Arturia Forums
DRUMS => Spark => Spark Technical Issues => Topic started by: giuseppealbrizio on January 12, 2015, 11:31:04 pm
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Hello guys,
any of you solved the problem with the lags in logic X? It happens also with the update 2.1.0 426.
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No answer?
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Hi can you give me more details what you mean by lags?
terrym
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Of course. I downloaded the latest version of the software and when I open it in Logic (for example) it lags. But the strange thing is that the lag happen only when the software screen is open. It becomes to freeze, the fader becomes slowly and haltingly and all the function on the software become unusable. And this happens also to Logic faders and meters. They become slowly and haltingly and all is completely unusable. But when i close the plugin window it starts again to work well. It's really frustrating because i had to downgrade the version to 1.7.2 and it works fine but not completely. No one experienced these problems? I waited for a fixed update but also the update is stile unusable in the DAW.
P.S.
Whne I use it in standalone mode all works really fine. It happens only in DAWs like ableton and logic.
I have a macbook pro i7, 16 gb of ram and I suppose that'ss not a problem of cpu.
Thank you for your support.
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Hi
I have exactly the same problem.
Macbook Pro retina i7 16gb.
Standalone works fine.
As long as the screen is open in logic everything slows down. Sometimes when its the only plugin running its ok for a while but eventually slows everything down. Switching to the preferences tab helps a touch, but better to close completely.
Its only good for triggering sounds in logic with the plugin window off.
Alexdbad
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I'm happy that I'm not the only one with this issue. Looking around some other people had experienced this kind of issue with the GUI. I've contacted the support but it seems that no one knows this problem. Are you using the latest version of LOGIC X?
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This was also next on my list to post in the forum. When the plugin is open, the responsiveness becomes so slow as to be unusable within Logic, both from the controller and the gui. The experience is completely different in standalone, so i'm forced to work out grooves there first, but i'm not able to take advantage of effects and processing available from my other plugins. This is completely holding me back creatively.
I watch videos of people developing grooves with the Maschine plugin + hardware inside their DAW and I cry a little inside.
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This problem occurred immediately when upgrading to Spark 2, released in August 2014.
After contacting Arturia support several times without answer I finally got this message from them September 27 last year (2014)
"This is a known bug with the GUI, and we are working on IT.
Please accept all apologies for the temporary inconvenience caused.
Feel free to come back to me if still any problem or misunderstanding.
Yours cordially,"
This was the first time Arturia admitted that it was problems with Spark 2. They also claimed that an update would be available soon that would fix this. Now six months later, this update still do not exist.
I must say that Arturias support department is really bad, and sometimes I start to question their intelligence. But even so, to make Spark work with the market leaders of DAW's should not ever take +6 months to solve!
All I can say is that if all of us users keep shaving their backs, demanding a solution, they ought to do something sometime.
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Completely agree. I spent more than one week try to find a solution with the support but in the end he wrote me "Yes maybe it's a problem with the retina display. I'll contact the dev team to fix them in the next update". I hope dev team will fix this soon.
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Yesterday I got this message from the support: "The GUI bug is fixed now, can you explain to me what is the problem?".
I seems like Arturia have no idea at all how to solve this. Maybe roll back to Spark 1 would be the trick?
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They said something about a new update?
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Spark is unusable in Logic. Does not matter 2 or 1.7.2 ... Try 909 for example - make a software instrument track, put Spark on it and press play in Logic. Change patterns on Spark. Sooner or later there will be a hiccup - pads will stay lit for a while and then it goes on. Sometimes it fails to update the controller, pads stay lit and so on and on. When that hiccup occurs, other devices which are slaved via Midi clock to Logic will lose sync and stop.
Btw Spark 2 takes about twice as much CPU as 1.7.2. Not happy with the current situation at all.
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With the 1.7.2 it works quite fine on logic X. If you disable the record button it works fine. When the Record button is pressed on the track it starts to lag and the controller start to go mad.
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With the 1.7.2 it works quite fine on logic X. If you disable the record button it works fine. When the Record button is pressed on the track it starts to lag and the controller start to go mad.
