MBox 3 and Maudio Fast track Ultra

[fredmarzin]

I recently had to reformat my hard drive. (Windows 7)64 BIT
I have installed Pro tools 12.1 and have an Ilok2.
I now have the problem that my computer locks up when using the Mbox3.

My computer, an I7 with 16GB ram has no issues using other Music Programs.
Fruity Loops and Cubase. Simply because they do not require the Mbox 3 to work.

I have 6 usb ports at the back and two at the front.
Every one of them cause the same problem.

They all work fine. I even have tried using a separate powered usb to use the Mbox 3 with the same problem.

I have uninstalled the latest drivers for the Mbox3 and installed the Maudio Fast track with the same results. ( I know Pro tools will not work with this Unit), but installed it too see whether there was an issue with the Mbox3.
Even that locked the computer.

Can some one guide me in the right direction, because I am nearly thinking about writing off Pro Tools altogether.

Why does an excellent program like Pro Tools cause so much hassle with their dedicated USB AVID sound cards?

[albee1952]

While the Fast Track SHOULD work, I would still skip it(M-audio drivers stink). As for the Mbox, it also SHOULD work fine, but it will depend on a couple of things:
1-have you installed the driver?
2-are you telling windows to use the Mbox as the default device? Don't.
3-is the Mbox the selected "audio engine" in Pro Tools>Setup>Hardware?

[fredmarzin]

Thanks for the heads up.
I was going to advise of my solution.
The device works fine now, because I Un installed most of the USB Hub drivers.
I have no idea why this should work but it did.
I am assuming that the drivers were reset when I re installed the operating system.

I only use the Maudio unit on my laptop because I have MP9 software on it

As for your second question:
Is it not a good idea to use the Mbox as a default Audio Engine?
I have been using it as a default since I got it.

Fred

[JoelG]

The issue with using your audio interface as Windows default audio device is that Windows will take over the driver any time you play Windows sounds (ding etc.) or any other software plays a sound. That has the tendency to make programs that use ASIO give errors (usually related to a sample rate change). ASIO is single client and can't handle another program working at the same time.

Joel