Sequel 2 / TASCAM US-144 -- stutters, crackles and overloads

[UpTheIronz]

Greetings. First time poster.

I posted something similar in the Sequel forums and was referred here. Here's my problem -- would love any guidance you can offer. (I'm a complete beginner at all this.)

I can't get any playback in Sequel 2 without massive crackles, clicks, stutters and pops, no matter how much I alter the "audio connection" setup information and buffer size. In addition, Sequel seems to crash a lot. It also tends to "boot" my TASCAM US-144, requring me to plug the TASCAM USB cord in and out to record and/or to get playback.

Here's my setup:

• I own a brand-new Dell XPS 420, w/Intel QuadCore Q6600, 2.40 GHZ
• Memory is 4 GB of DDR2 SDRAM at 667 MHZ.
• Sound card is 7.1 channel integrated audio.
• OS is Vista Premium, 32 bit. (I know, I know.)
• I record through a TASCAM US-144.
• My available drivers are:

• ASIO Direct X Full-Duplex Driver
• Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver
• US-144 Driver (currently selected, since I'd like playback to come through my TASCAM headphones)

I think I've tried everything to make the software work, including:

• Setting my processor scheduling to "background services."
  
• Ensuring that when I record, I'm not coming close to clipping. Not on the TASCAM, and not in Sequel 2.
  
• Installing all the latest drivers, firmware and software updates. (For both Sequel and my TASCAM US-144.)
  
• Trying the ASIO DirectX driver for output and setting the buffer size as low as 512 and as high as 2048. Doesn't help.
  
• Trying the Generic Low Latency driver for output and setting the slider from low latency to high latency. Doesn't help.
  
• Trying the US-144 driver for output and setting the latency from "lowest" all the way up to "highest". Doesn't help.

I want to reiterate that this computer is brand new; this is not a defragmentation error. I bought it and the software specifically to record music, back in September. It's now December and I still can't get it to work correctly.

When I play normal audio through this computer, I have no problems. (E.g., through Windows Media Player.)

If providing advice, please note that I am a real novice about computers and I have Windows Vista...which I know comes with built-in headaches. I also say this because I've reviewed other posts and some of the information doesn't translate well. (For example, I've read "Go to Control Panel, Sounds and Audio Devices. Well, in Vista, it only says "Sounds" and subsquent advice to "split the Windows playback from the ASIO playback" doesn't make sense to me because no such options exist in Vista.)

When I bought my computer from Dell and when I went to Guitar Center I said the same thing: I want to record simple music and I don't want to be spending time computer programming to make everything work. Please get me a simple system and simple software to use. Everything I tried to avoid has happened.

Please help. I'm at my wits end. I don't know where the problem lies. Is it my computer? Windows Vista? The Tascam? The drivers? Or is it a software issue -- Sequel 2 just doesn't work?

I appreciate any advice -- simply written for my novice brian -- that you can provide.

- Ironz

[Electriclight]

The fact that your Tascam "Boots" leads me to believe it is NOT the Sequel2.

It seems more like a USB issue. Be sure to disable any type of "power saver" options, especially concerning USB.

Also disable any sound schemes on the computer (you know, bells and whistles when things are selected or clicked, the standard windows sound scheme). Sometimes when the onboard soundcard wants to make windows noises it conflicts with your audio interface. If you don't need it, the best option would be to totally disable your onboard soundcard.

USB problems are annoying. I would probably uninstall the Tascam drivers in Device Manager and then reinstall them. IN fact, while I was at it, I woul dtry a different USB port. Incredibly, the rear ports often have a more stable power sourcing.

[theopacalypse]

i am facing the same problems with my tascam 144

[mbanai71]

I am also facing the same problems with my Tascam US-144. Nasty cracks and stutters...not really sure what's going on.

[Electriclight]

9 times out of 10, stutters, crackles and overloads comes from buffer settings and latency settings that are too low. Experiment with those.

[desertraven]

Hi

I'm Stef and I recognise your problems with setting up a homestudio. I have a Macpro 8-core + 6 Gb intern, Tascam 144, Cubase 5, Axiom-25... and hoped to just get started with recording a bit. It should be so easy you read everywhere. But money can't buy me love..

The sound was terrible... just like you wrote. How much more money do I have to spend to get a basic setup? I have still some motivation left and wander on internet in hope for help...

stefraven@me.com

[garww]

Why would you think a dumb device is making these noises ? It will only convert to audio what is sent to it. If the system sends a crack, pople and fizz, that's what will be made into audio.

[desertraven]

Well.. I think you're right here allthough your answer is not much of a help for a desperate beginner. If I understand your message I should put my brains to zero and relax... but what about the uncountable settingpossibilties?

I played a bit with the settings.. couldn't find an instruction for a setup of Cubase 5 in combination with the Tascam 144.. so I just tried.

Probably more important: I took an other usb-cable!. Some how it worked... so now I can start learning the program.

I was warned that it is hard to pass by the setup of a hoemstudio... and yes the advice on the web is very NOT understandable for beginners. But the real fighters go on and finally get their reward.

[garww]

Well, it's like a TV set. Don't blame the TV because it's getting a crap signal. Is that some sort of a mental stretch ?? : )

I blame it on the MEME that has developed in soundcard chit-chat. A new user is conditioned to think it's a sound card problem. So, don't blame yourself, but rather it's this self-sustaining myth in cyberworld.

It is quite interesting about the cable !!! Good show !! I will keep that in mind.