Problem with PT LE 7.4 URGENT PLEASE!

[JoeLouis]

I have a real problem trying to work with Pro Tools LE 7.4/MBox 2 Pro.
I sent the message below to Digidesign Tech Support a week ago, but, although they say that they will answer in three days or less, I'm still waiting . (Besides, it's a really nightmare to find where to write a message to them in the Digi site).

"When I play any session, different error messages appears. Sometimes one, then other:
- "The audio device underflowed..."
- "The operating system held off interrupts for too long...(-6086)"
- "Problem detected with audio clock..."
I've tried with different sessions, inclusive with one with just two tracks, with no plug ins.
The clock is OK (internal). I've increased/decreased de Buffer size. I've reinstalled Pro Tools, and reconnected the MBox (it's plugged to the front Firewire port of the computer). I've also tried with sessions in two different hardrives (no the main Mac HD)
Finally, I've downloaded your Tech Support Utility, and followed carefully it's recommendations.
I really don't know what else to do.
Thanks for your help

2.3GHz dual Mac G5, 2GB RAM, OSX 10.4
Pro Tools LE 7.4, MBox 2 Pro V 7.3

[Slim Shady]

What version of Mac OS 10.4 are you running?

Also, have you done all the steps in the General Troubleshooting thread?

[nilsk]

JoeLouis,

I found a *magic 'shut-up'-button* within ProTools that solved
all my performance problems at once!

It's a checkbox in (ProTools) "Setup => Playback Engine"
called "RTAS Engine".
Saying: "Ignore Errors During Playback/Record (may cause
clicks and pops)".
( ... Kind of telling ProTools to 'shut up' until a *real* problem is
coming up!)


In my case checking this button does not cause anything bad
because when running two tracks each with one simple plugin (nearly
no matter what it was) on my MacBook pro, 2,2 GHz ProTools *normally*
used to complain.
*aehm...* @ Digidesign: This button unchecked MAY be a little
too harsh, hm? ... 2 tracks on a 2,2 GHz Intel leads to: "Caution,
remove some plugins!!" ... hm. However.


... Now I can run a bunch of complex plugins (incl. Addictive Drums and
TruePianos and several XPand! units etc.) on several tracks and ProTools
just runs fine!
... As soon as unchecking this button it complains like hell ...

So this MIGHT be the solution to your trouble, too.
At least you should try.

Best
Nils

P.S.: The Digi-guys normally reply very fast! Maybe give them a
reminder or something.

[Phil Ogden]

From Answerbase,

Attempting playback in Pro Tools LE on Mac returns -6085 or -6086 DAE errors with Mbox 2 Pro.
Zap the PRAM on the Mac by doing the following:

1) Hold down the Option+Command+R+P keys simultaneously together while restarting or booting the computer.

2) Hold the keys down until you hear the Mac startup chime three times, then release.

Other things to consider/check (in addition to the troubleshooting optimizations as suggested by Slim).

1. Run the Apple hardware test (from the OS DVD) to check for a RAM fault.
2. Whilst the front FW port is usually the one, try connecting the MB2P to the rear FW port.
3. Have you got any FW800 HD's attached to your G5? These can cause problems.
4. Try a new FW cable.

http://www.myspace.com/philogg

[JoeLouis]

Originally Posted by Slim Shady

What version of Mac OS 10.4 are you running?

Also, have you done all the steps in the General Troubleshooting thread?

Thanks for answering Slim. The version of Mac OS I'm running is 10.4.11

I've done them carefully, including downloading and following all the steps of the Tech Support Folder

[JoeLouis]

Thanks for your answers pals

Nilsk, I followed your advices. At the beginning, it worked fine with three different sessions, but later, the problem came back. I'ts strange. Any ways, I'll keep checked the *magic 'shut-up'-button*. Thanks.

Phil, following your advices, I just changed a HD I had connected, from a FW800 port to a FW400 port (It has both ports), letting the 800 free, and guess what...it worked. I'm gonna do some more trials to see what happends. I'll keep you updated. Thanks a lot to both of you

[DigiTechSupt]

I sent the message below to Digidesign Tech Support a week ago, but, although they say that they will answer in three days or less, I'm still waiting . (Besides, it's a really nightmare to find where to write a message to them in the Digi site).

You should be able to log back into your support account and see the progress of your request.

As for your problems - FW800 drives are not compatible with the Mbox 2 Pro and it was likely the source of your problems.

[JoeLouis]

Thanks everybody for your time and for your help. Everything is working fine now. Thanks again.

[Jedi Patel]

I found this to be immediately helpful. I have nearly the same set up. Upon rewiring my
fw800 drives to fw400, I was able to run the DAW.Thanks

[Barry Johns]

I have sent a lot of support request emails to digi over the years, and I have "NEVER" gotten a reply to a single one, not ONE.

I don't waste my time with it anymore, I spend an hour on hold waiting in que if I need to talk to them.