Sporadic popping sounds from SD3

[Rich B]

I’ve had these nagging sporadic pops coming through my headphones and monitor speakers that lowering the volume doesn’t get rid of. I know there’s an easy fix but I cannot figure it out. I’m using Presonus Pro-5 DAW, have tried different monitor speakers, as well as different headphones. I don’t have this issue with other instruments, my midi controller or when using mics……..this only persists when using Toontrack software.

The kick and toms are the culprits (that I can tell). Is it an ‘in’ volume vs ‘out’ volume issue? I’ve tried compression, EQ, limiting……gasping at straws basically. Any help or advice is much appreciated.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.2.4
Operating system: Windows 10

Topic

[Scott]

Maybe you’re using a lower audio buffer size than your computer can run effectively? What is your buffer set to? Does raising the buffer help?

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Rich B]

I looked that up for Windows 10 I couldn’t find an exact definition but can confirm my computer audio volume is at 85% and the device is set to 48000 hz which matches my DAW (48.0 mHz). Does this not answer properly? This is a DAW dedicated computer so all other settings are set for performance (windows sounds off, it’s in airplane mode except when looking for updates or downloads).

[Scott]

This would be a DAW setting. Similar to the screenshot below. Studio One may call it block size or some DAWs call it buffer size.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Rich B]

Device = StudioLive Series III

Device Block size = 256

Sample Rate = 48.0 kHz

Input Latency = 9.83 ms / 472 samples

Output latency = 5.33 ms / 256 samples

[Scott]

You get the clicks when running S3 in Standalone and in DAW or just in DAW? Do the clicks stop if you raise the buffer higher than 256?

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Rich B]

It got worse when I went from 256 to 512 and from 256 to 128. I changed the frame rate from 25 fps to 24 fps (the lowest possible in my system) and reverted back to 256. This poses the least amount of popping but it’s still very much there. Instead of every measure popping comes in about every other measure or every 3rd measure.

[Scott]

Fps (frames per second) shouldn’t make a difference as it refers to sync with video.

What is the highest setting you can go with your buffer? 1024? 2048? Try the highest setting.

Also, can you try and use the S3 standalone (not in your DAW) and confirm that the issue is there or not?

Does this happen with every kit and/or preset or just some?

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Rich B]

YEAH!!!!!!! So the issue actually existed with SD3, EZbass and EZkeys but only within the DAW. Outside of the DAW each program on it’s own is ok. However, when I build a drum line (for example) outside of the DAW then drag and drop into the DAW the same problem exists.

Success…….I changed the sample size up (512) within the Toontrack software and the problem when away :). I was changing it within the DAW only. The sample size within the DAW is set to 256 and all is good.

Thanks for talking through this with me.

[Scott]

Rich B wrote:

YEAH!!!!!!! So the issue actually existed with SD3, EZbass and EZkeys but only within the DAW. Outside of the DAW each program on it’s own is ok. However, when I build a drum line (for example) outside of the DAW then drag and drop into the DAW the same problem exists.

Success…….I changed the sample size up (512) within the Toontrack software and the problem when away :). I was changing it within the DAW only. The sample size within the DAW is set to 256 and all is good.

Thanks for talking through this with me.

You shouldn’t have the standalone and DAW versions of S3/EZD2/EZkeys/EZbass open at the same time. The standalone versions are when not using a DAW (say edrum or just playing with a keyboard). When using in a DAW, load the plugin version only in the DAW.

So, latency settings in the Standalone versions only when not with your DAW open. Then, if you want to use them in your DAW, the DAW settings will be used.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Rich B]

I never opened them at the same time. In fact, I almost never use SD3 outside of the DAW. I just happened to open it up when I fired up my system today and saw ‘Audio/MIDI Setup’ under Settings for the first time. That option does not exist when opening it up within the DAW. Changing it within the SD3 system (on EZbass and EZkeys too) made the difference within the DAW. The DAW was closed when I opened the EZ’s. The EZ’s were closed when the DAW was running.

I set each EZ program to 1024 and have my DAW at 256. I just know that did the trick on my system.

[Author]

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