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V Collection - Legacy versions => Analog Lab 3 => Analog Lab 3 - Technical issues => Topic started by: retrophonics on April 24, 2018, 09:44:42 am

Title: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 24, 2018, 09:44:42 am
Just recently installed A Lab 3 and I'm having issues when playing many of the Jupiter 8 patches.
Starting off everything is fine but after a while when going back through various patches sometimes when I come to a JP8 sound it sounds different than before, screechy just like the "cross modulation" control has been badly adjusted?
Same applies sometimes when editing the basic controls of the JP8.
When I edit a JP8 sound and save it, then return again to play that sound, the "cross mod" is all over the place and despite trying to manually adjust it, I still can't rectify it.
Also occasionally the programme crashes when trying to work on JP8 sounds.
Sadly now I can't use JP8 for live performance, as I can't trust the saved sounds to play correctly when I dial them up.
I've re-installed Lab 3 and still no change.
My system is .... Windows 10, i core 7 intel processor, 8mb ram on a laptop and playing on a new Arturia Essential Key lab 61
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 24, 2018, 01:48:39 pm
Hi and welcome to Arturia forums.

Is there a way to easily replicate this issue?
Are you having the issue with AL3 both in standalone mode and when used as a plugin?
Are your AL3 updated?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 24, 2018, 07:41:38 pm
Thanks LBH,
By continuing to work with JP 8 sounds, the issue soons appears each time.
I had downloaded the latest version of A Lab 3 and even did a reinstall but still have the issue.
I'm only using as a stand alone mode at present but I do intend to use as a plugin in Alelton Live Lite
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 24, 2018, 09:00:40 pm
I can say i have exsperienced AL3 crashes on my laptop. But i have'nt noticed if it's about Jup-8. I can be about soemthing i do to. But apart from that i don't think i can confirm  or deny your issues.
I mostly use the individual applications.

How have you reinstalled AL3?

Are you touching or doing anything when you change preset?

Are you only having issues when it's not factory presets?

It's hard for Arturia to correct things they can't reproduce the behavior. The more excact steps to reproduce - the better, if they don't know about it allready.
It could also make the chances for anyone to be able to help easier.

Can anyone else in the community confirm this issue?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 25, 2018, 09:46:28 am
Yes, did a reinstall and that made no difference.
Spent all last night playing with it and came across a few more issues...
Strangley the JP8 sounds worked okay this time round but the first sound I used  CS 80  "4 Strings" after playing just a couple of notes the sound started hissing and going off key? I left the sound and went onto other sounds which were fine, then came back to it and same problem again?
I then worked for 3 hours without issues until I came to playing 2 sounds which I had saved in Multi Mode and layered...a grand piano and a OBX strings, then my CPU went off the scale and the sound was unplayble due to distortion/crackling...
I specifically bought a laptop with an intel core i7 processor 2.7 ghz and got 8 mb ram to play Arturia Lab 3, which is over recomended spec, so why is my cpu going off the charts playing in Multi Mode and also some other individual Lab 3 sounds?
I have nothing else on my laptop, just Arturia Lab 3, Arturia software center and Arturia Midi control...
I'm getting really upset with all this now as I had bought the Arturia Key Lab Essential keyboard, installed A Lab 3 and bought a laptop to meet the spec and I'm having so many issues..... I had intended in upgrading to Collection V but no point if I'm having so many issues with the simple version..... Any help would be greatly appreciated... thank you
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 25, 2018, 03:14:43 pm
Yes, did a reinstall and that made no difference.
I asked how you reinstalled. Did you only run the installer again, or what did you do? But perhaps your issue actually is about latency. It's clearly not about Jup-8 after all.

I used  CS 80  "4 Strings" after playing just a couple of notes the sound started hissing and going off key?
This should only happen if you modulate this "Four Strings" sound. For examle by using the wheels or other controls. Are you sure the wheels is in neutral position, and you don't use any controls?

I then worked for 3 hours without issues until I came to playing 2 sounds which I had saved in Multi Mode and layered...a grand piano and a OBX strings, then my CPU went off the scale and the sound was unplayble due to distortion/crackling...
Yes this can be caused by latency issues. Could be overload of a single CPU core. Such a sound can use a lot of CPU depending on different things.
How is your soundcard settings?
Samlperate? Buffer size? USB buffer size if you have such a setting?
Which soundcard do you use? What driver?

I specifically bought a laptop with an intel core i7 processor 2.7 ghz and got 8 mb ram to play Arturia Lab 3, which is over recomended spec, so why is my cpu going off the charts playing in Multi Mode and also some other individual Lab 3 sounds?
Minimum specs is not able to run demanding stuff - especially using more applications than 1. Depending on what you do, then a 2.7 GHz CPU is'nt a whole lot. You can do much, but not all. Tower computers perform better than laptops.
FYI: Working a long time can create heat. The warmer your computer is, the slower it get, and laptops can have a hard time keeping cool.

The CPU usage depend on your soundcard settings, how many applications you run, how the CPU load is being distributed, the sounds you use and how many notes you play at a time including held notes by sustain pedal, the effects you use, and technical stuff you can't do anythng about like software coding. Can you be detailed on how much you use, when you get crackles?

If you use Windows PC - then have you set it to "High Performance" mode?
Have you set the used USB connections not to shut down to save power?
Have you shut down as many things as possible that run in the background on your computer, that don't need to run all the time?

BTW: Keep in mind, that some sounds might be distorted because they are too loud. Then you can try to turn down the sounds volume.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 25, 2018, 04:01:31 pm
Thank LBH for your time and detailed reply, it's much appreciated.

