No Sound With Working Soundcard

[miroslav]

Unless of course the software is Steinberg's or Magix in which case you will be judged a thieving illegitimate out to score a free go!

Or am I just a cynical, BOF?

Dave.

Not sure what you mean?

I use Samplitude...my current ProX version has the flash drive dongle...so really, I can install it on 20 computers, and just move the dongle from one to the other. The previous version I also still use is Samplitude 7, and for that there's no dongle, it's just another code/authentication process if I was to move it to a different computer.

Start all over as in re-record whatever song you had on the standalone. What a pain that is. I had a portastudio when I first started out. Could never figure the thing out. Eventually tossed it out of frustration. The good thing was all the songs I had were horrible and I gladly threw them away never to listen to them again!!!

Well...hopefully with a standalone digital recorder, people will still make safety copies of their files...though I'm not sure how simple that is from model to model...like if any of them use proprietary code that makes moving files more cumbersome...?

 

[Chili]

Not sure what you mean?

I use Samplitude...my current ProX version has the flash drive dongle...so really, I can install it on 20 computers, and just move the dongle from one to the other. The previous version I also still use is Samplitude 7, and for that there's no dongle, it's just another code/authentication process if I was to move it to a different computer.






Well...hopefully with a standalone digital recorder, people will still make safety copies of their files...though I'm not sure how simple that is from model to model...like if any of them use proprietary code that makes moving files more cumbersome...?

I remember having to copy in realtime through the stereo out.

 

[Doctor Varney]

The other thing to remember with standalone digital recorders is that if they crap out/die....you can just toss it in the garbage and then start all over with a new device.

I know this. I seem to remember we went over this earlier, in the other thread. In which you seemed to agree that I had my game plan worked out.

With a computer (laptop or desktop)....your actual DAW software is *portable*...so if the computer dies, you don't completely lose the DAW apps you purchased, you just reinstall them on a new computer.

You don't need to purchase 'DAW apps' for a hard wired purpose built unit in the first place, though, do you?

Regards

Dr. V

 

[Doctor Varney]

Well...hopefully with a standalone digital recorder, people will still make safety copies of their files...though I'm not sure how simple that is from model to model...like if any of them use proprietary code that makes moving files more cumbersome...?

No, they have USB ports these days. Like on my little digital dictaphone. Or many come supplied with an SD card. My computer has a card reader, too. You simply upload your files from the hard memory of the unit onto your computer's hard drive. From there, I would of course, make back ups. Just as I do now, with my dictaphone.

 

[miroslav]

In which you seemed to agree that I had my game plan worked out.

Not really sure if you do or don't...this is a different thread, but same kind of concerns/confusion.

You don't need to purchase 'DAW apps' for a hard wired purpose built unit in the first place, though, do you?

No...but you pay for it every time you buy a standalone...it's part of its proprietary system. I'm just making the point that once you buy a DAW app, it's yours to use/install wherever, as long as you follow their authentication protocols.
IOW...if the computer dies....you STILL have/own the software that can be reinstalled on another.

Anyway...why don't you go ahead and put whatever game plan you have into play...and then we can talk about it again after you've worked with it.

 

[Doctor Varney]

I think the valuable lesson from this one isn't that computers go wrong. It's more that, even if they appear to be changing their ways, one should never, ever get involved with bloody Creative Labs because they'll come back and bite you in the posterior.

Actually, what I get from it all in the way of lessons is: "Always expect the unexpected".

(To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect. (Oscar Wilde) )

I doubt it's only Creative Labs we should be wary of. With good reason, as I've had this with other components and makes in the past. But I do appreciate the heads up on that. Thanks.

The move to a hardware recorder is, of course, your choice. However, don't assume that these are without their own problems. I recall spending a lot of online time a while back trying to help somebody with a particular model of Tascam recorder--it was noisy and low level when he plugged in a mic. It turned out that the Tascam was built to expect a non-standard input impedance and level.

This is a really good point and I agree - though to me, it stands out as an external sound engineering issue. I would think that most problems of this nature could be avoided through knowing the subject. If this was non-standard and no warning was documented, then I guess it's Tascam's fault, not yours.

I only mention this to show that a hardware recorder is NOT a magic fix, especially as you've mentioned that you need to use a computer for editing and mastering anyway.

I believe you. I've never been one for believing in magical fixes. More about looking for the 'lesser of two evils'; least amount of moving parts rubbing against each other... that sort of thing.

You see, my reasoning is this. Pinpointing blame seems more difficult when something in a computer goes awry. If something is up with a Tascam, for instance, I simply phone Tascam and it rests with them. A bit different to digging around inside a box, troubleshooting any number of potential bits and pieces I might have inserted wrongly, before I can even work out which company to contact. Even then, there's every chance they'll prolong my agony by saying "Contact Microsoft".

It's a mix 'n match world...

https://homerecording.com/bbs/gener...ve-problems-focusrite-scarlett-series-353547/

Just my way of looking at it.

