mettelus

Another side thought to keep in mind is the return window for the HA400 if still active. One-off issues with electronics will typically occur very early on during regular usage, so if that window is still open you may also have return/replace or outright return as an option if you cannot close the loop on this. As mentioned early on, a common power strip for all devices that steps down 230 to 115 would be worth trying if you have one available (or could borrow one to test). I *think* everything you mentioned can be run off 115, but not sure.

This is worth mentioning, since these two files consume memory and can make driver issues persist on reboot. The Windows Hibernation File (hiberfil.sys) is used to capture current state of the machine in order to essentially "shutdown" and return to its current state. Because this has often had issues with DAWs, it has always been recommended not to have your computer hibernate, but that does NOT remove the file or keep it from rebuilding itself in the background. I just did an image and had a WTF moment, since that file was 43.5GB! That file is hidden from view on the main C drive, but you can either show protected files to see it in Windows Explorer, or use a utility like TreeSize Free (recommended). If you never use it (which is recommended), in order to delete it and make it not rebuild itself, here is a nice article on how to do that. Win10 and Win11 are identical, and is a simple command prompt (directions to re-enable it are also there if desired). The Windows Paging File (pagefile.sys) acts akin to virtual RAM on the hard drive (also in the main C root directory). On warm boots (restarts) this can reload RAM quickly but has the caveat of "carrying things forward." Even on a cold boot (shut down, then power on), this can stay resident for the same purpose. Unless forced to be purged on a shutdown, it can carry driver issues forward (and also things you might not want in RAM). This article goes through how to force the Paging File to purge on each shutdown. Again Win10 and Win11 are identical and editing the Group Policy is the preferred method (if on Pro), but it also includes the registry edit method. Again, this also shows how to re-enable it if so inclined.

This actually adds to potential issues, since you are also running at 230VAC there, correct? If those adapters are not specifically designed for 220VAC, the adapter you are using to bridge the wall wart to the outlet is critical (not sure how you are plugging them in?). Even some gear with a 115/230 switch may still be designed for 115, so the wall wart transformer is humping to deal with a 230VAC feed (can you feel/hear the transformer hum on the HA400 adapter?). IF that gear wants 115, you definitely want an intermediate power strip solution that is designed to step that down 230 to 115 (and "power condition" as well). I suspect more the HA400 is the culprit if you can replicate the hum with the laptop on the battery. That might be worth reaching out to Behringer about, since you may be lucky to get a design engineer involved.

If creating a riff for a backing track, @sjoens solution would probably be simplest. It may be easier to just initially set it up as a 6-string track, duplicate it and move the lower 4 strings up an octave on that duplicated track. To the VST, they will just play higher, and is should sound fine. You may actually need 3 tracks and isolate only the bottom 4 strings for the duplicate, because a VST won't play 2 notes on the same string once raised an octave (they will conflict with the upper two strings). The only "realism" lacking with that is the low register... i.e., AmpleSound (and others) will play the low E through F# on the D string, which is wound... everything above the low F# will play on an unwound string, which will replicate the 12-string more accurately.

This could be the adapter(s) interfering with each other, but may also be a shielding issue with the laptop internals (pretty rare case). Do both adapters have ferrite beads on them? Again, all cables are antennas and can transmit as well as receive interference if not properly shielded. Another thing to try to test that specifically is to get the wiring from those two adapters as perpendicular to each other as possible (even if coiled up, this gives the lowest interference... same as a single coil guitar pickup in front of an old CRT monitor), or even play with the wiring orientation while monitoring the hum so see if close proximity in parallel makes the hum louder. If those adapters are feeding off each other, also bear in mind the HA400 may have the weaker shielding (i.e., the bigger transmitter)... the diameter of the outside of the cabling is a sometimes an indicator of how much shielding is on a cable. Ferrite beads can help mitigate interference issues with cabling, but they are not always 100%. Is that hum also getting into the DAW if you record (or input echo) something? If so, you can put something like Voxengo's SPAN on the signal and instantly see what it looks like (as well as how loud it is when moving wiring around). AC hums are going to have a dominant hum at 50/60Hz (depending where you live) and probably a tail of harmonics/partials on them.

Another SSD would be simpler, BUT.... IIRC that MB will only support 2 drives running at SATA 3 speeds, so extras would run at SATA 2 only. Some of the PCI slots also share bandwidth with others, so the more you plug in, the less throughput you get. Is replacing an existing SATA 3 drive with a bigger one an option?

This is a good question. You need to update the group policy in Windows (Pro) to prevent updates, but every so often you get a release of something that requires the latest build. I had Windows locked out for a couple of years, but then installed software requiring 22H2. Because I had locked it out on 20H2, I actually had to force the update because Windows Update would fail out (not a big deal, but Windows wouldn't update itself at that point). It really boils down to an installer requiring X build (although a lot less common than in the Mac world, it does exist).