Looks like my issue may be with the sound card or not as the case may be.
My laptop only uses a basic Windows sound and does not have a dedicated sound card, so that may cause some issues...I had not thought of that when purchasing the laptop, as it was not stated on the recomend A Lab 3 spec.
+
You mentioned the CPU struggling when it gets hot, this makes sense and may also be an issue as that may have been the case last night when working on sounds that worked at the start but struggled later after a few hours work.

I have no other back ground programmes running, so that's not an issue.
+
I just reinstalled by opening the installer programme again and re-running it
+
Don't have too many problems with latency
+
I'm using a laptop as I want to play live gigs using the LAB3, so desk top PC not feasible
+
Looking more and more like my laptop despite being more than the Arturia recomended spec, is still not powerful to run Lab 3 fully. This a major dissapointment as I bought it + Arturia Key Lab Essential 61 midi keyboard + Lab3,  going on what spec was recomened and even went higher than recomended. So looking like there is no point in investing in Arturia Collection V if I'm struggling to play all of Lab 3..
That's very dissapointing after all I've spent and hoped to achieve using Arturia....
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 25, 2018, 08:01:58 pm
Looking more and more like my laptop despite being more than the Arturia recomended spec, is still not powerful to run Lab 3 fully.
That's very dissapointing after all I've spent and hoped to achieve using Arturia....
Don't draw to fast conclusions.
If everything could be done on smaller computers, then studios and other users did'nt need more.
It's the same for all equiptment. And it's the same for all software.
Minimum specs is to exspect to be able to run one application, and perhaps more depending on the usage. I agree all vendors could make better recommendations, but that don't say the minimum spec is wrong. It's about what's possible to do with those specs.
I have a main music tower computer i use for the heavy stuff.
But i also have an older laptop with a i7 - 2.3 GHz base frequency CPU that can do quite much. But if it work hard, then it get hot, and then it can crash too.
Is your CPUs 2.7 GHz it's base frequency or a turboboost speed? Which CPU is it?

I have no other back ground programmes running, so that's not an issue.
Have you for example disabled any settings in Windows settings?

Looks like my issue may be with the sound card or not as the case may be.
My laptop only uses a basic Windows sound and does not have a dedicated sound card, so that may cause some issues...I had not thought of that when purchasing the laptop, as it was not stated on the recomend A Lab 3 spec.
You can also set a windows soundcard settings. It's not the best soundcard to use, but perhaps enough. You can also try to download and use ASIO4ALL driver for windows: http://www.asio4all.org/
Here is some info you might find useful and help with understanding:
https://support.image-line.com/action/knowledgebase?ans=214
https://support.image-line.com/action/knowledgebase?id=55&ans=62

For some usages a better soundcard is to perfere.

Don't have too many problems with latency
Overload of CPU is in a way latency issues.  It's not that you have too long latency, but perhaps too small, so your CPU can handle it. Also the higher soundquality you use the more power you need.

Also check in windows ressource monitor if the load is distributed to more cores than one.

I suggest you try the things step by step. Then it's much more likely to get a positive result you can use.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 26, 2018, 04:04:03 pm
Thanks again LBH, you have been most helpful...
I am very new to this sort of thing but I'm learning all the time.
I will try out all your good suggestions over the coming days and let you know how I get on.

As I've just discovered that you can get an external sound card for the laptop (audio interface?). Would you think that might resolve many of my issues and enable me to install an asio driver, which these heavy synth software programmes seem to need?
If so, what would you recommend for my laptop?
You asked what was the power of my i7 processor ...it is 2.7 ghz.
Once again thank you for all your help and I'm learning more and more about this subect every day.
I would really like to fully run A Collection V on my laptop for playing live as I'm in a 80s band and the synths would give me a very authentic, so maybe with a new external sound card that might be achievable?
Cheers
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on April 26, 2018, 05:44:47 pm
There are many external Audio/MIDI interfaces out there on the market. Arturia have one available, but I must admit being a fan of Focusrite - https://uk.focusrite.com/home?rd=1
They have a number of products that could be suitable for your needs.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 26, 2018, 06:47:55 pm
@retrophonics

I asked which CPU and if the 2.7 GHz was base or turboboost speed? Which model is the CPU not only i7 but the full name? If the 2.7 GHz is turboboost, then the base frequency is less. Running turbo produce more heat. Heat can in live situations create a unstable system, especialy as there often are other heat sources like light, other equiptment and many people.
Wna't you can do live depend on so many factors. You'll have to try it out.

It's the same with soundcards. What you need depend on how you connect to the monitoring and PA and such, and what that gear can do.
Also an external soundcard does'nt have to be better than an internal.
I really can't explain it much better than it's done in the articles i posted a link for. Please read the articles.
The fact is, that you usually will find good and bad informations about all soundcards. Some are fans of products others say is'nt good, and the other way around. You'll have to find out what you need.

Practising with a band can perhaps give you a much better clue about, how much you can exspect to be able to do live, with the gear you have.

In generel - you'll learn. Some studying and testing most be exspected.

Have you checked if your issue was about the CPU being overloaded?

In generel it will be great, if you report, what you find out. That can help others.

BTW: When you do a reinstall of Arturias products, then it's often needed to uninstall the product, and then remove some files manually before installing the product again. That's why i asked about what you did. Looks like you did'nt do this. You'll find more info about uninstalling on the FQA site.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 28, 2018, 03:02:12 pm
Ok, I'm going to uninstall and then re-install the new Lab 3 just released..
Computure ghurus which I spoken to tell me my laptop should be more than capable to playing Lab 3 and Collection V but somewhere there is an issue which I've not sorted yet...
+
Not sure if this is the cause of my cpu overloading..but on checking my version of Lab 3 previoulsy installed , it's down as the 32 bit version but my laptop on Windows 10 is 64 bit... How do I install Lab 3  64 bit? I did not see this option when installing the first time round?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 28, 2018, 05:24:14 pm
Yes it's about finding out what causing your issue. That's why you need to test each thing one by one.
I have suggested some things to check and try and how to do it.

