Popping!!!

64 samps is such a low buffer size, it's only going to work for very basic beats, once you start adding enough layers, samples, effects or vst instruments, you're going to fill that buffer up really quickly. I'm assuming that's the case for at least Dazastah if you're experiencing good quality sound for 5-10 minutes.

this is a problem in any DAW, you put your buffer as low as possible for lowest latency, but as the project expands that becomes too small a buffer, and you need to expand the buffer. Obviously as the buffer gets bigger input latency gets worse so you have to work that balancing act.

track out your samples dry with no effects while you're using the low buffer. Then when you want to start polishing up your finished track expand the buffer so that you're able to start doubling up your tracks, layering samples, adding effects and synths without experiencing the popping and crackling. so low buffer size for composition and performance, high buffer size for polishing, mixing, layering

but seriously 64 is really low, try moving it to at least 128 or 256. My rule of thumb is to get as big a buffer size as I can while still keeping latency below 10ms. That way you have a usable buffer size to finish a major project while maintaining good latency throughout the whole process.

I just moved into a new place and I'm forced to use Wi-Fi with my laptop. My laptops Wi-Fi adapter is causing major crackling and popping and only rebooting MPC helps. I'll post my findings IF I'm able to solve this problem. Updating the Wi-Fi adapter drivers didn't help...

@fdodds Yep, I never use vst instruments..(only hardware synths and samples for the mpc) As my usage relies on time reaction from pads, i need the super quick reaction.. I notice latency when jumping from 64 to 128 buffer size. Using hardware mpcs, i'm pretty conscious on memory loading and i resample layers alot.. (drum layers) Especially to save polyphony for multi sample key instruments... This train of thought has carried over to the ren, which doesn't matter, but i still make stuff this way...

This lag/popping or distortion or what ever we can call it, i get it with one sample... I start chopping and messing around with a sample and work out all my chops(before even making a program) and it starts to happen.. Never had issues with the macbook pro 13....
I'm just about to restart and try to look for the bios settings, but i think this laptop doesn't have such a feature in the bios... Will double check and report back after a restart...
I've tried this method here....
http://www.petri.co.il/optimize-windows ... center.htm
I wouldn't reccomend this to users unless your prepared to fuk your registry up.

Specifically giving the usb port/hub priority over everything else..(The one the ren is plugged into)

I've also tested a ur44 soundcard as well and i get no issues at all... (with a buffer size of 64 samples)

I'm suspecting the ploytech driver isn't coded well for usb3 ports.. From memory akai isn't officially supporting usb3 ports... (akai)???

@wkempton I forgot about this too. Will disable the driver in device manager and test.. Then report back....

So in the bios i set the usb settings to auto(which lets windows configure the speed based on the device plugged into it)...

I also disabled the wifi adapter... No go.... Same results....

Are most people on laptops when this happens? I'm using a hp envy 15 inch touch smart... usb3 ports win 8.1. (came with it) If i had a choice i'd use win 7... I may well end up trying this if 1.7 doesn't update the driver... The other issues it could be are graphic driver conflicts.. This laptop has 2 gfx on it. The intel one and a nvidia gf card... So much varibles it's hard to work out what it really is...

I'm not angry it's not working, as i still have the macbook...

I know the complications and inconsistency that comes with a windows pc...

IF anyone else has some tweaks or ideas that would be great to know!!!

I've been unable to find any sort of solution for the Wi-Fi problem. Drives me insane. I loaned a WLAN-adapter pair from work but those were broken, but those are my only option I guess. Wouldn't want to pay 100 euros for them as they brake easily too. Using cable for Internet connection is a no go in my new apartment.

Data electric adapters would be another solution, but those need to be tested to be sure they work in the apartment...

Wifi is a known culprit for windows computers.. IF you can try and disable the wifi driver in device manager to see if it works. Then when you need to go online you just reenable it..

I've given up for tonight. I've had about 30 restarts(win 8 bsod) reg tweaks, and disabling drivers to try and isolate the problem but with no avail. Because the issue only happens after about 5 minutes and not straight away it becomes a lengthy process.. I really wanted this to work for the live situation obviously because this computer has more punch than the macbook, and becuase i can shut the lid and have the computer still run without sleeping.. And becuase reaper has rearoute.. so i can do sidechaining and other cool routing stuff with reaper and mpc software.. but ahhhh...

It all falls back on the driver, and how well it takes priority over other processes, because the rme uc i have as no issues what so ever... So looks like i;ll be running the old jjos mpc with reaper again with the stienberg ur44.. Rock solid as ever...
LEt's hope there''s a new driver with the 1.7 update...