Not here. 1.7.2 seems to be working fine until I change the pattern. Then it will play about 8-9 bars and then glitches. It seems to be halting Logic for a moment which in turn causes external devices to lose sync. I have also tested it with the AU Lab developer utility from Apple. Spark 1.7.2 regularly crashes there while processing a delay effect, this might have something to with those halts in Logic too.
The record button problem might be caused by Midi echo: Spark is sending Midi event to Logic, which gets sent back to Spark.
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Which version of Logic you use? O.S.? I've tested on both Mavericks and Yosemite (Logic 9 and X) and the 1.7.2 seems to work fine.
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It's Logic Pro X 10.1 and Yosemite 10.10.2. You might not notice this problem unless you use external midi device which is clocked from Logic and Spark together. Audio is fine, just that it causes other devices to lose sync. After I change to another pattern and let it run few bars, I see that Spark's onscreen controls and also the hardware controller freezes for a moment. Then it continues normally but my synth will stop. After that Spark gets kind of unstable, freezes will recur, sometimes pads stay lit and so on... The crashing in AU lab is also not encouraging. I've tried even the 1.6 version - same problem + it crashes immediately in AU lab.
In this sense, Spark 2 is better, it will not cause freezes if you close the UI. With the UI open, same story.
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Q: Have anyone here got an satisfying respons from Arturia about solving the Spark 2 and Logic X issue?
I think the only way to make Arturia adress this problem is to keep contacting the support on an on until they push this further up the priority plan!
So please send your issues over and over to the proper Arturia support desk.
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Q: Have anyone here got an satisfying respons from Arturia about solving the Spark 2 and Logic X issue?
I think the only way to make Arturia adress this problem is to keep contacting the support on an on until they push this further up the priority plan!
So please send your issues over and over to the proper Arturia support desk.
Nope. I wrote in, answered a basic question about my setup, and then nothing. I'm certain they are aware of this but aren't doing anything to address it. It seems as though they thing that if Spark doesn't crash, it's fine - quirks/bugs and all. I'm almost completely done trying to use this product. I tried working on a new kit last night (without the controller), but I feel like i'm just fighting the damn thing. It's not solving my problems like a good product should always do. Looking really hard at just putting up real money for solid products that are more out-of-the-box. ei. Electribe Sampler, TR-8. Or maybe software like Liquid Rhythm for some slick in-the-box drum programming (albeit with fewer sampler options).
Spark is like meth. All the ingredients are right there in front of you, but when you put them together carelessly, you'll blow the whole thing up.
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Totally agree with that. After one month no update of Spark and no news about any of the problems expounded by users. I already contact a friend of mine in Arturia but it seems that nobody cares about the problems.
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Hi all ,I had a look at this today and from my findings is logic x causing the lag problem as i tested the AU in live and in logic 9 . with no problems , i'm sure the arturia team are looking at this problem but it may be an apple issue from what i can see , its seems a redraw issue when spark is changing screen , i played around with logic and even touching a fader in logic can cause an issue with spark.
I will ask arturia if theres any progress in this bug .
regards
terrym
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Hi.
Yes the problem seems to be isolated to 64 bit version of logic since I also can run Spark on Logic 9 (32 bit) without any problems.
Is there a way to make sure that Arturia is working to solve this bug? Neither Spark or Logic X is exactly brand new so you could assume that they fixed this by now if they tried .
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Thank you so much for your news Terry. Please keep us updated about the advances in fixing this problem.
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Hi everyone , I'm JB I work as tester at Arturia and I'm sorry about the issues you having using Spark and Logic.
I'm actually trying to reproduce the bug you describe but I have to admit that I don't manage to for the moment.
It would be very useful for me if you can give me this information,
- OS version
- Logic version
- Computer configuration
- Did you config the IAC driver ?
If possible,
- The steps that leads you to the issue, from the moment you connect your spark (A video would be great)
Thanks
JB
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Ok I'll give you the infos that I already gave to the technical support:
OSX VERSION: YOSEMITE (Updated to the last version)
LOGIC: Version X both on 10.0.7 and 10.1 (It give me always the problem)
SPARK: 2.1.426 (The last version)
MACHINE: Macbook pro retina, 16 gb of ram, i7 2,2ghz, 256 gb of hhd
NO HUB
I've tried different cables.
