Constant sound distortion and bluescreens on Windows

tresvano · 2023-03-29T17:12:00+00:00

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I am running Win 11 on ThinkPad (Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10885H CPU @ 2.40GHz 2.40 GHz). I have plenty memory, space, proc. Machine worked fine in beginning. I cannot figure out why sounds are distorted (crakling and popping). From time to time bluescreen (DPG_Watchdog_Violation). I have removed and installed drivers, followed all sound optimizations, reinstalled windows still same thing. I remove MK3 and play directly from laptop using software, no issues at all. I have bypassed docking station and it is only when MK3 is plugged in. Any thoughts? I thought it may have been my USB port but not sure. Any insight would be appreciated.

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Jeremy_NI

@tresvano Which driver are you using for the MK3? what are your audio settings? Sample frequency / buffer size? What are your audio settings for your Windows system?

Do the crackles and pops appear even in an empty or small project? If you watch a Youtube video or listen to music from another application but play it on the MK3 soundcard, is the sound distorted as well?

tresvano

Thanks for response @Jeremy_NI . I am using the driver that is on the NI website listed under downloads (Downloads : Drivers & Other Files | Support (native-instruments.com)) - I install the MASCHINE MK3 Controller Driver 5.0.1. I have uninstalled and reinstalled a few times.

The crackle and pops appear in anything I play via the MK3 Soundcard even when I play through itunes - i just tried via youTube and it did not sound as bad but it was there - once upon a time that didn't happen so don't know what has changed.

As for frequency buffer I have tried all recommended (currently I am at 48000Hz Sample Rate, 192 Samples Process Buffer and 1ms USB Buffer) snip below as I said I tried many different combos same results. Even wiped all and started from scratch.

Jeremy_NI

@tresvano Usually settings for buffers go from 64 to 128, 256, 512, 1024, does it make a difference if you switch to this kind of numbers.

In the Maschine software did you chgoose the same settings? Can you share the audio settings in the Maschine software too? (Also with the same kind of numbers for the buffer size).

tresvano

The above snip is from the Maschine Software - adding new one below. Am I missing something? I have tried all of the buffer settings. Still hear popping. If I shutdown MK3 play directly from laptop then it's clear. I have tried different sample rates and multiple process buffers. Not sure

Jeremy_NI

@tresvano If you set the Maschine driver to the exact same settings both for Maschine and for Windows, do you still get the popping & crackiling? If you use another device for the Windows output and set it to the same sample frequency as the Maschine software with the MK3 as audio, do you still get it?

tresvano

Yes tried across many different formats still pops if going through MK3 - is my device bad. I never had issues on Win10. There is one thing I am now noticing in Device Manager that I am unsure of. See last snip

Windows

Maschine

Device Manager

tresvano

Oh and heres my itunes settings and same there it pops via MK3 only

Jeremy_NI

@tresvano It's getting too complicated for my knowledge. I'll create a ticket from your post and will forward to a Maschine / Windows specialist. They will get back to you as soon as possible.

tresvano

Thanks for your help @Jeremy_NI

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