Sounds very frustrating for you. I just noticed that you're using the mpc software with reaper? I wonder if all the people experiencing problems are using plugin mode too?

personally i always have my wifi turned off while producing to stop procrastination, run windows 7 and the software in standalone mode, and have had no problems. I've been meaning to try out the mpc plugin within reaper so i'll give that a go this weekend and report back if i hear any popping or distorting.

i would really suggest posting this stuff on the akai community page: http://community.akaipro.com/akai_profe ... enaissance that way hopefully this stuff can get fixed up

Yeah was actually using it with rearoute..Rearoute is a asio driver you load up in standalone mpc then the 16 outs show up as inputs in reaper... Much like jack osx...
Gives you the advantage of reaper mixing and routing but still uses the mpc clock as master) can get cool shit happening like parameter modulation from reaper...
But i did all the testing in standalone mode to isolate the issue(without reaper).. I've posted on the community board, and dan r thinks it's a issue with the intel usb3 controllers and the driver..

I still have the mac.. And reaper works effortlessly with my 2 other interfaces. So not angry just a little bummed about the ren not working with this laptop... I'm hoping the driver will get addressed. Because all win computers coming out will most prob be win 8.1..with new usb 3 intel controllers Would hurt sales if the driver doesn't work with the new intel controllers...

I'd rather get it working and help out and suggest the issues than drag the name through the dirt and get angry about it..

WOW thanks for explaining what rearoute is



I was using an mpd26 and reaper for a while before I got my MPC, can't say enough good things about reaper, the most ridiculously powerful DAW there is. damn this will address basically every problem i have with the ren.

I know hey.. Reaper just gets better and better.. I've set so many of my friends up with it.. Just set up a custom reaper for my drummer.. He has a presonus desk. Studio one is great but the version that comes with the desk is just a lite version with no vst support and he wants to use bfd with it as well. And i think studio one has a cluttered interface, especially for my mate who has no clue about computers and daws.. I setup up reaper with a custom tool bar with all the shit he needs and he's been recording away !!!! there a button that arms all tracks and starts to record!!

Yep Rearoute enables me to have the same workflow as a hardware mpc... I'm hoping 1.7 has more virtual outs...

Should do a vid for some folks on here...

yeah i tested it out earlier and it was working flawlessly for me, changed the out for the kick drum, another track for the bassline, **** me i can sidechain on the ren, don't really need 1.7 i'm happy

edit* btw dazastah if you don't already know about it you should check out the SWS extensions for reaper - http://sws.mj-s.com/index.php#about includes some very useful features like the lfo generator, project notes, lots of different groove settings, plus heaps of stuff that is above my current level of use

+1000 on sws ext... Shit iz ill.. you use the region playlist editor to to arrange? fuk man So good it's like mpc song mode.... The autocoloring.. So many usefull addons and tools.. Then to take it further you can make your own macro actions.. Then assign it to osc or midi.. It just amzes me on how you can make reaper really work for you.. the learning options for fx and inserts a can be focused per track or even insert.. Shit mind blowing..

Whats great about this flow with rearoute is that you could actually use reaper to arrange... Pretty much close to the maschine concept..

The mpc soft standalone acts exactly as a hardware mpc sampler... and your recording live in.. This is how i pretty much do stuff.. But with a drum pgm i have all the pads routed out for the pgm(ie a01 is kick outputting to 1+2 a02 is the snare outputting to 3+4 etc) so i can play the drums at once and have the separation in reaper.. Or i can actually do everything(sequencing) in the mpc, but group mix, sidechain and have the benifits of reaper routing and stuff without **** with the mpc workflow.. IT's really quite dope and flexible..

last couple of live shows i've used jack osx with live sidechaining....

rearoute works perfect for me with the rme uc card and the steinberg ur44... Just hoping they address the ren driver asio issues.

I've decided to dive right in and mix the MPC within Reaper when I'm finishing up a track and, although my Reaper knowledge is minimal, it's been an enjoyable trip so far.

I've just installed a Theme that looks like Cubase and send the MPC channels to sub groups (drums, percussion, pads/strings, vocals, etc..) and mix like that.

Really impressed with just how quick, effective and capable Reaper is.

Much to learn though

i was a cubase head.. then reaper came along...
REaper can be nice and simple.. and can also be very complex.. I pretty much do audio editing without the mouse.. using custom key commands i made up.. It just poos on every other daw...

How good are some of the themes though.. Theres some really nice api themes and analog console joints.. And you can just flick through themes without it breaking a sweat...

I just love parameter modulation though, once you learn that, your head will blow off...

It not just usefull for usual sidechain sound....

I'll have to check out the region playlist, i was only starting to get into SWS when i took a break from production for a while. i love reaper but the constant mousing and staring at a screen was f*cking with my head and ruining my flow. so i took up guitar for a while before grabbing the ren as a solution to get away from the computer screen. loved the ren but i'll definitely be using reaper in tandem with it now, at the least for mixing down finished beats. i'm hella rusty so any reaper/mpc videos you make would be much appreciated dazastah!!

i've been missing that routing, and i also like to chop samples using the 'tab' key to move between transients and 'S' to split the file. one of the many features i love with reaper is holding CTRL and ALT and then dragging sound clips outside of reaper. you can drag and drop them into vsts, or folders on your computer, or straight into another program like the MPC software. it renders a new file so you can drag and drop it once, change the pitch, repeat.

also ReaFir is an absolute killer, most powerful audio tool i've ever seen whether you're doing sound design, sweetening synths, mixing or mastering