I appreciate all the answers, even if I seem argumentative, when I ask for advice. Rather than if everyone here just said "Yeah, that's great", it pushes me to examine my own decisions a bit closer. You guys have raised some extremely valid points, which I can take with me.

Cheers

Dr. V

 

[ecc83]

"I use Samplitude...my current ProX version has the flash drive dongle...so really, I can install it on 20 computers, and just move the dongle from one to the other. The previous version I also still use is Samplitude 7, and for that there's no dongle, it's just another code/authentication process if I was to move it to a different computer."

Ah! But have you TRIED moving it to another computer? I agree about the dongle system. It has its faults and many detractors but I have Cubase LE6 and it is nice to be able to swop over to my HP i3 laptop on occaision.

I am presently preparing a XP laptop for my son to use in France. I picked it up S/H for £200 and it will serve him very well for his music and internet duties. But, I am trying to put Samplitude Silver on it for him and having THE most frustrating time with "Ralf" at Magix support!
Everytime I fire up Sam S it tells me that an activation code has been emailed to me but it does not appear in my inbox or my son's! Getting Magix to understand this is like swimming thru treacle!

I am strongly considering the purchase of Sam Producer 11.5 but at £149 it is significantly more expensive than its "lite" rivals and I fear greatly for the hassles I might get moving the software when I upgrade my PC! (unless Sam Prod is dongalized?)

Dave.

 

[miroslav]

What product is "Sam S"....?

I agree that MAGIX has some communication skills issues... ....but I've not had any problems with the Samplitude Pro versions 7, 11 and now ProX.
Also, I don't connect my DAWs to the internet, so I always use their off-line activation process for everything, which is a little more work, but doesn't involve that automatic "email-sent" crap. I think I've seen a few other folks mention something about that on the Samplitude forums.

 

[ecc83]

What product is "Sam S"....?

I agree that MAGIX has some communication skills issues... ....but I've not had any problems with the Samplitude Pro versions 7, 11 and now ProX.
Also, I don't connect my DAWs to the internet, so I always use their off-line activation process for everything, which is a little more work, but doesn't involve that automatic "email-sent" crap. I think I've seen a few other folks mention something about that on the Samplitude forums.

Yes but they still have to send an activation code somewhere?

Dave.

 

[miroslav]

It all happens on the web page.
I provide a code that was generated from my installation computer...and a response is generated, instantly.
I then just copy that code over to my DAW where it says "enter repsonse code"...hit OK and it's activated.

I've been doing this with EVERYTHING since my DAWs have always been all off-line.


On another note...at my IT day gig, one depratment was trying to run Adobe In Design installations with a fully automated process while connected to the Internet. It was suppose to download/install/authenticate all in one smooth process.
NOT!
They screwed around with it for days, talking to Adobe Support....yada, yada, yada.

I had them disconnect the installation computers from the network and then do an off-line activation process....worked without a hitch...BUT it takes more steps to do all that "generate codes" stuff and move it back-n-forth from a networked to non-networked computer.

 

[ecc83]

"It all happens on the web page."
I provide a code that was generated from my installation computer...and a response is generated, instantly.
I then just copy that code over to my DAW where it says "enter repsonse code"...hit OK and it's activated.

I've been doing this with EVERYTHING since my DAWs have always been all off-line.


On another note...at my IT day gig, one depratment was trying to run Adobe In Design installations with a fully automated process while connected to the Internet. It was suppose to download/install/authenticate all in one smooth process.
NOT!
They screwed around with it for days, talking to Adobe Support....yada, yada, yada.

I had them disconnect the installation computers from the network and then do an off-line activation process....worked without a hitch...BUT it takes more steps to do all that "generate codes" stuff and move it back-n-forth from a networked to non-networked computer.

Yes but I am stuck at step one "it all happens on the web page" I do not GET a code ON any freaking webpage TO copy over. I mean, I am quite capable of copying it to a stick if I had it, but I don't. But Magix say I do!

Dave.

 

[miroslav]

Mmmmmm...like I said....MAGIX has a communication skills problem....

Have you ever posted your issues on the MAGIX/Samplitude forums...?
I've seen others post authentication problems, and an Admin or Dev will usually step in and help them through it.

 

[ecc83]

Mmmmmm...like I said....MAGIX has a communication skills problem....

Have you ever posted your issues on the MAGIX/Samplitude forums...?
I've seen others post authentication problems, and an Admin or Dev will usually step in and help them through it.

That's an idea but I feel a bit of a cheapskate moaning about something that is free! But that is also a buggering nuisance! Sam Silver is SO good I would gladly give them 20 quid a go for 3 of my computers and if they were to make a 48tracks MIDI/audio version for a nifty I would buy two copies yesterday!

Dave.

 

[Doctor Varney]

Gosh, now it's happened again! Fuckadiddle.