It works fine in standalone mode. It works quite fine in Live. It lags too much in Logic X. It's unusable. I already tried with another review of the version 2.1 but the problem is always the same. And the problem still remain also with the new version of Logic. Already complete uninstall and re-install.
It seems to be a graphical problem because when my plugin is open it starts to stuck and all the relative functions linked to the daw become to be unusable (like meters, faders etc). When i close the GUI the problem disappear. I downgrade the version to the 1.7.2 and the issue disappeared. The strange thing is that when the GUI is open but i put on the side trying to hide it the issue seems to disappear. But when the GUI is in the center of my screen it becomes unusable. You need some other infos? I d already made all the stuff to improve the perfomance like the midi settings, audio settings, IAC driver, increase and decrease the buffer size but the problem still remain.
I REALLY TRIED ALL THE THINGS.
THIS IS MY WORKFLOW:
I plug my spark le into usb (no hub) then
I normally open my DAW (logic in this case). Then i open spark 2 as plugin. Press play and then it starts to play. And now the issues. My spark 2 starts to lag, there's a delay between the controller and the software, the mixer starts to lag and all is delayed, the DAW meters starts to lag and glitch, the time bar starts to lag as well. But if i close the GUI my daw starts to work normally again. No delay no glitch. But if I open the GUI it starts again with lags and glitches. I noticed that if I try to move the GUI over the visible screen my DAW seems to work better and better till the GUI Completely disappered from the screen. But if move back the GUI into the visible screen the issue starts.
Then i decided to downgrade the spark version to the 1.7.2 and all works normally. I already made all the stuff linked to the midi problem in the enviroment connecting spark le to a new instruments and etc. I ve tried to change the screen resolution but nothing. I ve tried all but the problem still remain the same. Nothing can improve that issue.
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Hi everyone , I'm JB I work as tester at Arturia and I'm sorry about the issues you having using Spark and Logic.
I'm actually trying to reproduce the bug you describe but I have to admit that I don't manage to for the moment.
It would be very useful for me if you can give me this information,
- OS version
- Logic version
- Computer configuration
- Did you config the IAC driver ?
If possible,
- The steps that leads you to the issue, from the moment you connect your spark (A video would be great)
Thanks
JB
Hi jb ,i can send you a video and steps as to reproduce this issue via email if you have not had luck so far.
terry
update here is the video http://youtu.be/wfieR3FAxIY
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Here is my reply although I have reported it to your support desk about five times now over 6 months. But don't shoot the messenger, I really appreciate that you working with this now.
It would be very useful for me if you can give me this information,
- OS version (same issue with both Mavericks and Yosemite)
- Logic version (10.1.0, and the build before that version also had same problem) Logic 9 (32 bit) working fine and Spark 2 standalone also work fine
- Computer configuration (Imac 27" late 2012 with 16 GB Ram, 3,1Ghz i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB graphic card.
- Did you config the IAC driver ? No, not sure what you mean with 'config the driver'?
If possible,
- The steps that leads you to the issue, from the moment you connect your spark (A video would be great)
Start Logic with Spark 2 enabled. Record or playback of two or more tracks. External midi as well as internal soft synths. Audio and screen 'lags' or 'freezes' randomly and more often if I operate Spark in some way either by the hardware or by mouse. The freezes is much more noticeable for external midi synths and drum machines than internal audio sounds.
Thanks
JB
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News?
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Hi Everyone,
Thanks you for your help, and for the video. I've finaly manage to reproduce this issue.
The bug is now adress to our developer, it will be correct in the next update.
We want to release it as soon as possible.
Sorry again for the inconvenience.
JB
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Thank you so much for your support. Keep us updated when the update is completed.
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Is there still no update?
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We are testing at the moment ,still have bugs to iron out before release.
terrym
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Thank you for replying. Looking forward to hear good news from you.
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Hi All,
There is the actual beta version a Spark :
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/0o6USZFvuC35Fq1
Pc : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/4fLuPsF47Go6k4K
I would like you (if you want) to test this version of Spark in Logic pro.
- Is it working better ?
- What is the difference for you with the previous version ?
- Is it still unusable, or it can be used like that ?
