mrdrennanI know this is a topic of VSTs that is as old as time, but I’m truly stumped and looking for thoughts.
I have a 2021 M1Max MacBook Pro with 64 GB RAM. One of the reasons I forked over the extra cash was because I wanted this machine to be able to handle anything I could throw at it with “live” VST performances. The loading times are incredible; all of my Toontrack libraries are on the local SSD and force cached mode is off. I can load even the largest kits with all articulations in just a couple of seconds; it’s fantastic.
For months I have finally been able to enjoy “real-time” performance with e drums, routinely running my buffer size as low as 32 samples in a host like Gig Performer. I’ve been using the Behringer Wing console as my studio interface. I have had zero complaints since I got the laptop about this time last year.
Suddenly, and without warning, annoying little audio clicks have begun to appear. For reference, most of my testing over the last couple of days has been with the “Cross stick One” preset front the core SD3 library. Nice big open kick with room ambience. I especially notice the clicks when I perform quick double strokes on the kick. I am running into an IConnectivity Mio XM interface through a Pearl Mimic module. The Mimic sounds great but doesn’t compare to SD3 in flexibility and ease of use.
At first I thought it was maybe a USB bus problem. I switched cables. Same. I switched ports. Same. Ran the VST in Studio One, Ableton, Gig Performer. Same, same, same. Then I bypassed the Wing completely. Opened SD3 standalone, monitored through headphones plugged directly into the 1/8” output on the laptop. Same result.
The question is why? Nothing has changed, except maybe a required SD3 update when I bought Hitmaker SDX recently. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or ideas beyond the old “raise your buffer” when my machine has proven over time that it can handle SD3 at 32, or at worst, 64. For information, I’m now hearing clicks up to 256 samples. Other thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
ShootieIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
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2
Thanked by: mrdrennan and Brad
David J CollierYes my thoughts as well. If it’s been performing so well check you not clipping
1
Thanked by: mrdrennanmrdrennanIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
It’s a good thought, and I did make sure that gain staging was all appropriate. Strangely enough, if happens even on the lightest of strokes. I did try switching to some other presets as well. It’s not AWFUL, but enough to diminish the experience.
BradIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
It’s a good thought, and I did make sure that gain staging was all appropriate. Strangely enough, if happens even on the lightest of strokes. I did try switching to some other presets as well. It’s not AWFUL, but enough to diminish the experience.
Are you using another display? If yes, could you try disconnecting it. Just for a test.
Any other software running that also may be using the audio interface? I noticed a few glitches when I had lots going on graphically with Studio One and any virtual instrument.
Can you put your display to sleep and see if it still happens?
Mac Studio M1 Max, RAM 64 GB, 1TB Drive, OSX 12.x/13.x and Windows 10 (VM)
DAW: Studio One Pro (always up to date)
DTX Express III (Extreme triggers), Nektar LX88
OWC Thunderbay Mini (4 X 1TB Sata SSD), Express 4M2 (4 X 2TB M.2 SSD), Envoy Express (1TB M.2 SSD)
Presonus Quantum, Faderport & Faderport 8
Black Lion Sparrow Mk2 A/D, FMR-RNP-RNC, MIDI Xpress 128, BM5A, KRK VXT4, Equator D5
2020 Macbook Pro 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Audio(mobile rig)
mrdrennanIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
It’s a good thought, and I did make sure that gain staging was all appropriate. Strangely enough, if happens even on the lightest of strokes. I did try switching to some other presets as well. It’s not AWFUL, but enough to diminish the experience.
Are you using another display? If yes, could you try disconnecting it. Just for a test.
Any other software running that also may be using the audio interface? I noticed a few glitches when I had lots going on graphically with Studio One and any virtual instrument.
Can you put your display to sleep and see if it still happens?Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: macOS Monterey (12)
Oooh man this really had me intrigued for a second. One thing I did recently change was rearranging my studio and, yes, I am pushing not one, but 2 external monitors. Alas, I disconnected all external displays and even sleep the MacBook display, but the crackle is still there about every 5th or 6th strike. I notice your Mac Sfudio is spec’d very similar to mine; what are your experiences with buffer settings?
BradIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
It’s a good thought, and I did make sure that gain staging was all appropriate. Strangely enough, if happens even on the lightest of strokes. I did try switching to some other presets as well. It’s not AWFUL, but enough to diminish the experience.
Are you using another display? If yes, could you try disconnecting it. Just for a test.
Any other software running that also may be using the audio interface? I noticed a few glitches when I had lots going on graphically with Studio One and any virtual instrument.
Can you put your display to sleep and see if it still happens?Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: macOS Monterey (12)Oooh man this really had me intrigued for a second. One thing I did recently change was rearranging my studio and, yes, I am pushing not one, but 2 external monitors. Alas, I disconnected all external displays and even sleep the MacBook display, but the crackle is still there about every 5th or 6th strike. I notice your Mac Sfudio is spec’d very similar to mine; what are your experiences with buffer settings?
After disconnecting your displays did you reboot the MacBook?
Standalone my buffer in SD3 is at 64. Not a lick of problems. (I’m not Mike Mangini, but I rolled as fast as these old digits will let me)
Studio One buffer is down to 32, with 2 instances of SD3. UVI Falcon, EZBass and a bunch of guitar tracks.
Now I am, using a Personus Quantum (Thunderbolt 2 through an adapter), so the basic rig is quite different.
Can you get a hold of another interface (borrow, beg, steal)….. see if there’s something there?
Do you work with any other VIs? Does the same thing happen?