Although, it is an option if you are facing several hours of intense boredom and suddenly wonder, "Just how could I fill up the remaining space on my sample drive?"

Windows also needs to match the sample rate that Cakewalk is trying to use (Cakewalk cannot override what Windows tells it). Open Sound Settings->Sound Control Panel (upper right), and in that next pop up select your device and then the "Properties" button. The next pop up has an "Advanced" tab at the top... click that and be sure the bit depth/bit rate match what you were trying in your Cakewalk project (24/44.1K, and 24/48K are most common). Also, while in there, uncheck both options in the "Exclusive Mode" box right below where you selected the bit depth/sample rate. *IF* you have that device set for default playback, Windows will not only lock bit depth/sample rate on you, but also give the first app that uses it exclusive use... be sure those are unchecked.

Also check proximity to any digital/electrical interference (any powered equipment not necessarily "connected" but in close proximity, particularly a cell phone). The USB cable itself is an antenna, so interference may be getting through the shielding. If you do not use that USB port often, it may also be a dirty connection (this one is uncommon). That will typically clean itself by plugging/unplugging the port several times, but I would do that with the equipment unpowered (since USB can carry power itself and not good practice to cycle a live connection). The AC adapters may also be feeding each other being in close proximity, so a quick check of unplugging the laptop and running it on the battery may also shed light on the source of the issue.

I would do a deep dive into what plugin you have in your project. Disabling a plugin does not prevent it from running in the background (why you can re-enable it with the transport running). If this situation didn't happen for 6 months then suddenly re-appeared, the biggest suspect would be a plugin you are suddenly using again. Upping buffers might help (especially with starting the transport), but I would focus on exactly which plugins are present (disabled or not) first. Another side note since you mentioned games is that massive amounts of spurious data can some from a mouse or keyboard that has been damaged. I have seen things from exceeding mechanical limits on key springs, to simple lint on mouse optics, to finding out that the control wiring on my mouse runs between the scroll wheel and "free scroll" button... that was an interesting one to diagnose because it actually broke the wire connection and would make/break itself at random. I consider mice/keyboards true consumables, so if they get more than 4-5 years under their belt with me, I am lucky.

Is Input Echo enabled on the track you are working on within Cakewalk?

After the merge with NI, there was both an update to Native Access and the iZotope Product Portal. IIRC there were two new hurdles; one was the password from one had to be used for the other, and two, both needed to be open at the same time for things to work properly. After getting over that initial hurdle (I had the same authorization glitch that sent me down that path), they seem to have functioned solo since. Not sure if your situation is similar, but initially the Product Portal wouldn't take, but it did after both apps were updated and logged into.

Another quick question, at what point with using Kontakt inside SONAR 8.5 are you getting the crash? Is it when inserting Kontakt itself, when loading a library, or when using a library? When you said you moved libraries, this came to mind. From NI's Kontakt web site, If Kontakt only crashes in your DAW, click on the NI logo of Kontakt's window in your DAW and in standalone. If the versions are not the same, this is probably the source of the crash. We have a video to help you fixing it: VST Plug-in Administration on Windows Computers I just watched that video, and while it has voice descriptions, he is also bouncing around various apps quickly with visual pointers (so not sure if will be useful). I was also going to suggest contacting NI directly, but their customer support page goes into a do loop that only exposes the Kontakt User forum rather than the ability to contact support directly ☹️

Thanks for the response. Your system specs should be fine with what you are trying to do. Are you comfortable with using the Command Prompt? If so, the issue could also be with Windows and running System File Check (SFC) may find something (it may take a few minutes to check all of the system files on your computer). I copied/pasted text from this post below for your convience. **** Copied text below **** Application Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) error is usually caused by your computer not being able to correctly process the files and settings required to run a particular program or installation. Despite the error showing when you try and use particular pieces of software, it has many different causes including faulty RAM problems, errors with the files of your PC and issues with the settings of your PC. In this case, we suggest that you check for corrupted Windows system files. System File Checker (SFC) is a utility in Windows that scans for corrupted Windows system files. If it finds a problem, it will try to replace the problematic system files from a cached version that’s on your PC. To run System File Checker (SFC), follow these steps: In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, press and hold (or right-click) Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator > Yes. At the command prompt, type sfc /scannow (note the space between sfc and the /). Scanning will take a few minutes. If SFC finds corrupted files and replaces them, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

I would recommend reaching out to Overloud directly and explain your situation and your questions (basically the same thing you posted in the OP). Reason is that they could immediately answer your questions, give you comparison charts, and suggest options for you. Overloud was one of the companies that bent over backwards to support Platinum users when Gibson made us all orphans... they went so far as to unlock their bundled FX. They have exceptional customer support. I bought a TH-U upgrade a few years back that was "too good to be true" and of course it wasn't. I messaged them and said I thought I was buying a TH-U upgrade from TH3, and they responded with, "Here, use this number." Reach out to them first.

