Topic: Computer dorks (need processer/RAM advice on new DAW build)>

[OFOTD]

Update: So far, nothing but problems. Literally zero music making has been done, which is exactly what I was hoping to avoid. The Tascam driver (not sure if it's a beta or a supposedly stable release) is total garbage. I can barely even stream mp3's from the Archive with the driver. So, looks like it is time to downgrade to 32 bit or XP, since this was a total failure.


ADK may be 'overcharging', but I am pretty sure I would have at least gotten more than a $1300.00 web browser out of the deal. Never underestimate the value of expertise.

So just to make sure we all understand you're blaming your computer for something that you've already stated is Tascam's fault?       

Tascam lists three drivers from Windows.  Which one are you using?

US-1641 Drivers:
- Windows driver ver 2.01 (64-bit)
- Windows Vista/XP driver ver 2.00 (64-bit) for US-1641
- Windows 7/Vista/XP driver ver 2.00 (32-bit) for US-1641

Have you tried this solution?   http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/75625-tascam-us-1641-x64.html

[Matt Quinn]

I'm not really 'blaming' anyone/anything so much as stating a fact - I have yet to get anything done with this box, other than sit around & troubleshoot computer, interface, and driver issues, which, as I said, is exactly what I was trying not to do. It's probably all my own fault, but that's what I mean when I say 'Don't underestimate the value of expertise'.

I have tried all the 64 bit drivers from Tascam's site. None worked properly. I received a response to my inquiry from Tascam stating those ARE the stable release drivers for 7x64. I found one setting in the interfaces control panel that helped signifigantly, but the CPU still breaks down under way, way too light a load (ie less than my .99GB ram XP box can handle easily). 


>Have you tried this solution?   http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/75625-tascam-us-1641-x64.html


I looked at that page but could not figure out how to apply it to my issue. Live should run fine in the OS, and I don't know how/if you can run a driver in compatability mode.



I also looked at Windows 7's XP Mode, but my version of the OS does not include it, and MS wants $199.99 to upgrade to a version that does.

[Shadow_7]

How about a piano player? You think they should build their own pianos?

I've known a few guitar players that didn't feel like real guitar players until they built their own.  As a musician myself, I often find myself branching out to reach that next level.  Physics, Math, Psychology, and other things like recording to find out what's really going on and adjust accordingly.  So learning a bit about computers wouldn't really hurt.  Although if you're that against doing that yourself, there's a number of computer professionals you could hire out to point you in a direction.  I used to be a software guy, so that's probably not me.  Although as an app guy you still have to know some things about networks and protocols and such.  You really can't NOT and stay employed / be successful.  Even that pesky hardware (battery) on the motherboard can cause certain software issues.

That said, I did take the traditional computer out of my recording needs and bought a field recorder.  Everything else I can do virtually on the PC which doesn't require an interface per say, since the resulting wav can be played on almost anything.  Or even from the field recorder (if it's in a supported format).  Now inputing midi and other effects is probably a lot more time efficient with an appropriate interface (and supporting software).

[OFOTD]

I'm not really 'blaming' anyone/anything so much as stating a fact - I have yet to get anything done with this box, other than sit around & troubleshoot computer, interface, and driver issues, which, as I said, is exactly what I was trying not to do. It's probably all my own fault, but that's what I mean when I say 'Don't underestimate the value of expertise'.

   

Your decision to go with a more established, more well regarded as well as less expensive computer over a boutique builder using off the shelf parts was a good one.  Thinking that the boutique hardware would do anything different than what you have is bogus.   The problem here entirely is between you and Tascam.   Either they aren't understanding the compatibility issues you are having or you are not understanding the solution they are or are not providing.       If they claim the drivers they provide are stable for 7x64 then what steps have you taken to install those drivers.   Have you uninstalled the previous drivers first?  Did you install the new drivers with the unit unplugged?

>Have you tried this solution?   http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/75625-tascam-us-1641-x64.html

I looked at that page but could not figure out how to apply it to my issue. Live should run fine in the OS, and I don't know how/if you can run a driver in compatability mode.

I also looked at Windows 7's XP Mode, but my version of the OS does not include it, and MS wants $199.99 to upgrade to a version that does.

Why not just email or post in that forum to the person that got it working for his detailed solution.

Also many websites that have instructions for installing XP Mode in Home Premium.   

[Matt Quinn]

Your decision to go with a more established, more well regarded as well as less expensive computer over a boutique builder using off the shelf parts was a good one.  Thinking that the boutique hardware would do anything different than what you have is bogus.   