I had sound two hours ago and now... guess what. Again, nothing has been changed, physically. I've checked for registry errors and fixed a couple of things (no idea what they are). Still nothing.

But it's not all bad... at least the cup holder still works... and I have a USB socket to charge up my E-Cigarette.

 

[miroslav]

...sorry man....it's hard not to.

I hate to say it...but your computer issues are really not the norm.
And I also hate to say it...but maybe you need to just buy/use a ready-made computer, maybe that guy just doesn't quite have it all together....?

You shouldn't be in the registry just to get audio to record....I think you have a lemon.

 

[ecc83]

...sorry man....it's hard not to.

I hate to say it...but your computer issues are really not the norm.
And I also hate to say it...but maybe you need to just buy/use a ready-made computer, maybe that guy just doesn't quite have it all together....?

You shouldn't be in the registry just to get audio to record....I think you have a lemon.

Agreed. All I ever do with the Registry is run CCleaner AND save it all! (no idea what to do with what I saved tho' if it all went T's U!) .
A thought occurs.. Go>Control Panel> Audio Devices and Sounds and open up all the boxes looking for a "slider" that has perhaps been slammed to zero. XP did this to the Synth slider, it was a bug. There is no fix I am aware of you just have to be vigilant.

Dave.

 

[JimmyS1969]

...sorry man....it's hard not to.

I hate to say it...but your computer issues are really not the norm.
And I also hate to say it...but maybe you need to just buy/use a ready-made computer, maybe that guy just doesn't quite have it all together....?

You shouldn't be in the registry just to get audio to record....I think you have a lemon.

Umm, yeah. This whole hate over the PC is likely about your poor purchases. Never had an issue myself (knocking on wood), other than stupid things I did myself.

 

[Doctor Varney]

You shouldn't be in the registry just to get audio to record....

^

Agreed. All I ever do with the Registry is run CCleaner

^
Agreed. All I ever do with the Registry is run CCleaner.

hate to say it...but your computer issues are really not the norm.

Describe a computer issue you would regard as 'the norm'. Please?

And I also hate to say it...but maybe you need to just buy/use a ready-made computer, maybe that guy just doesn't quite have it all together....?

Maybe he doesn't. We'll soon see...

...sorry man....it's hard not to.

Well, you either laugh or you cry, don't ya.

Just curious... how long have you worked in IT?

A thought occurs.. Go>Control Panel> Audio Devices and Sounds and open up all the boxes looking for a "slider" that has perhaps been slammed to zero. XP did this to the Synth slider, it was a bug. There is no fix I am aware of you just have to be vigilant.

And thank you for sharing that thought, Dave. I would assume, since I didn't change any settings, that this isn't the case. Even so, I have checked your suggestion again and so we can rule that out. But thanks anyway.

Regards

Dr. V

 

[Doctor Varney]

Okay... so, moving on...

I re-seated the sound card in a different PCI slot (there are two on this board). If I go back to the original PCI slot and it doesn't work... then repeat this with the other slot and it still doesn't work, then this might suggest each PCI slot went out sequentially. The common denominator between these slots, being the card itself. So I'll try another card - and the E-MU card in another machine. So far as I know, it has not caused problems in any other machine it has been in.

If/ when I post back with the results, then if anyone is kind enough to troubleshoot with me, we could take it from there?

Cheers

Dr. V

 

[miroslav]

Just curious... how long have you worked in IT?

About 12 years....in various areas, mostly as front-line support for about a 100 end-users, but I still have to get my hands dirty occasionally setting up a server or something else that's a little deeper from the daily..."I can't print" crap.

Really...that IS my normal IT day....resolving the basic "I can't print" kind of front-line issues, of which honestly, at least 7-out-10 are user issues, and not the PC.
Sure, there's the occasional LCD screen that goes, or a drive that shits the bed....or even a MOBO or two in the last 3-4 years, but for the most part, when they are quality systems to begin with, healthy and set up the right way....they do tend to just run, and run.

Now...your PCI issue (you are talking the older PCI format...and not something else?) could be related to IRQ conflicts. What kind of video card do you have....AGP, PCI...etc? Also, what other cards besides the audio, are in the PCI slots?
Trying to diagnose that via Internet is not a simple thing unless you fully understand what is going on, how it was configured and what the different changes may or may not do....stuff that the guy who set it up for you would/should know, assuming that's the problem.
I've seen PCI cards play "hide-n-seek" due to conflicts with other devices in the system...but once set, they should hold.

Of course...there are multiple levels/layers in a PC, both hardware and software...so once you lose sight of what is going on, and/or get lost in random "let me try this" approaches...you often just keep digging a bigger hole, and it's best to do a clean install...everything...otherwise you can't really tell what each new "let me try this" action is doing relative to everything else you've done. Once you start digging deep, it has to be very methodical and analytical...or it will get worse by your own hand (unintentionally, of course).