Topic by Normhart

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  • Normhart
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Topic: Random dropouts

I’m a new user of Pianoteq 6.4.1. Stage and want to upgrade to Studio. But before I do, I need to resolve an intermittent problem I’m experiencing with random cut-outs. I can see the keys registering on the screen keyboard but without any audio. The audio returns by itself a few moments later without my having to do anything. I’m using a Mac Mini I5 (the current version of this Mac) and running a Studiologic SL88 Studio into one of the USB inputs (no hub). The audio portion is going through my Yamaha MODX USB audio interface (this one’s going into a powered hub). I also have problems with hanging (sustaining notes) every now and then -although recently I took that USB connection off of the hub and went direct into the Mac. So far, I haven’t encountered the problem but I haven’t been running it that way for very long. I was also wondering if the long USB cable length I had to use could be the problem (15ft) or maybe even the cable itself might be bad.

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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  • Amen Ptah Ra
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Re: Random dropouts

Any USB cable over nine (9) feet long is problematic, mostly.

Have you tested your setup while using built-in audio, only to locate your problem source or rule out any unlikely?

Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.

Reply by Normhart

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Re: Random dropouts

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Any USB cable over nine (9) feet long is problematic, mostly.

Have you tested your setup while using built-in audio, only to locate your problem source or rule out any unlikely?

I’ll be doing that next. I went ahead and did the upgrade to Standard since I wanted an additional instrument anyway and I found that the tweaking capability makes a significant impact on sound control. I noticed that the midi connection appears to be unaffected (the onscreen keyboard still reflects incoming keystrokes). It’s seeming more and more to be an issue with the audio link I’m using (via the Yamaha MODX’s usb audio connection). So it’s somewhere between the computer and the Yamaha that communication is breaking down. I’m going to swap a new (and shorter - the Mac-Yamaha cable is 10’) and see what happens.

Reply by bassballz

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Re: Random dropouts

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Any USB cable over nine (9) feet long is problematic, mostly.

Have you tested your setup while using built-in audio, only to locate your problem source or rule out any unlikely?


You comment around length of USB cables was the issue for me.  I had sound dropouts using the Studiologic SL88 Studio connected to one of the USB inputs of my MacBook Air to control Mainstage.  Once I changed the USB cable to a much shorter one, the dropouts issue disappeared.  I also placed a 3 feet USB cable between the Radial Key Largo which I use as my keys mixer and the MacBook Air.

Thank you for this.

Last edited by bassballz (10-09-2023 05:31)

Reply by Key Fumbler

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Re: Random dropouts

Powered hub and 3 metre USB cables here working fine.

Swapping out faulty or iffy cables is a no brainer though. I keep a few cheap cables spare.

Intermittent issues with slightly bent (difficult to diagnose) cable issues can be a pain.

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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Re: Random dropouts

bassballz wrote:
Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Any USB cable over nine (9) feet long is problematic, mostly.

Have you tested your setup while using built-in audio, only to locate your problem source or rule out any unlikely?


You comment around length of USB cables was the issue for me.  I had sound dropouts using the Studiologic SL88 Studio connected to one of the USB inputs of my MacBook Air to control Mainstage.  Once I changed the USB cable to a much shorter one, the dropouts issue disappeared.  I also placed a 3 feet USB cable between the Radial Key Largo which I use as my keys mixer and the MacBook Air.

Thank you for this.

I’m just glad I could sometimes help  —any (musician) out of a problem!

Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.