If it doesn't works, it means that we'll have to deeply change the spark code and it will take lot of times.
Thanks for testing and helping us.
JB
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I've tried out this beta version on the latest version of os x and logic. The bug described in this thread seems fixed but new problems with responsiveness have shown up. Without the spark le controller, during playback, changing parameters is not smooth and jerks around. With the controller, it's worse... I can't change parameter values at all during playback - only once I hit stop and play again does the change become active... The gui knobs aren't even responding as I move the knob on the controller. This beta version seems to unfortunately not be much of a step forward.
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I've tried out this beta version on the latest version of os x and logic. The bug described in this thread seems fixed but new problems with responsiveness have shown up. Without the spark le controller, during playback, changing parameters is not smooth and jerks around. With the controller, it's worse... I can't change parameter values at all during playback - only once I hit stop and play again does the change become active... The gui knobs aren't even responding as I move the knob on the controller. This beta version seems to unfortunately not be much of a step forward.
can you recheck there no lag as i still get it here? try changing pattens on the controller and have the sequencer open . I'm getting it but not as bad as before.
thanks
terrym
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Cool thank you so much. I'm downloading and I'll give you a response asap!
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I've tried out this beta version on the latest version of os x and logic. The bug described in this thread seems fixed but new problems with responsiveness have shown up. Without the spark le controller, during playback, changing parameters is not smooth and jerks around. With the controller, it's worse... I can't change parameter values at all during playback - only once I hit stop and play again does the change become active... The gui knobs aren't even responding as I move the knob on the controller. This beta version seems to unfortunately not be much of a step forward.
can you recheck there no lag as i still get it here? try changing pattens on the controller and have the sequencer open . I'm getting it but not as bad as before.
thanks
terrym
Correct, there is no hiccup or lag anymore. There is some minor gui delay when adjusting parameters, but doesn't really affect usability as I sounds to me as if the audio is being modified in priority.
My response above was inaccurate now that i've tested more thoroughly. It seems that I can produce a bug when the spark le controller is connected: The three gui instrument parameter knobs in the Main view are always change to Instrument 1 after:
1) closing the gui
2) press play in logic, looping (gui still closed)
3) changing a parameter using the P1,P2,P3 knobs while looping (gui still closed)
4) stop looping
5) opening the gui
The gui will correct itself after selecting a new instrument (or the same one). I assume this action triggers a redraw of the gui.
So, this isn't affecting playback so much as the gui and the controller staying in sync whilst opening and closing the gui. It initially confused me.
I've also tested some other things that used to be broken and have found they may be fixed. Can we have a list of what items should be fixed? I would love to continue testing.
we're getting closer....
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btw, when can we start working on enhancements and features?? ;D
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Encountered another problem whilst working with the beta in Logic. I closed the gui, left the controller connected, set it aside and opened up some synth plugins on other tracks and it seems that eventually the spark le controller locks up and the plugin cannot connect to it. I then tried to unplug and plug in the controller in hopes that it would be able to reconnect, but logic froze completely and I had to force quit. This general sequence of events has now happened multiple times.
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Hi , This is the list i was given of fix and features. but some bug are still there.
####Features
* Step Shift and Repeat Shortcut
- Hold a step + turn the knob "Divide" to set the repeat amount. Hold a step + turn the knob "Move" to shift the position of te step.
* SparkLE shortcut : set Shuffle amount with Select + Tempo
####Fixed Bugs
* Master channel Vu-meter is pre FX (Should be post)
* Steps "17-32" and "33-65" not displayed on the mainpage when sequence is running.
* Impossible to save an effect and a multi routing preset
* Spark not installed for the ASC
* Mixer fader jumps when clicking on it
* GUI locked on top left on the screen on PT 10.3
* Import/Export bank doesn't work
* Audio Export get deleted on plugin close
thanks
Terrym
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I have done everything trying to set up sparkle with logic pro x
and cannot make it work. set up iac drive and everything..please any pointers will be appreciated
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Ok cool all is working fine regarding the issue with the "Open GUI". It seems to work better now. There are still some new issue like the impossibility to recall the instrument from the disk without the GUI open. It worked fine in the 1.7.2 version but now it seems to disappear!
