Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

This has been an ongoing issue since PT 9 and on different computers (Windows 7 and 10) for a few years now. Just revisiting to get any insight.
ISSUE: After running for a period of time (from 1 - 3 days), the output from my 002 rack develops a crunchy type of distortion on analog signals (not MIDI tracks). The workaround is easy in that I change my buffer size to a different value, save, change back to the original size, save, and the distortion is gone.
I have the latest drivers for 002/003 and all system optimizations applied. I can only assume that it is associated with the 002. Anyone experience this or know a better solution? (aside from buying a better interface, which I know is the most recommended solution...) Thanks much. Kent

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

Its more likely that its a computer issue(changing the buffer does not affect the hardware), but you give zero details on that. Look near the top of this page for a link named Help Us Help You and have a good read. Then come back with a Sandra report so the experts here can see all the details on the computer:o

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

Hello and thanks for response. My initial thought was perhaps not the computer since this has been a recurring issue on two different computer builds of the past few years. However, I should not make that assumption!
Here is the Sandra Report. Incidentally, PT runs Great on this computer - very fast with low (less than 8% Max) CPU usage.

ID
Host Name : DESKTOP-E38N6KR
Workgroup : WORKGROUP

Computer
Model : MicroElectronics G900 PowerSpec
Serial Number : G900052*******
Chassis : Default string Desktop
Mainboard : ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI)
Serial Number : 2101797********
BIOS : AMI (OEM) 3402 01/13/2021
TPM - Trusted Platform Module : AMD 2.0 2018 (24PCR 64Ses 2Obj)
Total Memory : 32GB DDR4

Processors
Processor : AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-Core Processor (2M 12C 24T 4.62GHz, 1.6GHz IMC, 12x 512kB L2, 2x 32MB L3)
Socket/Slot : AM4 (PGA1331)

Chipset
Memory Controller : AMD F19 (Ryzen3/TR3 Matisse) Host Bridge 16x 100MHz (1.6GHz), 2x 8GB DDR4 3.2GHz 128-bit

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : (Bad)/Hynix (Hyundai) NMUD416E86-3200D 16GB DDR4 2Rx8 PC4-25600U DDR4-3200 (17-17-17-38 4-58-19-6)
Memory Module : (Bad)/Hynix (Hyundai) NMUD416E86-3200D 16GB DDR4 2Rx8 PC4-25600U DDR4-3200 (17-17-17-38 4-58-19-6)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : HPN HP 27w
(1920x1080, 27.2")
Monitor/Panel : Hewlett Packard HP 27es
(1920x1080, 27.2")
Video Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (192S 1C SM5.5 953MHz, 512kB L2, 2GB 1.8GHz 64-bit, PCIe 2.0 x8)
Video Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (192S 1C SM5.5 953MHz, 512kB L2, 2GB 1.8GHz 64-bit, PCIe 2.0 x8)

Graphics Processor
CUDA : NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (192S 1C SM3.5 953MHz, 512kB L2, 2GB 1.8GHz 64-bit)
OpenCL : NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (192S 1C SM1.2 953MHz, 512kB L2, 2GB 1.8GHz 64-bit)
D3D 11 : NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 (192S 1C SM11.5 953MHz, 512kB L2, 2GB 1.8GHz 64-bit)
OpenGL : NVIDIA Corporation GeForce GT 710/PCIe/SSE2 (2GB)
OpenGL : NVIDIA Corporation GeForce GT 710/PCIe/SSE2 (2GB)

Storage Devices
Disk : Samsung SSD 870 EVO 2TB (2TB, SATA600, 2.5", SSD, SED)
Disk : Samsung SSD 870 EVO 2TB (2TB, SATA600, 2.5", SSD, SED)
Disk : WDC WDS200T2B0C-00PXH0 (2TB, PCIe3x4/NVMe)
Disk : Seagate ST5000DM000-1FK178 (5TB, USB3/SATA300/600, 3.5", 5980rpm, 16MB Cache)

Logical Storage Devices
Song Recordings (D:) : 2TB (NTFS, 4kB) @ Samsung SSD 870 EVO 2TB (2TB, SATA600, 2.5", SSD, SED)
VI Files (E:) : 2TB (NTFS, 4kB) @ Samsung SSD 870 EVO 2TB (2TB, SATA600, 2.5", SSD, SED)
Windows (C:) : 2TB (NTFS, 4kB) @ WDC WDS200T2B0C-00PXH0 (2TB, PCIe3x4/NVMe)
Windows RE tools : 400MB (NTFS, 4kB) @ WDC WDS200T2B0C-00PXH0 (2TB, PCIe3x4/NVMe)
Seagate Expansion Drive (F:) : 5TB (NTFS, 4kB) @ Seagate ST5000DM000-1FK178 (5TB, USB3/SATA300/600, 3.5", 5980rpm, 16MB Cache)
SYSTEM : 252MB (FAT32, 2kB) @ WDC WDS200T2B0C-00PXH0 (2TB, PCIe3x4/NVMe)

