Powerbook Losing Communication With 002, etc.

[KevLev]

Hi gang,
I have a relatively new Powerbook (November 2004) with 2 gigs of RAM and feel like I'm having way too many problems using my 002. First, my 002 goes into standby mode at least two times per hour, with the message that my computer has lost communication with the 002.

Second, it seems as though I am not able to run as many plug ins as I should with 2 gigs of ram. I can normally only get about 3 audio tracks with Amplitude, D-Verb, and an EQ before it slows way down and becomes very unstable. Also, Sampletank XL seems to bog down the system as well.

Finally, I keep getting "fader jiggle." Generaly, three faders will start to shake and you can hear the motor grinding from inside the 002.

I don't know how many of these issues could be attributable to my using a Powerbook G4 rather than a G5 tower, but it seems as though a lot of people use the Powerbook without many gripes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kev

[Blackthorn]

I do not think it's a PB issue I am running a G5 and the same is happening I am not running any Plug-ins however I am being asked to remove some.

[tele_player]

The amount of memory you have (beyond the minimum practical of about 512M) has no effect on the number of plugins you run. Plug in instruments (Reason, samplers) do take more RAM.

Amplitube takes a LOT of CPU.
Reverbs take a LOT of CPU.

First thing to do is minimize the number of reverb plugins used. It's best to put reverb on an AUX, and use sends for reverb.

Amplitube tracks might best be rendered by recording them to an audio track, then running without the plugin.

[KevLev]

Thanks for the info. I generally do run reverbs on aux tracks and bus the audio to them. However, I will often run Amplitube directly on the audio track (sometimes I'll bounce it to an audio track and make the raw audio track inactive). I guess I might just be expected too much out of my PB. I thought that running a 1.5 Ghz model with 2 gigs of RAM would handle quite a bit.

Kev

[KevLev]

I do not think it's a PB issue I am running a G5 and the same is happening I am not running any Plug-ins however I am being asked to remove some.

Thanks for your empathy. I'm getting ready to move my studio into a more dedicated space and I have been seriously considering buying a G5. I might try to stick it out a little longer.

Kev

[js_nyc]

The 002 "communication" problem is hardware related and will be addressed for free from Digi when you contact Tech Support. They will send you a replacement harness which you will swap out (internally) and the problem will be gone.

[KevLev]

Great. Thanks.

Kev