Pro Tools FREE

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Vvildcard

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I got Pro Tools FREE last night and I've run into a problem that is making it unbearable. When I first open the program the playback is crystal clear. But after about 5 minutes (sometimes less) it starts cracking and becomes extremely low quality.. almost like running it through a very scratched record. As far as I can tell, my computer should be more than enough to handle the simple editing.

My computer is a Gateway 1gHz, 512 RAM, Soundblaster Live 5.1 PCI card (I recently re-installed my drivers). I have tried Ctrl + Alt + Del'ing all the background stuff and it doesn't make a difference. The only thing that cleans up the sound is closing the project (not the whole Pro Tools program, just the project) and re-open it. Then I'm back at perfect quality for 5 more minutes.

I know it's not much of a system, but I'm not asking it to do a whole lot, as far as I can tell. I have certainly pushed it harder in the past without abnormal results.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
Exact same thing happens to me at one of my jobs. Try increasing the buffer size to its maximum potential, and if that doesn't help I have no idea what to suggest, because your computer looks good enough to handle it. I have noticed Pro Tools Free is a little wonky on PC's, I have never had a problem with it on a Mac though.
 
He has to run Win 98 in order to get Pro Tools free to work....digidesign isn't letting XP use the free version. And Win ME's just got problems in general with everything. I'd say raise the buffer settings just like dmikulinski suggested. Some of the problem might also have to do with the 1GHz processor you have depending on how much processing you're wanting Pro Tools to do. I have a 1.06GHz on my home computer and I've tried to do some plug in effects in Nuendo on about 12 or 13 tracks and got the same problems with stuttering and clicks. Good luck
 
Digi recommends using 48kHz with SB cards, as that is their natural sample rate. At other sample rates there can be problems. Also, it's free, and not the greatest app in the world. Pro Tools LE is rock-solid, but Free is not a good advertisement for it.
 
if you get fed up - magix (based on samlitude) just announced
magix music studio 2005 for 80 bucks. i have the earlier version which i love.
harmonycentral.com has the write up.
too many features for me to list here including 64 audio tracks and unlimited midi tracks if i remember, a slew of fx and synths/drums built in blah blah.
 
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