By the way the main issue with the GUI Seems to be solved. Super!
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Ok a list of bug noticed after few tests:
1) Function that able to recall (kit/instr/disk section with clicking the big knob without the GUI opened completely dispappeared. Nothing happen if you press the big knob without the GUI open and the software in use.
2) The knob Loop and Divide don't move separately but if you move Divide also the Loop virtual knob moves.
3) The main GUI problem appears only if the track is armed (R). But all of us know that you have to switch off the REC button to use the controller in the best way.
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I found a new bug in the beta. For me, this happens in standalone and logic pro x plugin. I'm able to repeat this 100% of the time.
* changing master volume causes the gui to refresh and respond slowly.
1) open Spark
2) change master volume
3) press play
Pads, meters, and steps are all affected.
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Also, this bug relating to sample start-end points still exists on Mac standalone and Logic AU:
http://forum.arturia.com/index.php?topic=83604.msg116003#msg116003
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The same here!
I found a new bug in the beta. For me, this happens in standalone and logic pro x plugin. I'm able to repeat this 100% of the time.
* changing master volume causes the gui to refresh and respond slowly.
1) open Spark
2) change master volume
3) press play
Pads, meters, and steps are all affected.
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HI All,
There is a new version of Spark correcting this issue with the master fader
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/Br4UoNEyNV8qd1W
PC : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/z24rvhyfmAlHplY
Tell me if it's working fine for you , Thanks.
JB
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Downloading now! I ll keep you updated! Thank you so much!
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Fixed. It works like a charm! Problem with loop/divide seems to be fixed. Cool! thank you so much!
HI All,
There is a new version of Spark correcting this issue with the master fader
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/Br4UoNEyNV8qd1W
PC : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/z24rvhyfmAlHplY
Tell me if it's working fine for you , Thanks.
JB
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I also confirm that this bug is not present in the latest beta.
Fixed. It works like a charm! Problem with loop/divide seems to be fixed. Cool! thank you so much!
HI All,
There is a new version of Spark correcting this issue with the master fader
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/Br4UoNEyNV8qd1W
PC : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/z24rvhyfmAlHplY
Tell me if it's working fine for you , Thanks.
JB
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I have also not been able to reproduce this bug regarding start/end points. Was it fixed?
http://forum.arturia.com/index.php?topic=83604.msg116003#msg116003
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I have also not been able to reproduce this bug regarding start/end points. Was it fixed?
http://forum.arturia.com/index.php?topic=83604.msg116003#msg116003
note sure if this was fixed but may have been linked to the gui issue above .
Terrym
UPDATE : This is still a bug!!!!!
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Thanks for the update Terry. I must not have tested thoroughly enough! I'll try again to double-confirm on my setup.
I have also not been able to reproduce this bug regarding start/end points. Was it fixed?
http://forum.arturia.com/index.php?topic=83604.msg116003#msg116003
note sure if this was fixed but may have been linked to the gui issue above .
Terrym
UPDATE : This is still a bug!!!!!
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Any progress toward a new release?
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HI All,
There is a new version of Spark correcting this issue with the master fader
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/Br4UoNEyNV8qd1W
PC : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/z24rvhyfmAlHplY
Tell me if it's working fine for you , Thanks.
JB
What's the status? Has development continued on Spark?
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Hi, i've not had any updates since ,but arturia have been quite for the last week ,not had any of my emails returned . so not sure if there on a break ?
terrym
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Well, sorry people, here I miss something...but...
where is this version 2.1.1 from? Is it a kind of unofficial beta, pre-release, given from the gods...what is it?
More infos about it, what is fixed-implemented-working or broke????
Thanks in advance :)
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Hi ,there will be a update coming soon
thanks
terrym
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Thanks a lot for the info :) :)
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Hi ,there will be a update coming soon
thanks
terrym
Will this update go deeper than the issues already discussed in this thread? I've been experiencing some strange issues with the LE controller communicating with the AU plugin using the posted beta. I haven't had a chance to formally summarize and share. I will try to do so later tonight.
