PCI 424 Crackles and Pops [RESOLVED]

[lhkmusic]

following on from this thread - http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... =2&t=41623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I received my new card but now playback of any audio I get crackling noises, this happens even in itunes and on all outputs.I have tested all buffer setting in Logic and also each PCI slot and each audiowire slots on the card but the crackles still persist. Clock source is set to PCI internal. The problem can't be the Audiowire as that worked perfectly with a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 that I borrowed whilst I was without my card.

I've uninstalled a few times now, repaired permissions/zapped pram etc and still no dice, starting to think I got a dodgy replacement.

Could this be caused by having other audio drivers installed on the mac ie the Saffire ?

Any pointers would be great.

Thanks

Liam.

System is -

Early 2005 Dual 2.0 G5
4GB RAM, PCI 424
Motu 2408 Mk1
Mac OS 10.5.8

[lhkmusic]

Quick update -

After much head scratching I've now managed to find out that the crackles and pops are only on the left analog output channel and this is on all analog outputs and also the headphones. Also If I realtime bounce in Logic even though I can hear the clicks they aren't rendered to the resulting audio file.

I also tested with my old boot drive which I know worked fine with the 2408 previously so i'm pretty sure it's not something on my newer system.

I'm thinking it's either the new card or the 2408 interface which I'm going to test at a studio tomorrow that has a PCI 424, 24 1/O based system.

Music Track who replaced the card suggested I do the tests before shipping the card/interface to them.

[lhkmusic]

Update -

I found someone with exactly the same problem here -

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... s+and+pops" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and here's a video of my system doing the same thing -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMz3Nk6XY-k" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Did I get a bad card ?

System is -

Early 2005 Dual 2.0 G5
4GB RAM, PCI 424
Motu 2408 Mk1
Mac OS 10.5.8

[cornellb]

Hey -

I got my card about 3 months ago, and I'm having the exact same problem with the clicks and pops. The Channel 3 LED on the output of my 2408 mk3 is blinking in sync with the clicks and pops. I only use Channel 1 & 2 as Analog out. I also hear the clicks on both the left and right channel.

Doesn't matter whether I run a DP project, or play back an audio file with Quick Time Player or even with the "quick look" function in the finder.

Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not, and the channels stay clean.

[lhkmusic]

The card is going back today to be swapped, so hopefully I get one that works..

btw try the other ports on the card, mine only works fine on port 3, the others just crackle constantly.

[buzzsmith]

The card is going back today to be swapped, so hopefully I get one that works..

btw try the other ports on the card, mine only works fine on port 3, the others just crackle constantly.

Probably won't help since it appears you've done all of the diagnostics, but occasionally I'll get a crackle and my fix is just to go to Configure Hardware Driver, change something and then change it back. Crackles are gone.

FWIW...

Buzzy

[lhkmusic]

Well the card is back with Music Track now and they are going to test it.

Basically what is happening is the pops/clicks are on the left channel only but also outputted on the next channel. So say I'm outputting 1/2 you can hear the pops on channel 3. Even if I disable those outputs it still does it. If I change to 3/4 it outputs the pops/clicks on 5 and so on .

Just waiting on hearing back from Music Track now, will update later.

*edit - Just wanted to say I tried a different audio cable and still no cigar, also ports 1,2,4 on the card all produce pops, the only one that works fine is port 3, which suggests to me the card is faulty no ?

[cornellb]

...I've also posted a tech link to MOTU yesterday. I'll give feedback when they reply.

I've also tried messing around with the Hardware Driver settings but no luck. At one point I even figured that it might be the clock of the digital out/in of the built in sound card inside the Mac that's conflicting with the PCI card's clock. But changing the clock settings of the Mac sound card doesn't seem to make any difference.

[lhkmusic]

Update -

Heard from Music Track earlier and while they couldn't find a fault they are replacing the card as a 'precaution'.

Not sure what to make of that tbh.

Anyway should I put 'Resolved' in the post title because it hasn't really has it ?

@cornellb

Let us know what response you get to your Motu Tech Link mate.

Cheers

Liam.

[cornellb]

@cornellb

Let us know what response you get to your Motu Tech Link mate.

Hey Liam,

The guy at MOTU wrote:

"Have you tested different cables to connect your 2408mk3 to the PCI-424? As a further test, try running the 2408mk3 in standalone mode (disconnected from PCI-424).

The interface will continue to function as a converter. This will allow you to run live input to the analog section and test the patch through on the unit itself. Does this function properly?"

I don't get any clicks in standalone mode, but swapping the cable made no difference - the clicks are still there. Anyway, I'll report this back to MOTU.

Anyway should I put 'Resolved' in the post title because it hasn't really has it ?

@cornellb

I think... maybe you should put "Resolved" after you've received your new card and after you've made sure it works fine. Besides, this is after-all your thread, and if your problem is solved I guess you should indicate it.

I'll continue to sit on MOTU for answers and maybe open up a new thread if necessary to post any feedback.

[lhkmusic]

Update -

Replacement card arrived today, just had a few hours with it in the studio and I have no clicks or pops finally. On the documentation that came with it Music Track are saying there was no problem found after 2 hours + testing in a PC which I find a bit weird. But I would like to praise them for quickly replacing the card anyway.

@cornellb

I'm going to leave the thread open (if that's ok with the Mods?) until you're problem is fixed, but I'm pretty sure that your card is dodgy too.

Thanks

Liam.

[cornellb]

@cornellb

I'm going to leave the thread open (if that's ok with the Mods?) until you're problem is fixed, but I'm pretty sure that your card is dodgy too.

Thanks Liam, glad to hear your card issues are sorted out!

I'm busy testing the card with the help of a tech guy at MOTU. Not sure what the outcome of all this is going to be yet. I'll post an update here as soon as I have some more answers. I somehow have a feeling that you're right about my card being dodgy.

[lhkmusic]

@cornellb

Do what I did mate, point em to this thread and maybe even do a video of the problem in action, seemed to really speed them up.

[cornellb]

Do what I did mate, point em to this thread and maybe even do a video of the problem in action, seemed to really speed them up.

thanks Liam - yeah maybe I'll do that. Actually, the tech guy at MOTU thinks the card may be faulty, and they want me to return it.

In the mean time I have downloaded MAC OS 10.6.4 and the clicks are gone. Apparently the OS upgrade fixes a bug related to fire wire sound cards/audio devices. I will however keep my eyes and ears open for any strange behavior from the hardware. I have a major movie project coming up, so I will be putting the card through its paces.

Anyway Liam, if you want to you can close this thread? The problem with the clicks is a hardware problem with the card itself, and needs to be sorted out by MOTU or a qualified technician or something...

I take it that your new card is working fine?

[lhkmusic]

yes mate my new card is working fine...