MIDI sync/timing issues during recording

[solutionsagent]

Hello everyone,

I have a problem when recording the access virus TI snow into my pro tools setup. First let me explain what I've done to try to correct the timing issue and define the problem the best I can.

On the current PC I am using, I have reformatted the hard drive, installed only the most basic of drivers and software and tried different usb cables as well as midi cables themselves. I ensure no hubs of any kind are used and usb devices are at the minimun.

The PC I am running vista 32 on a q6600 processor (intel 2.4 quad core) p35 motherboard (intel), 4gb ram, and two 7200 hdds. New, it shouldn't have any problems.

The gear I am running:

PC: Vista Ultimate 32bit
Pro Tools LE 7.4 with Digi002 interface
Novation ReMOTE 37SL (MIDI Controller) connected via USB (but tested with MIDI cable to Digi002 MIDI input as well)
I'm also connected to VIRUS TI SNOW with newest drivers and softare which works just fine including virus control (tested/troubleshooted with different and shorter usb cables as well)
Lastly, I run Reason 4.0 for some piano samples, and occasionally Native Instruments Battery 3 for drums.

I'm aware of latency and playing with buffer sizes. I've kept the default buffer sizes as well as changed them. Reason and Battery record and quantize pretty accurately, but the Virus TI running through Virus Control and USB audio just seems to choke. When it does a little 'SE' is displayed on the LCD of the Virus. Does anyone know what this means? I couldn't seem to find any reference of it anywhere. It's in the lower right corner of the Virus LCD, replacing the 'note' symbol which indicates MIDI triggering the device.

Anyway whenever I record or play back it seems the 'SE' symbol is listed and it seems to affect the modulation and timing of the Virus sound!

As an electronic music, timing is important to me. I know protools won't be as accurate as the sequencer on a harware synthesizer, but this is completely unplayable! I'm as accurate as it gets on slower 80 and 94 bpm tempos, and the virus notes still slip WAY off the quantize grid... and sometimes pitch/modulation seems to change when it does this (and displays the 'se').

Please if anyone has any insights let me know. I can record a Reason track at 132 bpm and most of it slips right into the correct quantize pockets.

Any MIDI experts out there able to help me? Thank you very much.

[psy604]

currently have no clue were i put that manual

... but i would assume that SE is an abbreviation for System Exclusive (SysEx messages).

[niperooney]

I'm by no means an expert, having been infekted for only 2 days! but i had a major problem with latency and I solved it accidently by changing the outputs of each patch in Virus control under the 'Common' tab. When recording I used 'Out1 L+R' and when playing back I used 'USB1 L+R'.

No idea if this helps you at all as I'm using Logic 7, not pro-tools, but you never know your luck in a raffle.....

Jules

[Ronkaz]

Originally Posted by niperooney

I'm by no means an expert, having been infekted for only 2 days! but i had a major problem with latency and I solved it accidently by changing the outputs of each patch in Virus control under the 'Common' tab. When recording I used 'Out1 L+R' and when playing back I used 'USB1 L+R'.

No idea if this helps you at all as I'm using Logic 7, not pro-tools, but you never know your luck in a raffle.....

Jules

read the manual and addendum, topics are "Live mode" and "Direct Monitoring".

r

[niperooney]

Originally Posted by Ronkaz

read the manual and addendum, topics are "Live mode" and "Direct Monitoring".

r

All in good time - way too busy at the moment trying out all the sounds.