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Hi ,there will be a update coming soon
thanks
terrym
Thanks for the info and for not giving up on this, but forgive me if I'm not jumping up and down, cause I've heard this once or twice before from Arturia and I'm starting to loose my hope for this to ever be solved.
Thinking of claiming my money back for Spark since it is useless with Logic X. It is almost two years now since Logic X was released and even if Arturia had to re-write the whole Spark code you would think that they solved it by now if they tried.
I urge all users, that use spark and logic X, to claim their money back! I'm sorry to say that this is the only way to emphasize Arturia to solve this bug.
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While our motivations for complaining here are selfish in many ways, the biggest shame is how much missed opportunity there is by Arturia. This product could be fiercely competing with Maschine as a no-brainer purchase for many prosumers and producers (Akai has also missed the mark with the new MPC). The market for a product like Spark would seem to be enormous if it's base of users were out raving about it and big time producers were showing it off in their studio tours. Sequencing solutions in general are very much on the rise and the hardware+software aspect of Spark gives it so much appeal (though I'm starting to feel like the bigger Creative controller is superior to the LE due to the knobs per track and the LCD display).
To syz-x's point, the only way for users to help Arturia make more money is to demand they make better products.
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Yeah jsmirk, you said right. Trigger Finger is a host with a drum inside and synth also, Akai developed a kind of big sequencer with a sample based engine, Maschine is another host-like application...well, I don't desire loading an host inside the host to write a drum. I want a drum machine with separated outs inside Cubase. Stop. I want to write my main patterns on its hardware and sequencer in the old way, but than, when i'm done, stop the sequencer and put midi patterns inside cubase, and manage them from there. And Spark is THE ONLY product on the market that does it, and does it well and fast. Fucking brillant Spark. I hope Arturia doesn't miss its opportunity and its way, keeping updating the platform but also keeping it's "sense" and straight-to-the-point operational mode.
C'mon Arturia. Keep it simple, fast, and stable.
I don't say this for the money I spent, I say this first of all for my music, 'cause I don't know where to find other gear so functional to my needs.
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Any news about updates?
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HI All,
There is a new version of Spark correcting this issue with the master fader
Mac : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/Br4UoNEyNV8qd1W
PC : https://owncloud.arturia.net/index.php/s/z24rvhyfmAlHplY
Tell me if it's working fine for you , Thanks.
JB
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Ok great! Anyone already tried it?
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this was out on the 10 april
regards
terrym
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already tried and it was good. Any news about a definitive update?
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No news yet but i think once the beat step pro is out of the way spark will be next
regards
Terrym
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Hopefully beatstep pro is ready! ;D Spark time........
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Hi A new update should be ready around the end of the month
regards
terrym
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I've just downloaded Logic X (10.2) and I must say that Spark runs a little bit smoother than before. Audio stays synced and much fewer hick-ups. But external midi gear still have problem with hanging tones, loosing sync, etc, when Spark is enabled.
Can we expect the promised update soon? Hopefully this makes it a little bit easier for the Arturia techies to fix now.
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Ive been told the update is very soon
regards
Terrym
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Coming back to this tread again after more or less giving up on Spark and Logic X.
Just wanted to check if anyone found a solution for Logic X and Spark hardware with external midi gear?
Those updates promised in the thread did not solve anything for me. The sync is still all over the place. And crashes are frequent.
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Sorry what are you trying to do with spark? controls it from another midi device?
Ill See if i can look at it for you but please give me precise details
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This is a very old thread, but the problems are still the same:
1. Using Logic X and Spark with the Spark hardware controller (the big one), and other hardware MIDI synths with external MIDI interface render Logic to loose sync and glitch tempo.
2. Changing patterns or tweaking parameters on Spark hardware controller make Logic X to loose sync or crash.
Really the same problems as stated in the tread before, but with no solution presented yet.
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So nobody found a solution for this yet?
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Hi syz-x,
I've been trying to reproduce your issue for quite some time now, but I don't seem to have any sync issue, and even less crashes when tweaking parameters on my Spark CDM controller.
What kind of setup are you using ? Might it be that you have a lot of plugins open at the same time and somehow the CPU would be overwhelmed, which would cause Spark to lose sync ?
I would need to have a way to easily reproduce this phenomenon if I am to find a fix for it.
Thanks