You are running native and not via Rosetta, yes?
Sorry I don’t have anything really specific to provide. A bit of a head scratcher really. Your rig is more than capable.
Mac Studio M1 Max, RAM 64 GB, 1TB Drive, OSX 12.x/13.x and Windows 10 (VM)
DAW: Studio One Pro (always up to date)
DTX Express III (Extreme triggers), Nektar LX88
OWC Thunderbay Mini (4 X 1TB Sata SSD), Express 4M2 (4 X 2TB M.2 SSD), Envoy Express (1TB M.2 SSD)
Presonus Quantum, Faderport & Faderport 8
Black Lion Sparrow Mk2 A/D, FMR-RNP-RNC, MIDI Xpress 128, BM5A, KRK VXT4, Equator D5
2020 Macbook Pro 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Audio(mobile rig)
BradSorry one more random thought now that I have had my third espresso…. you mentioned rearranging your studio…..
Did you lengthen the distance between your computer and interface, MIDI interface, anything?
Mac Studio M1 Max, RAM 64 GB, 1TB Drive, OSX 12.x/13.x and Windows 10 (VM)
DAW: Studio One Pro (always up to date)
DTX Express III (Extreme triggers), Nektar LX88
OWC Thunderbay Mini (4 X 1TB Sata SSD), Express 4M2 (4 X 2TB M.2 SSD), Envoy Express (1TB M.2 SSD)
Presonus Quantum, Faderport & Faderport 8
Black Lion Sparrow Mk2 A/D, FMR-RNP-RNC, MIDI Xpress 128, BM5A, KRK VXT4, Equator D5
2020 Macbook Pro 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Audio(mobile rig)
mrdrennanSorry one more random thought now that I have had my third espresso…. you mentioned rearranging your studio…..
Did you lengthen the distance between your computer and interface, MIDI interface, anything?
Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: macOS Ventura (13)
No substantial cable runs. I did not restart after disconnecting the displays so I will try that when I return from Super Bowl watching. Thanks for trying to help me work through it…my experience to this point has been much the same as yours…a dream for e-drums!
Steen WaldorfIm not sure if this help, but i had a similar problem on my previous laptop.
My solution was to minimize the Superior Drummer windows while playing,
so the windows desktop was visible. Weird solution, and i never found out why that worked.
Bear-Faced CowHow many devices do you have hooked up to your USB? You might be driving it to the point where CoreAudio just cannot keep up. You might want to consider purchasing the Audio over IP option for your Wing. Using USB for audio is rarely a good choice.
jord
1
Thanked by: BradmrdrennanHow many devices do you have hooked up to your USB? You might be driving it to the point where CoreAudio just cannot keep up. You might want to consider purchasing the Audio over IP option for your Wing. Using USB for audio is rarely a good choice.
jord
Looking into Dante, as that’s what I used on X32. However, I had some troubles with Dante on the M1 Macs, even after they released a compatible version of Dante Virtual Soundcard.
mrdrennanAn elementary thought but try using another set of headphones?
Tried several pairs.
mrdrennanIm not sure if this help, but i had a similar problem on my previous laptop.
My solution was to minimize the Superior Drummer windows while playing,
so the windows desktop was visible. Weird solution, and i never found out why that worked.Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: Windows 11
Tried it but no luck!
mrdrennanIf it only happens on certain presets, have you watched you SD Master Fader for peaking and/or the channel your DAW is on. High dynamic midi will distort a lot of default mixer presets. I turn my plugin master fader down often due to this.
It’s a good thought, and I did make sure that gain staging was all appropriate. Strangely enough, if happens even on the lightest of strokes. I did try switching to some other presets as well. It’s not AWFUL, but enough to diminish the experience.
Are you using another display? If yes, could you try disconnecting it. Just for a test.
Any other software running that also may be using the audio interface? I noticed a few glitches when I had lots going on graphically with Studio One and any virtual instrument.
Can you put your display to sleep and see if it still happens?Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: macOS Monterey (12)Oooh man this really had me intrigued for a second. One thing I did recently change was rearranging my studio and, yes, I am pushing not one, but 2 external monitors. Alas, I disconnected all external displays and even sleep the MacBook display, but the crackle is still there about every 5th or 6th strike. I notice your Mac Sfudio is spec’d very similar to mine; what are your experiences with buffer settings?
After disconnecting your displays did you reboot the MacBook?
Standalone my buffer in SD3 is at 64. Not a lick of problems. (I’m not Mike Mangini, but I rolled as fast as these old digits will let me)
Studio One buffer is down to 32, with 2 instances of SD3. UVI Falcon, EZBass and a bunch of guitar tracks.
Now I am, using a Personus Quantum (Thunderbolt 2 through an adapter), so the basic rig is quite different.
Can you get a hold of another interface (borrow, beg, steal)….. see if there’s something there?
Do you work with any other VIs? Does the same thing happen?
You are running native and not via Rosetta, yes?
Sorry I don’t have anything really specific to provide. A bit of a head scratcher really. Your rig is more than capable.
Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.5
Operating system: macOS Monterey (12)
- This post was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Brad.
Man I’m truly stumped. I’ve recently tried all the fixes suggested here and even went so get as to switch to Dante Virtual Soundcard to bypass the USB bus. I wish I knew what was going on.
*EDIT
it appears to have been a sample rate issue. I knocked my Wing down from 48 to 44 and voila…annoying artifacts gone. Now my question is, aren’t the SD3 samples recorded at 48/24bit? I swear I’ve had my mixer at 48 for months.
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