Pro Tools 8.0.5 and 002 Pops & Clicks

[SuprSpy79]

Hey Guys,

So I have a 002 that I am running on windows XP pro sp3. I am running on a Dell Precision M2300 (Core 2 Duo, 3GB Ram) which according to the following article has been tested and approved.

http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/e...n&DocType=1083

I get random pops and clicks on all inputs (even adat optical). I have the AI3 so there is no clock, it is set to internal. You can hear it when monitoring the inputs, I don't even have to record to hear it so I know it is not the drive im recording to. This was a fresh install done today, no plugins are loaded with it. I previously had the same symptoms on a latitude e6520, so i got this other laptop to make sure it was approved. The only caviat I see is that it is a tier 3, meaning it requires something extra, so I followed all the guides and settings (optimization guides etc). The only thing I can think if is maybe I need an add on firewire card? but I think they share the same bus so not sure that would help or not. I know dell uses the generic 1394 drivers.

I know this seems to be a widespread issue, not sure if its my version of PT or if its my 002 (I hope not)

Thanks in advance.

EDIT:
I do not notice the clicks and pops in stand alone mode

[albee1952]

You have to set the clock correctly. Assuming only a lightpipe coming IN via the ADAT input, you must set clock source to Optical. If you feed lightpipe OUT from the 002, back to the AI3, then you could run Pro Tools on internal clock and set the AI3 for external.

[SuprSpy79]

Hmm well there is no clock on the AI3, it is purely for just the inputs to get 8 extra into the 002. The only two clock options I have are ADAT and Internal, if I select ADAT and create a new session I get an invalid clock error and reverts to internal.

One interesting thing to note. I have optical out from the AI3 to the 002 optical in, then optical out of the 002 to the optical in of the AI3. If I enable record and any of the optical inputs and remove the 002 optical output I get tons of clicks pops and static, is that normal?

Also would a bad AI3 or optical cable cause clicks and pops on the 002 inputs 1-8?

EDIT:
Ok I just read the AI3, apparently when both optical cables are plugged in the AI3 defaults to slave mode. If I take the AI3 output into the 003 input and and dont use the other cable, it will default to master mode. Which is prob why I get that awful noise and popping. So while its in that mode I would have to select ADAT as the master.

So now I wonder if the 002 clock or optical port is messed up causing some of the pops when it is in master. Guess I should a) try and disconnect both optical cables and see if it pops. Then try using the ADAT as a master with a single cable connected.

EDIT 2:
So I ran some tests. If i unplug all optical cables and set to adat, then only insert the out of the ai3 into the 003 that annoying crackle goes away. However I still get the pops and clicks when monitoring live inputs. I also tried removing all optical cables, set clock internal, and still getting clicks and pops on the 002 inputs. This is driving me batty, its gotta be the 002 or the firewire port right?

[albee1952]

Assuming you have(in Hardware Setup) Optical=ADAT, then, use ADAT as the clock source. A bad lightpipe, or either end not seated correctly will cause problems too(those little plastic connectors are pretty crappy). Clicks and pops will always result if the clocking is not done correctly(just the nature of digital audio and not a fault specific to Digi/Avid. Keep in mind that the lightpipe is only good for 44.1 and 48K, so if you are trying to use it at 88.2 or 96K, then its not going to work. If the 002 works fine by itself, then don't worry about the firewire port as its likely fine.

[SuprSpy79]

I am going to try a new light pipe and firewire cable. I set adat clock and it still popping, going to try a 44.1 session, was using 48k

[SuprSpy79]

FYI - I tried cubase and have the same issue, was just curious. Tried a different version of the ASIO driver too. Guess its back to cabling. Still dont think thats the case though, the internal clock should work without optical connected but it doesnt.

[Darryl Ramm]

Trying Cuebase was likely a waste of time. The likely problem is device clocking.

There most certainly is clocking supported on the AI3, it would be a pretty inflexible device without this; it supports clocking into and out of the AI3 over ADAT. If you have a digital input connected to the AI3 from the 002 output, then the AI3 will try to clock from that and your 003 needs to be set to internal clock, and the 003 optical output format set to ADAT.

If you want to clock from the AI3 then disconnect any optical input cable from the AI3 and set the 002 to external clock. Is the ADAT sync LED illuminated on the 002 (does it even have that LED like a 003? Edit: I guess not, but what are the sample rate LEDs doing on the front panel, are they blinking?)?

Checking cables is a good idea as suggested already.

Please try to describe exactly and clearly what your are doing, what exact cables are connected between what ports etc. and for example I have no idea what is meant by "I set ADAT clock".

48kHz should be the correct sample rate. That is what the AI3 runs at.

In your Pro Tools session what exactly does Setup>Session show in the Format pane?

Darryl

[SuprSpy79]

Hey Darryl, thanks for the reply.

Lets rewind a bit. On my 002 I took out both optical cables and set PT to internal clock. If I record on any of the inputs I get random pops. Playing back those recordings pop in the same spot consistently that they recorded on. Playing back session I did on my old 001 rig however, play back with no noticeable pops.

[SuprSpy79]

Just wanted to update with some info on my firewire setup. Not sure if this has an adverse affect but I have a standard fire wire cable with one of these on the end that goes into the laptop

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812196968

Dell has the built in 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller so I was considering getting one of these to try and see if it resolved the issue

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16839328006
has TI Chipset, but they have a restock fee and I would have to wait

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26...&skuId=8909657
has LSI fw643 chipset which I read on other threads works well, and I can prob go to store to pickup and atleast get store credit on a return.

Just some thoughts, thanks again

[SuprSpy79]

UPDATE:
Spoke with Dell and they confirmed the FW port is on the USB bus, so I assume that might have something to do with my issue, they recommended getting the FW800 ExpressCard