The standalone version of AL3 is only 32-Bit. The plug-ins is also availble as 64-bit, and is instaled on your system, unless you have chosen not to during the install.
Title: Re: Sound issue & cpu issues with Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 29, 2018, 01:42:29 am
After a day of testing various possible solutions....
This is my update...
Uninstalled then reinstalled latest version of Lab 3....still same cpu problem
Installed asio4all driver...made no difference
Disabled all other programs running in the background i.e. wifi, anti virus, etc etc....no change
Now the cpu is peaking when playing grand piano, Matrix synth and a couple of other Lab synths, especially those sounds with long sustain or reverb/delay
Cannot use multi mode as this really upsets cpu..
However when checking usage on my laptop while playing the Lab 3 sounds, it shows it only using up to 16% usage?
Have played around with all buffer and asio settings, but made no difference...
I downloaded Dexed soft synth and it runs without any issues and the cpu cooler fan never comes on, so seems Arturia Lab 3 is really heavy on cpu compared to other software.
Issues gets worse the more the laptop is used and warms up.
However it did not crash today :)
My laptop is 64 bit and Lab 3 32 bit...does this make any difference?
Not sure where to find the turbo boost on the processor you mentioned..
Running out of options to resolve the issue...
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 29, 2018, 04:38:47 am
First of all. You really should'nt have issues. Have you tried to turn down the volume on AL3 GUI itself (it's important it's this volume), when you have issues, just like i have suggested?
If the informations you give is true, then it could very well just be a volume issue you have, just like when overdriving the input on an amplifier. What happens when you do this?
I can get distorted sound on some presets  also depending on my playing, and get this fixed by turning down the sounds volume on the  AL3 GUI.


+

Also keep in mind, that presets names and details in generel is vital to be able to check your issues.

+

Is the 16% CPU usage you mention, the usage you have, when you play and get issues? What is the usage of the CPU core that is used most?
Look in the cpu core graphs in Windows resource monitor: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-use-resource-monitor-windows-7 -  it's all windows - just scroll.

+

How can you say AL3 have CPU issues if your informations about CPU usage is correct, and no individuel CPU core is overloaded?

+

And again what is your CPU model name beside i7 and speed? I can't help unless you answer my questions. There is a reason why i ask.

+

Turboboost is a feature in a processor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Turbo_Boost
I only asked if your 2.7 Ghz is the turboboost or base frequency of your CPU. I believe it's you base frequency, but i can't tell for sure unless i have the full name of the CPU. Intel have a product ark that have this info for each processor they have.

+

When you load one standalone application of AL3 it does'nt matter that AL3 standalone is 32 bit and your OS is 64 bit. All the applications you have in ProgramFiles(x86) is 32 bit applications, so you have many beside Arturias.
I tried to tell in my last post. I wonder how much computer knowleadge and you have?

+

Set your computer's power for high performance like i allready have suggested.
If your computer is set to conserve energy, the CPU may not be running at full speed all of the time. This can have a detrimental effect on your computer's audio performance. To set your computer's power for high performance:
- Go to: Control Panel>Power Options
- Choose "High Performance"
- Then click the "Change plan settings" button. Make sure both power options are set to "Never".

+

Disable 'Windows Background Apps' like i allready have suggested. (If you are on the internet then keep your antivirus, firewall on. those was'nt what i meant to turn off. Keep in mind that wireless conections can create issues.)

Windows 10, by default, runs a number of Apps in the background, regardless of whether you are using them.

Select 'Settings' from the Windows Start menu, select 'Privacy', then select 'Background Apps'. From here switch 'Off' the apps that you do not believe you are using, or that you do not wish to run in the background when you are not using the program.

I have allmost everything turned off.
It does'nt mean you can't use the applications, if you switch them off here, they are just not running in the background all the time.
I also suggest you go thru everything in the windows settings application and turn off as much as possible. Both for performance, security and privacy reasons.

+

Try to set your audio at 44.1 or 48 GHz. Have you run it at higher settings?
If you use Windows audio, then set the buffer as few miliseconds, where you don't have such long latency that you can't play well.
If you use ASIO4ALL then try to start at 512 samples and go down towards 256 samples is possible, and then 128 samples if possible. The lower the setting the more demading it is on your CPU.
Some soundcards is less demanding on the CPU than others.

+

If you actually are having latency issues after doing all the above, then try to run latencyMon: http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon
This can  perhaps help to find the source for eventuel latency issues.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 30, 2018, 09:45:36 am
Thank you LBH
Tonight I will go thought every suggestion that you have mentioned 1 by 1 and note down my findings in detail, then get back to you.
Thank you for your patience.
I do actually have a level of computer experience and have worked with them for many years, but please understand this is the first time I've used music software and I've never come across such an issue that is so hard to reslove tech wise, with a computer that should be very capable of dealing with this program.
I'll work on all your detials tonight and get back to you....
I have 1 more issue which I've not mentioned yet but I've had it with both my old laptop and now this new laptop, when playing Lab 3 or any other synth software live through an amplifier....I'm getting a loud  electric static noise from the laptop power cable. Once I unplug the power cable the noise stops. Is there is solution to this?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on April 30, 2018, 01:36:47 pm
I have 1 more issue which I've not mentioned yet but I've had it with both my old laptop and now this new laptop, when playing Lab 3 or any other synth software live through an amplifier....I'm getting a loud  electric static noise from the laptop power cable. Once I unplug the power cable the noise stops. Is there is solution to this?
This could be about the powersupply or the power cord. But i wonder why you have it on 2 computers. If your power supply and power cord is working correct and the powersupply has enough capacity and match your computers components, then things should work correct. I'm not a technician. I assume there can be other reasons like earth connection issues. I don't know if that's normal where you live.

