Topic by TJ76

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Topic: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

Hi there!

The newbie comes along with more questions...

I frequently practice Combo-Jazz with Playalongs. But when Pianoteq is active on my computer I cant use media-players (VLC, AIMP, ITunes). Somehow Pianoteq seems to claim exclusive use of the soundcard. Is that as it should be? How can I enable simultaneous use of PT and media-players? Will the use of a VST-host be a solution?

And one further question: What is the advantage of running Pianoteq with a VST-host over stand-alone use?

Thanks in advance! Cheers

TJ76

Reply by skip

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Re: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

Some audio interfaces do in fact allow both Pianoteq (using ASIO) and general non-ASIO Windows applications to run simultaneously. I have two that allow this, both made by M-Audio - the PCI-based Delta 66 (ancient), and the USB-based Fast Track Ultra. (a bit old - not made any more I don't think, but there are others in the series)  I can NOT do it using the inbuilt audio interface of my laptop, using the ASIO4ALL driver, and it annoys me.

Yes, running Pianoteq in a VST-host would solve the problem. Of course, you'd also have to import the backing track into the VST host as well.

This is academic, but if you were to use DirectX (instead of ASIO) in Pianoteq, I suspect that would also "solve" the problem, however there would then be unacceptable latency (delay between key press to sound), so it's not really a solution.

Greg.
P.S I am assuming in the above that you are using a Windows-based computer.

Last edited by skip (13-05-2013 09:46)

Reply by TJ76

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Re: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

Thanks skip!

I've just ordered an interface that comes with a VST-host-Suite (focusrite scarlet 2i4) so i'll check if it allows simultaneous use of PT and Media-Players. If not I'll use the host (hope the VST-Suite is a proper one) to run my beloved jamey aebersold playalongs.

Thanks for your advice.

TJ76

Reply by skip

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Re: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

Good luck and let us know whether the Focusrite has this feature......

Greg.

Reply by TJ76

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Re: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

TJ76 wrote:

I've just ordered an interface that comes with a VST-host-Suite (focusrite scarlet 2i4) so i'll check if it allows simultaneous use of PT and Media-Players. If not I'll use the host (hope the VST-Suite is a proper one) to run my beloved jamey aebersold playalongs.

Update: Got the focusrite scarlet 2i4 yesterday. Unpack, download drivers (Win7), install, plug: WORKS !
Good one! I haven't checked the Plug-In-Suite yet because the Media-Players that I use for playalongs run perfectly along with them focusrite USB-audio drivers!

Short review of the interface:
- Looks nice
- Feels solid
- Easy setup (ca. 30 minutes from unpacking to playing)
- So far no troubles with driver stability or compatibility on Win7
- lowest latency achievable with my (Dual Core 1.8 GHz) laptop: 5.7 ms
- God sound (surely better but no dramatic difference compared to headphones plugged directly to laptop)
- Sufficient headphone-output power, I do get way enough volume on my 250 Ohm phones

Summary: Good and easy-to-use interface

Reply by skip

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Re: Problem: Can't run playalongs on Media-Players simultaneously with PT

Nice one! Thanks for reporting back....

Greg.