Peripherals
LPC Hub Controller : ASUS FCH LPC Bridge
Audio Device : MSI GK208 HDMI/DP Audio Controller
Audio Codec : nVidia nForce4 ISA Bridge
Audio Device : ASUS F17/19 (Ryzen2/3, TR/2) HD Audio Controller
Audio Codec : Realtek Semi 0B00
Disk Controller : Sandisk Standard NVM Express Controller
Disk Controller : AMD FCH SATA Controller [AHCI mode]
Disk Controller : AMD FCH SATA Controller [AHCI mode]
USB Controller : ASUS F19 (Ryzen3/TR3 Matisse) USB 3.0 Host Controller
USB Controller : AMD F19 (Ryzen3/TR3 Matisse) USB 3.0 Host Controller

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

Memory Module : (Bad)/Hynix (Hyundai) NMUD416E86-3200D 16GB DDR4 2Rx8 PC4-25600U DDR4-3200 (17-17-17-38 4-58-19-6)
Memory Module : (Bad)/Hynix (Hyundai) NMUD416E86-3200D 16GB DDR4 2Rx8 PC4-25600U DDR4-3200 (17-17-17-38 4-58-19-6)

Why does this show Bad?

Seagate Expansion Drive (F:) : 5TB (NTFS, 4kB) @ Seagate ST5000DM000-1FK178 (5TB, USB3/SATA300/600, 3.5", 5980rpm, 16MB Cache)
Try leaving this drive disconnected when running Pro Tools

I don't see a firewire controller on the report(which confuses me). You might try another driver. Avid recommends using the Legacy driver, which never worked for me. The one that did work(with my 003) was the TI Compliant driver(check youtube for some help on how to change the firewire driver).

If all else fails, shop for a USB interface(Focusrite and Presonus have several options at many price points). Firewire is rapidly going the way of the dinosaur:o

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

BTW, since you have the 002rack, you might as well do a re-seat on the power harness. Pop the top off. With the unit facing you, the PSU is on the right side panel with a bundle of maybe 10-12 wires connected to one end. That's the power harness and it has 3 connection points. Pull and reseat each connection at least 6 times(to scrape off oxidation on the pins). Can't say its the solution, but you never know:D:-)

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

Thank you VERY much for the insightful evaluation and suggestions!! I will look into all of these. I was also wondering about changing the firewire cable. It is probably over 10 years old.

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

While I'm not sure a bad cable would cause what you describe, its always good to have a spare anyway. Plus, I have had 2 cables fail for no apparent reason:o

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

OK, I think it is finally time for a new interface to replace my faithful but aged Digi 002 rack. I would very much like to know your favorite 8 in/out Firewire 800 model. There is a lot of experience in this community that I respect and hopefully can guide me in this. Would like to stay under $2K but quality is the key. Running Windows 10 and PT 2020.7 (about to go to .10)Thanks in advance! Kent

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

Just to be clear you say 8 in 8 out, but do you need ADAT or S/PDIF etc. And is that 8 mic preamps or line in do for some? How many (independent) headphone outputs needed in the box?

I would start by encouraging you to get off Firewire, it's ancient. You are likely much better served with the choices available with modern USB interfaces. What USB and other (Thunderbolt?) connectivity do you have on your PC? Can you describe the PC or post a Sandra report.

Is hardware monitoring in the interface important to you? i.e. do you rely on "low-latency monitoring" in the 002 rack today? Or do you run with small enough IO buffer size with the 002 to software monitor? And want to do that in the new interface?

The other thing you can do is look at some vendors like Motu, Focusrite, Presonus, and just see what they have on offer. Browsing Sweetwater is a good place to start. I like UAD stuff as well but it's above your price range here, and I'm hesitant to point people there unless they already are UAD plugin users/understand that trap :-)

If you want 8 great mic preamps you might want to be willing to increase that price range a bit. But define "quality is key"... and OTOH there are great value for money options out there like the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB-C. 8 mic preamps and 10 line outs and ADAT for <$1k. And the preamps will be better than your 002 (or I'll eat my hat).

Re: Crunchy distortion with 002 rack
 

second that