Launching Pro Tools 10.3.10 on TDM system reverts to Aggregate outputs

[Larold]

I've had a problem for a while, finally have time to ask:

I've got an 8 Core Mac desktop, latest Mountain Lion and PT 10.3.10, a couple of 96 I/O's and an expansion chassis with 6 Accel cards.

It works great, but at random times, when I load the app, it reverts to the Aggregate outputs. I have to jump through hoops to get it to recognize the 96 I/O's. Sometimes restarting fixes it, sometimes I open a session and it asks which I/O I want to use and then has to quit and relaunch ProTools.Sometimes I try everything and throw my hands in the air.

I can't figure it out. It sometimes takes me 20 minutes just to get started.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Barry Johns]

Never experienced that before.

[Craig F]

I'm a fan of deleting these auto made Aggregate devises in Audio Midi Setup

It's probably a case of your chassis not being ready to go when you launch Pro Tools

[albee1952]

It might be worth re-seating all cards and connections too

[Armando]

When you select "Playback Engine" does the top most drop down box say HD TDM or Aggregate??

[Larold]

Sometimes the HD isn't even on the list, and it defaults to Aggregate. I always boot up in the same correct order...and take my time with it....if I restart my computer, then the HD usually shows up. I can't see any rhyme or reason.

Maybe I'll try waiting 30 seconds before I turn on each device. Seems silly to give it that long.

My startup sequence is:

External chassis, external HD, big Ben, Digi 96's then the computer.

[Armando]

When you check Apple System Profiler under PCI(when you're having this issue) do you see that there is a chassis connected and does it recognize your cards??

[Ru_C]

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=371117

[Artysan]

Originally Posted by Larold

Sometimes the HD isn't even on the list, and it defaults to Aggregate. I always boot up in the same correct order...and take my time with it....if I restart my computer, then the HD usually shows up. I can't see any rhyme or reason.

Maybe I'll try waiting 30 seconds before I turn on each device. Seems silly to give it that long.

My startup sequence is:

External chassis, external HD, big Ben, Digi 96's then the computer.

I have experienced this so many times I have to think the first reply "never seen this..." was being sarcastic.

Your sequence is correct, timing should be dictated by watching all interfaces for stable operation (no more flashing lights).

The most reliable solution, once I have ruled out faulty hardware connections, etc; is to uninstall PT (the safe choice) then reinstall. This is much more comprehensive than simply deleting prefs. I have done this more times than I can count.