Constant buffer errors during ADR recording

[Ryan Young]

Hi everyone, I did a few searches and found some issues similar to mine, but I figured I'd explain exactly what's happening with me.

I'm running Pro Tools 7.4 on a MacBook Pro (2.14 ghz 3 gb ram) with a 003 console. We are also using the Canopus ADVC110

I'm doing ADR recording and CONSTANTLY having it bug out and stop mid-recording (buffer error). The clients are getting very frustrated at this point. I've tried every combination of buffer sizes but the higher it gets, the more latency there is through the headphone... regardless, it still stops all the time.

I found some information about why NOT to use a fw400 and a fw800 drive with a macbook pro, due to it sharing the same fw bus. I did notice that if I had 2 external hard drives plugged in (piggy backed fw800), the errors would be more frequent. When I just used 1 external drive, it would still happen but not nearly as much.

It dawned on me today that using a fw800 drive and the Canopus through the fw400 could be causing the issue? I mean, that can't really be it, can it? How does everyone else use a Canopus box in sessions without it stopping during recording? Should I plug the hard drive in through fw400, and piggy back the 003 and the Canopus off of that?

I'm a little frazzled at the moment, so I know I'm probably leaving out a TON of details. Has anyone else experienced something like this? If anyone wants to know more about my setup or has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it VERY much. Thank you.

[hummerZ]

get an express card with firewire ports. spread out the load a bit.

[TVPostSound]

Why not just run video out of a second LCD through the DVI out???

[Ryan Young]

Thanks so much for the replies. I knew I forgot an important detail...

I'm already using the DVI port for a second monitor, as the main monitor with the edit window. The laptop monitor has the mix window and memory locations, etc... We're using the canopus to display the video because we're also using a distribution amplifier and splitting the video signal over 2+ screens.

If I were to get an express card with firewire ports, should I plug the hard drive(s) into that and the 003/canopus on the side of the macbook pro? Or, would it be better the other way around? I'm assuming that it's just a firewire bus overload now? What would you recommend would be the best setup in a situation like this? Again, thanks so much for the help and advice!

[TVPostSound]

Cant help you with the Canopus issue, I've beaten that horse to death.

Forgo the mix window, use the MBP window for the edit window, use this to split the DVI for QT picture.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

Use their DVI cables, good for 50ft.

Do you really need the mix window during ADR, I never use it.

Sorry this is not what you want to hear, but you cant skimp with ADR, when actors are involved.

[DigiTechSupt]

If you want to keep your current config, I'd suggest the firewire expresscard as well. While we don't officially support it, myself and other customers seem to be working with one without problems. I use the SIIG 2 port FW400.

If you get the card, you should connect everything in one of two ways:

1. Canopus to the card, 003 and drives to the computer. DO NOT mix FW400 and 800. Use FW400 drives and just chain them between the computer and the 003.
2. Canopus to the computer, 003 and drives to the card - same rules apply.

[Ryan Young]

All of your help is much appreciated! I'll probably go the express card route. I'll run a couple of test sessions and if all else fails I'll go with what you had suggested DIAFXMX. I'll post a reply once I have results, just incase some other poor sap experiences something similar. Have a great weekend everyone!

[audiogeek1]

Also have you thought about running your drives off of USB 2.0. I run a Mojo SD and a 003 R. The Mojo gets the main Firewire bus and the 003 R gets the Express card. My drives are then connected to USB 2.0 via a hub. Works fine for me. Occasionally get errors but works.

Mike

[DigiTechSupt]

Originally Posted by audiogeek1

Also have you thought about running your drives off of USB 2.0. I run a Mojo SD and a 003 R. The Mojo gets the main Firewire bus and the 003 R gets the Express card. My drives are then connected to USB 2.0 via a hub. Works fine for me. Occasionally get errors but works.

Mike

USB drives are definitely not supported for use with Pro Tools.

While they work for a few people, the vast majority will experience serious problems with them.

I say - avoid at all costs.

[Ryan Young]

Got the SIIG 2 port FW400 for the MacBook Pro. Plugged the drives into the express card, 003/canopus into the side of the computer. I didn't have a single error during the whole last session! (well, Pro Tools DID unexpectedly quit once but I have no idea why)...

Thanks everyone for your help! Now I can worry about the things I should worry about. Have another great weekend!