If it's only an issue with your internal soundcard, then this might be an issue an external soundcard could solve, but you have to try it out, to find out. Perhaps  try to go to a music store that have soundcards, and try it out with your computer?

Cheers
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on April 30, 2018, 10:17:37 pm
Hi LBH

I've gopne through all your questions and answered tham as best I can...
Hope it helps..


First of all. You really shouldn't have issues. Have you tried to turn down the volume on AL3 GUI itself (it's important it's this volume), when you have issues, just like i have suggested?
Yes, I have turned down the volume on the AL3 control panel/Essential 61 midi keyboard...no change
+
Also keep in mind, that presets names and details in general is vital to be able to check your issues.
Most piano sounds especially Grand Piano and especially "American Grey Road", some  CMI sounds i.e "Addictive Pad",  some Solina sounds i.e."Blue Strings" and most Matrix 12 sounds i.e. "Encounter Pad".  Interestingly the Jupiter 8 sounds seem okay last time ?
+

Is the 16% CPU usage you mention, the usage you have, when you play and get issues? What is the usage of the CPU core that is used most?
Look in the cpu core graphs in Windows resource monitor: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-use-resource-monitor-windows-7 -  it's all windows - just scroll.
Yes I did...see results below
+

How can you say AL3 have CPU issues if your informations about CPU usage is correct, and no individuel CPU core is overloaded?
I suggested that it was Cpu issue because the cpu level meter bottom right of the AL3 panel goes over 50% when I play a sound that then distorts and crackles...
After checking the Cpu monitor on the laptop while playing a sound that distorted Matrix 12  " Encounter Pad" the highest usage it went up to was 27% & Ram went to 21%

+

And again what is your CPU model name beside i7 and speed? I can't help unless you answer my questions. There is a reason why i ask.
Intel (R) Core (TM) i7-2620M CPU @ 2.7 GHz + Installed Ram 8GB + Graphics Nvidia NVS 4200M
Sound: High Definition Audio Device and NVidia High Definition Audio

+

Turboboost is a feature in a processor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Turbo_Boost
I only asked if your 2.7 Ghz is the turboboost or base frequency of your CPU. I believe it's you base frequency, but i can't tell for sure unless i have the full name of the CPU. Intel have a product ark that have this info for each processor they have.
+
When you load one standalone application of AL3 it doesn't matter that AL3 standalone is 32 bit and your OS is 64 bit.
+
Set your computer's power for high performance like i already have suggested.
Okay, I did that but made no difference..
+
Disable 'Windows Background Apps' like i already have suggested.
Select 'Settings' from the Windows Start menu, select 'Privacy', then select 'Background Apps'. From here switch 'Off' the apps that you do not believe you are using, or that you do not wish to run in the background when you are not using the program.
Yes did that

I have almost everything turned off.
It doesn't mean you can't use the applications, if you switch them off here, they are just not running in the background all the time.
I also suggest you go thru everything in the windows settings application and turn off as much as possible. Both for performance, security and privacy reasons.
Yes, I've done all that. Only turned off anti virus when wifi was off to see if it made any difference but it didn't
+

Try to set your audio at 44.1 or 48 GHz. Have you run it at higher settings?
If you use Windows audio, then set the buffer as few miliseconds, where you don't have such long latency that you can't play well.
If you use ASIO4ALL then try to start at 512 samples and go down towards 256 samples is possible, and then 128 samples if possible. The lower the setting the more demading it is on your CPU.
Some soundcards is less demanding on the CPU than others.
Yes, did that but no change

+

If you actually are having latency issues after doing all the above, then try to run latencyMon: http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon
This can  perhaps help to find the source for eventuel latency issues. 
Not really having any latencey issues
« Last Edit: April 29, 2018, 05:03:12 am by LBH »
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 01, 2018, 01:07:08 am
I have no issues with the 4 presets you name. For example Addictive pad can be very hard on the CPU.

First i need to ask what speakers you use? Do you use headphones? In any case are you sure you audio output and your speakers/ headphones is'nt damaged, and that they can handle this?

In generel that's much better informations you provide now, if it's correct informations. There is quite a difference from the 16% CPU usage you reported last time, to the values you report now.
You still don't tell the usage of a single CPU core. That's the important thing, if it's a CPU issue. A single core needs to be overloaded for this to be a CPU issue.
The usage you mention can perhaps overload a single CPU core depending on different things. But you need to check if that's the case.

Is this your CPU https://ark.intel.com/products/52231/Intel-Core-i7-2620M-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_40-GHz ?
Do you know that's a CPU from first quarter of 2011? Todays CPUs does much more having the same clockspeed. I thought it was a new computer you had. Is'nt it? Which Windows 10 version and build do you use?
Have you checked if the CPU actually work at it's full speed? You can see the speed in windows task manager.
I have CPU in a laptop a generation after yours. I thought your CPU where better, but now if it's the one i post a link for, then i think mine is better.

If i was you, i would still try some external soundcards in a store like i suggested. We can't rule that out to be an issue. An external soundcard can perhaps help on the CPU load, but i can't tell, if it's enough. You'll have to try it to find out.
Also use some speakers/ headphones from the store to rule that out too.

