stupidity...for not even thinking of this until today. I mean, months and months...a year, almost, I have not touched the other computer because it seemed like the laptop was the only useful piece of equipment I own.

-K.

 

[moskus]

You should see my computer lab! I even try to use a Pentium 100 MHz for a music-computer...


So far it's not working very good...

 

[kgirl72]

Well, I'd be right there with ya if I had one of those old dogs too. My first computer was bought my first year in college (which was 98, I believe, but I should have started college in 90...nice little break)

I usually end up buying a new computer every 1.5-2 years, but that was what I used all my extra school loans on. Now that I'm done, I'll be PAYING BACK those loans...and there won't be that extra hunk of cash every semester to go shopping on.

I'm still not sold that this is going to be a perfect sloution, but I'm way more optimistic than pessimistic.

have a fabulous day!
-Kirstin

 

[dachay2tnr]

As far as I know (as the huge IM fan I am ) Input Monitoring is not driver-dependant, only latency. If your latency is usefull, then Input Monitoring should work just fine.

That's correct, moskus, but you're not very likely to get to the needed latency with MME drivers.

Good luck, Kirstin. Are you triggering DXi's from an external module, or using midi programmed in Piano Roll (or similar)? Playing "live" through a DXi will require as good latency as Input Monitoring.

 

[kgirl72]

So, if I'm playing "live" which I am...I've never used the piano roll, I need as good latency as I would with input monitoring. I think I understand this.

All I can do at this point is try it. I have a good feeling, but it's not all the way great. And my mom will be happier if it doesn't work.


I am going to try with Win98SE, and if it isn't as good as I might like, I'll try ME, and if that doesn't work, I'm giving the thing away.
I'll post when I know what happens!

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by moskus
As far as I know (as the huge IM fan I am ) Input Monitoring is not driver-dependant, only latency. If your latency is usefull, then Input Monitoring should work just fine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's correct, moskus, but you're not very likely to get to the needed latency with MME drivers.

Good luck, Kirstin. Are you triggering DXi's from an external module, or using midi programmed in Piano Roll (or similar)? Playing "live" through a DXi will require as good latency as Input Monitoring.

Just to verify...it's ASIO drivers I'll be using, assuming Windows98 and Sonar allow me to. I know that 2.2 will, now it's just what Windows thinks of my plan.

See y'all.
-Kirstin

 

[dachay2tnr]

Just to verify...it's ASIO drivers I'll be using, assuming Windows98 and Sonar allow me to. I know that 2.2 will, now it's just what Windows thinks of my plan.

Yeah, I understand.

My comment was really to moskus who said the drivers didn't matter, only your latency counted. My point was that since your drivers are one of the determining factors in establishing your latency, indirectly they do matter.

 

[kgirl72]

dachay,
I figured you did get this...it's ME that gets confused...

In any rate, I updated everything and moved the computer, rearranged my room, moved all the music hardware, reconnected all cables, and....

IT WORKED LIKE A DAMN CHARM!

I also read in another thread yesterday, comparing WDM with ASIO, that you cannot use input monitoring in ASIO...not true in my system. Maybe everyone knew that was false. Maybe it's not false for some?

I was able to monitor with effects, and it worked beautifully. Sounded actually better to me in ASIO mode...but that's probably my excitedness speaking. Now, I can take some of the load off my laptop. It doesn't like to work too hard...I get dropouts sometimes. On playback, I don't care much about this, but while recording, it bites big time. Specially when my voice is getting sleepy. Maybe my luck will be better with the desktop.

I am so happy...now, with the money I'm not spending on a new computer later, I called the phone company and upgraded my dialup internet connection to a DSL connection.

Thanks you guys for answering my questions.
-Kirstin

 

[dachay2tnr]

IT WORKED LIKE A DAMN CHARM!

Great news. I'm happy for you.

I also read in another thread yesterday, comparing WDM with ASIO, that you cannot use input monitoring in ASIO...not true in my system. Maybe everyone knew that was false. Maybe it's not false for some?

So far as I know you can use Input Monitoring with ANY drivers. The issue is getting your latency low enough to use it without hearing an echo from the delay. If you can get your latency low enough, you're good to go. (Although, as mentioned above, driver choice will effect latency.)

 

[moskus]

My comment was really to moskus who said the drivers didn't matter, only your latency counted. My point was that since your drivers are one of the determining factors in establishing your latency, indirectly they do matter.

Hey, what do you think I am?!? STOOOPID?!?!?

Dachay! Get over HERE! NOW!








-----

Glad it worked, Kristin!