No, it's not. Part of the deal with ADK is that they will set up, test, and tweak your system until it works. You get a system that works, period, out of the box. All the shit I'm doing right now....they do it for you. And if there's an issue, they have phone support and people who are familiar with your exact set up, because they created it. As it stands, I have to be the go-between with Tascam, Ableton, and Dell/Microsoft.


And really, it's not been a great decision considering goal #1 was making music, and instead I'm troubleshooting computer crap.


Either way, I will get it working eventually, just definitely regret the decision to not get a professional to do this in the first place.

[OFOTD]

Either way, I will get it working eventually, just definitely regret the decision to not get a professional to do this in the first place.

Man I should start my own boutique computer building company.  It'd be like shooting fish in a barrel. 

[Shadow_7]

It might not apply, but I avoided tascam initially because some of their products while bearing the same name and model number have completely different innards.  In the case of linux and alsa, that meant that for the 122 it worked (unless you had one of the other (newer) chipsets, at which point you're screwed).  Not exactly sound business practices IMO.  Although not really the exception these days.

[rastasean]

Either way, I will get it working eventually, just definitely regret the decision to not get a professional to do this in the first place.

Man I should start my own boutique computer building company.  It'd be like shooting fish in a barrel.

don't forget the repair business where you could charge outrageous amounts of cash to remove simple spyware.

[Scooter123]

I might suggest getting Tascam's service department on the phone or their Forum; or hiring a computer geek for an hour to get this working for you.  Here in LA we have "Make It Work" for about $80 an hour.  They conquered by M Audio driver issue for me. 

[Matt Quinn]

Either way, I will get it working eventually, just definitely regret the decision to not get a professional to do this in the first place.

Man I should start my own boutique computer building company.  It'd be like shooting fish in a barrel.

I will happily pay you if you want to get on the phone & help me get this set up working.


That offer goes for anyone reading this who thinks they can help.

[martygene]

plug your stats into this place and see how it compares to ADK. they build mine and it's a great price and great working computer.

http://www.magicmicro.com/

[Chilly Brioschi]

I also looked at Windows 7's XP Mode, but my version of the OS does not include it, and MS wants $199.99 to upgrade to a version that does.

Huh?  I am under the impression that all Win7 includes compatibility mode.
Find the file that runs the program (the .exe or "executable" and right-click her and set it to the version that you want your PC to emulate)

A few thoughts:
Do not use your DAW for email, net surfing, Automatic Windows Updates, etc. at some point you will regret it.
Find a site with DAW customization info that will guide you on services, processes, and other junk to remove from Win 7.
http://www.alesis.com/tipsnov08
(Keep a network connection, but use it only when absolutely needed)
Maybe too late ...  avoid 64-bit for another 6 months to a year as audio drivers and plug-ins aren't all that great yet

[JasonSobel]

I also looked at Windows 7's XP Mode, but my version of the OS does not include it, and MS wants $199.99 to upgrade to a version that does.

Huh?  I am under the impression that all Win7 includes compatibility mode.
Find the file that runs the program (the .exe or "executable" and right-click her and set it to the version that you want your PC to emulate)

you're impression is not correct.  straight from the MS website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/windows-xp-mode.aspx
"Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate"

So people with Home Premium are forced to upgrade if they need XP mode.

[phanophish]

Specifically what are you having issues with?  You say the driver does not work but I'm not getting how.  Does it not work at all?  Does the system crash? 

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I also looked at Windows 7's XP Mode, but my version of the OS does not include it, and MS wants $199.99 to upgrade to a version that does.

Huh?  I am under the impression that all Win7 includes compatibility mode.
Find the file that runs the program (the .exe or "executable" and right-click her and set it to the version that you want your PC to emulate)

you're impression is not correct.  straight from the MS website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/windows-xp-mode.aspx
"Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate"

So people with Home Premium are forced to upgrade if they need XP mode.

Compatibility Mode and XP Mode are 2 separate things.

You are correct, XP Mode is only available in Win 7 Pro and Ultimate. It also requires an additional download. It's going to be the best way to run programs that don't work on Vista/Win 7

To use compatibility mode you right click on the exe file you are having trouble with, click Properties, then choose the Compatibility tab, then put a check next to, Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose the OS you need (probably XP SP3 will work).

I checked this on my computer with Windows 7 Home Premium and it has it.

Not sure if it will fix your problem, but that is where it is.