There are some settings in the BIOS that if needed might help to optimize your CPU performance. But that you may need your computer gurus to look at. One needs to be careful with the BIOS. It also depend on which settings you have availble in your BIOS.

I still think you should be able to use your laptop for at least one instance of AL3. The fact that you wonder why JP8 now don't have issues suport this. Why do you think JP8 don't have issues now?
Keep in mind that real time audio production is one of the most demanding tasks for a CPU if not the most demanding. Everything on your computer shall work optimal. It's not like using a mediaplayer to play an audio file or listen to music from a website.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 02, 2018, 10:22:27 am
I have no issues with the 4 presets you name. For example Addictive pad can be very hard on the CPU.

First i need to ask what speakers you use? Do you use headphones? In any case are you sure you audio output and your speakers/ headphones is'nt damaged, and that they can handle this?
It is not the speakers nor volume issue. I've played the Lab3 through earphones, m-audio studio speakers, Carlsbro keybaord amp and even a 350 watt bass amp...made no difference[/i]

In generel that's much better informations you provide now, if it's correct informations. There is quite a difference from the 16% CPU usage you reported last time, to the values you report now.
You still don't tell the usage of a single CPU core. That's the important thing, if it's a CPU issue. A single core needs to be overloaded for this to be a CPU issue.
The usage you mention can perhaps overload a single CPU core depending on different things. But you need to check if that's the case.
How do I check this? It does state 2 cores on the Performance monitor

Is this your CPU https://ark.intel.com/products/52231/Intel-Core-i7-2620M-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_40-GHz ?
Do you know that's a CPU from first quarter of 2011? Todays CPUs does much more having the same clockspeed. I thought it was a new computer you had. Is'nt it? Which Windows 10 version and build do you use? Not sure about the above..it is a 2nd generation Intel (R) Core (TM) i7-2620M CPU @ 2.7 GHz processor ...I bought a reconditioned laptop exceeding the minimum spec specified by Arturia, so thought it would be more than ample...obviously not.. Don't see how a different edition of Win 10 would make a difference? I've updated all aspects of the operating software and the latest version of Lab3
Have you checked if the CPU actually work at it's full speed? You can see the speed in windows task manager.
When idol it states on Task Manager...CPU 5% 2.15 GHZ. Insterestingly when I open Lab3 CPU peaks at 80% but then immediately drops back to normal. All other performance displays seem to be well within limits
I have CPU in a laptop a generation after yours. I thought your CPU where better, but now if it's the one i post a link for, then i think mine is better.

If i was you, i would still try some external soundcards in a store like i suggested. We can't rule that out to be an issue. An external soundcard can perhaps help on the CPU load, but i can't tell, if it's enough. You'll have to try it to find out.
Unfortunately this is not possible as I live in a very rural area and I'm not able to get to the city to check these out. Also not easy to do that with a laptop not bought from same store
Also use some speakers/ headphones from the store to rule that out too. 
No need as I've tried many difference audio speakers which made no difference

There are some settings in the BIOS that if needed might help to optimize your CPU performance. But that you may need your computer gurus to look at. One needs to be careful with the BIOS. It also depend on which settings you have availble in your BIOS.
  Surely Arturia software makers wouldn't role out new software that meant ordinary people like me, would then need to start digging into their bios and also deep into very advanced settings within their laptop just to get it to work?

I still think you should be able to use your laptop for at least one instance of AL3. The fact that you wonder why JP8 now don't have issues suport this. Why do you think JP8 don't have issues now?
Keep in mind that real time audio production is one of the most demanding tasks for a CPU if not the most demanding. Everything on your computer shall work optimal. It's not like using a mediaplayer to play an audio file or listen to music from a website.
Yeah... I'm dissapointed that after buying a fairly high spec laptop specifically to do this job (as my old laptop had exactly the same issue but was only a dual core 2.1 Ghz processor) that after all your help and my fiddiling around with lots of different settings, still wont fully play LAB3.v Shame as Arturia have given me a good offer on Collection V but no point if 30% of the sounds won't work and I cannot use the Multi function which is very important to me, for same reason.  Anyway I cannot use any Arturia sounds until I resolve the electrical static noise from my laptop when it's plugged in.  By unplugging my main PC that did help but still not enough to use live. I'm busy at present by will work on this again over the next few days...thanks as always for your help LBH. I might try to take a few screen photos and post them which might help
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 02, 2018, 05:44:50 pm
Please read reply #14 again. I wrote this: Look in the cpu core graphs in Windows resource monitor: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-use-resource-monitor-windows-7 -  it's all windows versions - just scroll. This is where you can see the load on each core. Your CPU will show core 0-3 because it's a multithreading CPU, if this feature is on.
Let's take this first.

Screeshots can in generel often help.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 03, 2018, 10:04:17 am
Please read reply #14 again. I wrote this: Look in the cpu core graphs in Windows resource monitor: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-use-resource-monitor-windows-7 -  it's all windows versions - just scroll. This is where you can see the load on each core. Your CPU will show core 0-3 because it's a multithreading CPU, if this feature is on.
Let's take this first.

Screeshots can in generel often help.
Ok, I've done as you asked in windows resource monitor and enclosed 2 photo.
1 photo shows the cpu reading on LAB3 when playing the sound stated below which distorted badly ..
I played the demanding sounds which had max distortion when played i.e. 2 x DX7 sounds played in Multi "Ambient Mood"
Seems my cpu cores are all well within happy limits, so maybe this is not a CPU issue after all?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 03, 2018, 06:28:27 pm
Your CPU cores is clearly not overloaded.
I wonder why your CPU meter on the AL3 GUI seems to be quite high, as it does'nt seem to reflect the low CPU usage read in windows resource manager and will have have this in mind, but i believe the AL3 meter turns read if it overload.
So it does'nt look like you have a CPU issue.

