PT 11.2.1 occassional playback engine error

[gadden]

Every so often when I open an existing session in Pro Tools, I get a playback engine error saying to increase the h/w buffers (they're at 256k: HD Native) when I playback audio the first time. If I ignore the error and try to play the tracks again (audio, not midi), there is no error from that point on.

Has anyone seen this issue?

It seems minor since it only happens every couple weeks or so. I'm going to keep an eye on it to get a better handle on the details when it happens.

[Chief Technician]

Originally Posted by gadden

Every so often when I open an existing session in Pro Tools, I get a playback engine error saying to increase the h/w buffers

What is the error code?

[gadden]

Thanks for the quick reply. I've reproduced the error.
Here's the specific error message:

“Audio processing could not complete due to convicts with other CPU tasks or a
potential clocking issue. If this occurs often, verify your sync cables or try
changing the HW Buffer Size setting in the Playback Engine dialog. In most
cases, a larger buffer size will prevent the problem. (AAE-9172)”

I do have Firefox and a text editor running at the same time
to work through material for a Pro Tools course I'm taking,
so I wonder if that's the conflict (?).

[Chief Technician]

What happens if you increase the buffer size to 512 samples before playback? It sounds like an initialization issue if it only happens on first playback.

[Park Seward]

I'm getting an error similar to this, AAE-9173 on the PT demo session. Plays fine the first time with low CPU usage but refuses to play a second time. Seems the OP has an error the first time but plays the second time without error.

Pro Tools ran out of CPU power. Try de-activating or removing Native plug-ins. -9173

And when it stops, I get dancing CPU meters with the main meter turning RED.

[Chief Technician]

In either case, does turning on ignore errors (Setup-->Playback Engine) make any difference?

[Park Seward]

Not for me. And increasing buffer size doesn't help either.

[barneykeys]

Hi Folks,
Me too on the 9173 error. Constantly... but I'm on a i7 16gb Windows PC, Pro Tools v11.3.. Certainly can't upgrade to 12 with expectation of same issue and with work piling up this is the first time in my career I'm thinking of other DAWs to check out. I've removed all plugins, left in stock plugins, deleted database/preference, reinstalled Pro Tools, Mbox 3 drivers, et al.
What do we all have going on that might track this down? VI's? I use a bunch. Kontakt Komplete 10, Waves Gold bundle... removed 'em and reloaded because of same issue. Or is this just a PT error and nothin' we can do about it until fixed?


Windows 7
i7 16gb

[Chief Technician]

Do any of you have a support/upgrade plan that you could open a case with Avid about this? Their .dlog files might have the answer, though they are encrypted and can only be read by Avid.

[gadden]

Originally Posted by Chief Technician

Do any of you have a support/upgrade plan that you could open a case with Avid about this? Their .dlog files might have the answer, though they are encrypted and can only be read by Avid.

My support unfortunately expired before the issue occurred.