It can be about some PC settings, as i have suggested.
When you have the issue, it's consistent right? It's not a second or a short while only? Let an answer on this, and if you please could post a screenshot of the full audio settings panel in AL3, be the next steps.

As it look like it's not a CPU issue, then i can't say it's the performance of the soundcard, that's the issue either. Can't rule it out before another is tested though. It can also still be the quality of the soundcard. And it can be about all other audio units and connections.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 03, 2018, 11:43:53 pm
Your CPU cores is clearly not overloaded.
I wonder why your CPU meter on the AL3 GUI seems to be quite high, as it does'nt seem to reflect the low CPU usage read in windows resource manager and will have have this in mind, but i believe the AL3 meter turns read if it overload.
So it does'nt look like you have a CPU issue.

It can be about some PC settings, as i have suggested.
When you have the issue, it's consistent right? It's not a second or a short while only? Let an answer on this, and if you please could post a screenshot of the full audio settings panel in AL3, be the next steps.

The sound distortion lasts as long as I hold down the notes. If I play 1 note there is no distortion, if i play 2 notes together maybe a slight distortion. if I play 3 notes together, then the notes begin to distort...so the more notes I play at once the worse the distortion and especially if sounds have long release or long reverb. Photo below as requested

As it look like it's not a CPU issue, then i can't say it's the performance of the soundcard, that's the issue either. Can't rule it out before another is tested though. It can also still be the quality of the soundcard. And it can be about all other audio units and connections.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 04, 2018, 01:32:41 am
I don't have issues with the "Ambient mood" multi preset.

Are your sound device driver updated?
(Just in case: Try to use a 48000 Hz samplerate to see if that make any difference. It should'nt, but perhaps. Take a second to try.)

If you have done what you have said you have done, and your CPU usage is like you have shown, then you should'nt have any issues, if your computers soundcard work correct, as you also say your headphones, cables, speakers and headphones work correct and can handle this sound.
I assume your NVidia can't make any conflict, but you can try to disable that for a while, just to be certain.

The only way to rule soundcard issues out is to try another fully working soundcard like an external USB soundcard, and i would prefere to use a new headset and new cables for testing too. This i suggest as being the next step after trying the above. Right now your CPU seems to handle the load.

This testing can either rule out or confirm that being the issue.

One thing i still wonder about is why you only have issues with some presets, and why presets that have been giving issues once does'nt another time. That could be caused by damaged hardware and cables.
The fact that you say the distortion continue over long periods i think rule out, that it's about things that may use the CPU for a short while. But still be sure, that you have set the settings for your PC, as i have suggested in my posts.





Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 04, 2018, 03:36:25 pm
I don't have issues with the "Ambient mood" multi preset.

Are your sound device driver updated?
(Just in case: Try to use a 48000 Hz samplerate to see if that make any difference. It should'nt, but perhaps. Take a second to try.)
I'll check that out and yes my sound driver is up to date

If you have done what you have said you have done, and your CPU usage is like you have shown, then you should'nt have any issues, if your computers soundcard work correct, as you also say your headphones, cables, speakers and headphones work correct and can handle this sound.
I assume your NVidia can't make any conflict, but you can try to disable that for a while, just to be certain.
I will try that

The only way to rule soundcard issues out is to try another fully working soundcard like an external USB soundcard, and i would prefere to use a new headset and new cables for testing too. This i suggest as being the next step after trying the above. Right now your CPU seems to handle the load.

This testing can either rule out or confirm that being the issue.

One thing i still wonder about is why you only have issues with some presets, and why presets that have been giving issues once does'nt another time. That could be caused by damaged hardware and cables.
The fact that you say the distortion continue over long periods i think rule out, that it's about things that may use the CPU for a short while. But still be sure, that you have set the settings for your PC, as i have suggested in my posts.
I  think we can rule out hardware issues on the laptop and I'm experiencing the same issues on both my old laptop and the new more powerful laptop.
I'm also wondering if the distortion issues with playing some LAB3 patches and the electrical static noise coming from the charging cable when charging the laptop are related?  Maybe this is a sound card issue and that having the correct external sound card would resolve both problems?
We have rulled out cpu, Ram, performance and memory, so all that is left is sound card and the possiblity that I'm overloading the basic built in sound card and it' s too basic to cope with such demanding complex sounds and interference from the charging cable?
What I'm going to do now do some research online and ask a few questions on external sounds and the possiblity of them resolving my 2 sound issues....
So it may be a few days before I'm back to you with more info...
I'm happy to buy an external sound card but I need to know what is best and abviously not too expensivre, just in case it doesnt resolve these issues
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 04, 2018, 05:49:52 pm
I would have the power cord connected.

Yes as said, then i among other things would try an external soundcard. But i can't say if that help. You should get better sound when playing though.
I have no sound distortion issue using my cheap internal realtek soundcard on my laptop. But there are differences between PC components.
You just need a entry soundcard, if you plan to buy one. Cards around €150-200  or $200-300 perhaps. Just not too cheap. It's a good idea to look around yes. If you can try one or some out before buying, then i would do that.


Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 04, 2018, 07:24:54 pm
As I mentioned in a previous reply in this thread, Focusrite do fairly cheap external soundcards/audio interfaces, and I've found the ones I've used are very good quality.
There are many other companies that make similar products - shop around to see what's out there.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 07, 2018, 09:48:14 am
As I mentioned in a previous reply in this thread, Focusrite do fairly cheap external soundcards/audio interfaces, and I've found the ones I've used are very good quality.
There are many other companies that make similar products - shop around to see what's out there.
Thanks AndyRH, will do..
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 10, 2018, 03:32:19 pm
After reading yours and others advice, it seems that I do require an audio interface which could resolve my issues and seems to be required when playing soft synths through laptops etc. So I'm looking at the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen as a possible suitable unit.
However I was just thinking of 1 other possible reason for my 2 sound issues...
Could my sound problems be related to the fact that I'm presently taking my sound output direct from the head phones output on the laptop? Could this be why some of my Lab 3 sounds distort and causing the annoying crackling/static noise when laptop is charging while playing Lab3 ?
I noticed on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen, it comes with 2 outputs to go to external monitors or speakers and a separate headphones output. 
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 10, 2018, 04:22:45 pm
It could be that using the headphone socket on the laptop is the source of the problem.

The Focusrite 2i2 would be a good unit to try out. I use the 2i4 and it's worked perfectly for me through desktop monitors and headphones - so much so that I use it as my main soundcard for other things such playing games and watching videos.

Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 10, 2018, 04:30:22 pm
Thanks AndyRH
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 17, 2018, 09:11:52 am
Good News!!!
1 issue resolved!
Last night I discovered that I had a Nvidia HD sound driver on my laptop and that was the driver seemed to be playing all my synth software music? despite the fact that I had installed Asio14all driver which was strangely showing as the music driver and not the Nvidia.
Anyway I uninstalled the Nvidia driver and discovered I had no sound at all!!
However strangley after a very large schedualed Windows 10 update was installed, it re-instated it's own HD Windows sound driver.
After the long update was completed, i tried out Lab 3 (which I've now updated to full CollectionV6) and to my amazment, ALL my Arturia Lab 3 sounds play with no distortion and all very clearly.... Also very interestingly, the CPU level meter on bottom right of Lab3 screen, remains very low throughout every sound and not going off the scale as before...
So to sum up, it seems either there was a conflict between other sound drivers and the HD Nvidia sound driver or the HD Nividia driver was not compatable with Lab3.
Wow ..seriously complicated!
Now I just have to resolve the issue of static electrical background noise when my laptop is charging when I play through speakers.
I've ordered a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface, so I'm hpoing this may resolve that issue? 
Happy days! :)
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 17, 2018, 12:23:12 pm
That is good news! You got there in the end  8)

Also, let us know how you get on with the Focusrite 2i2 - it has its own ASIO driver which works better than the ASIO4All (well...for me anyway).
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 17, 2018, 12:40:27 pm
Will do Andy RH. Hoping 2i2 box comes today, so if it resolves the buzzing noise , I'll be a very happy keyboard player!
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: LBH on May 17, 2018, 02:22:17 pm
Good this  is resolved.

I assume your NVidia can't make any conflict, but you can try to disable that for a while, just to be certain.
Perhaps t was'nt a conflict as such, but apparantly it was about NVidia, and could have been discovered doing the above suggestion.  You could'nt have used it if it was disabled. Troubleshooting is a good thing to perform. Correct informations is good to be able to troubleshoot.

So you specificatins is okay, and an external soundcard is'nt a requirement.

I wonder about the noise. It can be a bad connection. A USB soundcard will use another route. Hope it will work, if something is wrong. Keep in mind that some sounds have emulated noise added.

Hope you'll enjoy playing now.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 17, 2018, 05:26:13 pm
Will do Andy RH. Hoping 2i2 box comes today, so if it resolves the buzzing noise , I'll be a very happy keyboard player!
Thanks LBH for all your help.
My AI has arrived so I will set it up tonight and see what happens with the laptop  charging noise issue.
Thanks again guys
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 18, 2018, 10:58:05 am
My success was short lived  :(
Plugged in my new Focusrite 2i2 AI, downloaded the correct Asio drivers and installed them, uninstalled the old original drivers, fired up Lab 3 and it CRASHED and crashed and crashed. Fired up Ableton and it crashed as well.
Went back and disabled the asio drivers and Focusite software and managed to get Lab 3 up but the sound was awful, like a kind of distorted pulse when I played any patches.
I uninstalled Lab 3 then re-installed but no change, I did same with the Focusrite but no change then tried to revert everything back to when it all worked yesterday but no success.
I have been through countless asio, buffer, driver, focusrite, windows & lab3  settings but no joy.
Last thing I did was to uninstall and reinstall the Focusrite drivers etc and everything shows up as it should in Device Manager and Lab 3 but then Lab stalls, freezes and the only thing I can do it turn the laptop off then on to unlock it.....
Obviously my issues have been narrowed down to either sound driver or sound card, as my laptop played Lab 3 without issues yesterday when I uninstalled the NVidia HD sound driver and just used the windows sound driver with asio one4all driver and then did a long Windows 10 update...
After reading the troubleshooting page  on Focusrite, seems there is a process to follow when installing this unit and driver and that it's asio driver conflicts with the asio one4all driver which must be removed first. I'm sure I did that but will check later after work and follow their installation process.
All very frustrating having freezing/crashing/distorted sounding Lab 3..   :(
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 18, 2018, 02:39:53 pm
This is getting to be a real pain for you  :'(

The Focusrite driver needs to be installed before connecting the unit - I hope you did that. (Check to see if you're installing the 2nd Gen driver from the website, which should be "Focusrite USB ASIO 4.36.5")

One thing I could suggest now is to completely disable ALL other sound card drivers via the Device Manager in the Control Panel, and also to make sure the ASIO4All is uninstalled. That way you can ensure that any audio will only be going through the Focusrite 2i2.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 18, 2018, 03:45:28 pm
Thanks Andy, seems I'm cursed not to play Arturia synths :o
Yes I'll do what you suggest, that sounds good advice.... cheers...
I think in my haste to get it up and running, I may have connected the hardware before downloading and installing the software, Windows may then have installed it's own USB drivers and then that started unstabling the whole sound thing on the laptop. I also made the error of not uninstalling the asio one4all driver which I now know was a mistake..
So my plan tomorrow morning is to start from a blank sheet of paper... uninstall ALL sound drivers and focusrite software etc and follow your instructions and those also on the Focusrite Troublehooting page and hopefully see if that sorts out the problems.
Frustrating thing is that I now know my laptop is well capable of playing Arturia Lab3/Collection V6 but the process of setting up the correct sound card and driver is an absolute nightmare.
Interestingly on the Focusrite Support page it does say that there are no issues running the F.S. 2i2 on Windows 10, so it's just a matter of sorting out the complex issue of sound drivers etc...
There is me thinking software synths were the way to go! But I've gone so far and invested so much, there's no going back now... 
Will keep you posted on this long running saga  :'(
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 18, 2018, 04:06:02 pm
Keep us informed of the situation.

Something additional to my previous post - when everything is up and running, make sure that the Focusrite is made the default sound device in Control Panel.

Something else to suggest is to download and use CCleaner before trying the reinstallation - it's an app that helps to clear out junk files and old registry info. - and it has a free version.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 18, 2018, 04:14:58 pm
Good idea and thanks again  :)
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 19, 2018, 12:00:04 pm
Something else I just remembered...

The Focusrite driver doesn't work properly on computer start up if you've set your computer power settings to allow for Hibernation.

To switch Hibernation off:
Start Menu --> Search --> type cmd   
Right click the entry in the search results and choose the "Run as Administrator" option.
Type at the prompt (without quotes)  "powercfg.exe -h off"
Close the cmd window then reboot your computer.
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 19, 2018, 01:07:47 pm
Hi Andy,
Well after 3 hours this morning of uninstalling, re-installing, following your instructions, following Forcusrite support instructions.....i have now come to the following conclusions...
Using any asio driver causes my Lab3 sounds to distort
Using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 usb driver, causes my system to crash every time I try to load Lab 3 or Abelton, it also freezes my laptop in other programmes
Tried to use one4all asio driver and it distorted my lab 3 sounds to the point of being unuseable.
I uninstalled all asio drivers & unplugged 2i2 box, then reinstalled my Windows audio sound driver and then set Lab 3 audio settings using Windows audio and Speakers (high definition audio device) I'm now right back to where I started...  Lab 3 works with some sounds but distorts with others...and I still have electrical sound interference when playing through speakers
Conclusion...
The asio focusrite usb driver & Scarlett 2i2 is not compatable with my Dell laptop and the basic asio driver will not play Lab 3... Can't explain it...now I have a focusrite 2i2 that is of no use to me, when it should be??
I give up! I've nothing left to try nor any more patience left or money ... :(
THat's it for me as regards using soft synths for live gigs   >:( :(
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: AndyRH on May 19, 2018, 04:02:16 pm
The Focusrite should be compatible - it's your laptop that's probably at fault. There may be a problem with your Windows installation.

Before giving up, try the following:

1) Run CMD as an administrator and type (without quotes) "sfc /scannow" and let it run.
This would tell you if windows files are corrupted and will attempt to repair them.
Reboot the computer.

2) As above but type (without quotes) "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth"
Reboot the computer.

Then try installing the Focusrite drivers etc.


Sorry, but I'm starting to run out of ideas and at the moment I can't think of anything more.

(If the above doesn't work, as a very last resort maybe reinstall Windows? If you do this, you can do a repair install where you can keep your apps and files.  https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html)
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on May 19, 2018, 07:19:57 pm
Thanks Andy...you've been a great help and it's very much appreciated
Will do as you suggest but going to take a break from it for a while as my patience has run out with this and it's really got me down  :( ....
I've worked on this for 3 weeks, bought a re-conditioned  laptop with the correct spec, then Arturia Keylab 61 midi keyboard, CollectionV6 and now a Focusrite 2i2 and after all that and weeks of work,  I'm no further forward than when I tried to play Lab 3 on my old work laptop...
Maybe there's a bug that hasn't been sorted out yet by either an Arturia or Focusrtie updates?
Title: Re: Sound issue with JP8 synth on Analog Lab 3
Post by: retrophonics on July 30, 2018, 10:12:28 pm
Hi Guys,
After taking a break from this, I've spent the last 2 days back working on it to resolve the sound issue on Lab3
Well...I've finally figured out what's causing my sound issues with Lab 3 and the failure of my new Focusrite 2i2 to work.
Firstly the simple reality of Lab 3 sounding so awful though my laptop was.......drum roll...... the power cable to the laptop plugged in and powered up.
When the power is plugged in many of the more complex Lab 3 synths distort and crackle.
When I work off the battery, they sound fine!!!
But as my laptop powers other things i.e. audio interface...I must run the power cable.
So upshot of this is that my Arturia Lab 3 is completely usless to me as many of the sounds distort badly when my laptop is powered up to the electric.
I've spent a lot of money on Lab 3, Essential 61 midi keyboard, a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface and a laptop....and all for nothing...
Gutted and very unhappy that this expensive Lab 3 software conflicts with the power coming into ones laptop..