I forget which version of Windows you are running now and how much RAM you have? Going back to the OP, RAM is "virtual"... so that causes the errors you are seeing. The drive type will only affect load times, and some performance IF the hard drive is being used as "RAM" if the library is filling regular RAM up. Maybe a better question is which Kontakt libraries are you using? Another side comment with what @msmcleod said above. There are some known older apps that did not free up memory properly... so even though Windows "thinks" that RAM is free, it is still being used by an application that didn't "release it." Newer versions of Windows counter this a lot better so that it will crash out the application rather than the entire machine. Back to simpler questions for you (rather than distracting you with technical stuff)... which Windows version are you running, how much RAM do you have, and which Kontakt 4 libraries were you using when you get that crash?

You would want to use an app geared for streaming/pod cast services, like OBS Studio or similar. Those apps expose all of the audio/video streams available on the machine, but you would also need one that will host 3rd party VSTs (I think OBS only supports VST2 right now). OBS revolves around "scenes" (basically a workspace setup), so knowing that helps to set it up. Those apps also include mixers and output streams (even monitor mixes for live streaming), so would be getting one that can host VSTs (you want to use) as well.

To add to the above, everything that is exposed in Preferences->File->Folder Locations (and Audio Data) can simple be moved and their locations updated accordingly. Only the core program would default to the OS drive. While you "can" junction that, the core app is not the bulk of the install. The pointers being in Preferences is a nicety not found with a lot of other applications.

Windows has some embedded security features like "User Privileges" that only allow apps to access what the user allows. If you right click when launching an app, the option "Run as Administrator" should be on that list. IIRC, there were a small handful of VSTs that didn't like that, but I forget which ones they were in particular. Keep that in mind, since if you are running apps as Administrator, running them normally may also help (meaning try whichever mode you were not using to begin with). The "virtual address" part is RAM. That was why I was wondering if Kontakt was using a lot of RAM on you... when RAM fills up, the computer begins caching to disk instead, so that error might also be a hiccup from the hard drive being used as "RAM."

You mean on the forum? Only a moderator can delete a comment, but you can edit one and replace the original text with something like "deleted" or even a "." There has to be at least one character in the post to re-save it.

If it is not obvious which track is the offender, the simplest solution it to enable Ripple Edit and split all tracks at the end of the song. If select right on split is selected in Preferences, that section will already be selected and you can delete it. Otherwise you can click-drag to select everything to the right of the split (fitting project to window helps) and delete it that way. When you do that selection, the track(s) with data in them should highlight up as well for you... if you fit project to window first, then select the area passed the end of the song, this can help you zero in on where the data is.

How many Ozone instances do you have running in your project(s)? Ozone is a mastering plugin and rather CPU-intensive in its later iterations. Unless you have Ozone Advanced where you can insert individual modules, the main Ozone (Standard version) plugin is really only intended for one instance per project on the Master buss. Neutron (formerly Alloy) is the track-based version intended more for mixing. If running multiple instances, take a look at the modules you are actually using. There are light-weight (and often totally free) options for many of them (TDR Nova and Kotelnikov for dynamic EQ and compression specifically).

Also bear in mind that you can do this in two steps. As long as a guitar VSTi has good samples and proper articulations, you can shut off internal FX processing on the VSTi (akin to a DI track) and run that output through an amp sim with better FX processing (essentially re-amping that raw output). The amp sim capabilities may be more pertinent to achieve the tone you are seeking. I am not sure what you have now, but there are a lot of free guitar VSTis you can shut internal FX off of and run through an amp sim (if you have one). Free VSTis often have lackluster FX chains included and tend to focus on a specific purpose (like rhythm). As far as metal specifically, the low-end focus tends to be common, so if using a VSTi (not amp sim added) I tend to either grab either Three Body Tech's Heavier 7 Strings (currently $149) or AmpleSounds HellRazer (currently $95). Both have well done samples and FX, but if I were only going to grab only one, I would take the HellRazer for a couple reasons... 1) It is a replica of a Schecter Hellraiser 9-string , so the bass parts are also covered and 2) it was updated with a riff generator in case you are having writer's block and just want to noodle around with ideas. Ample Sound also imports .gpx files from Guitar Pro (guitar composition software) if you get into the intricacies of lead work (not sure if you are focused on rhythm, leads, or both).

There was a very handy program called RiffStation that was a paid for app, then when they stopped development, the final version (v1.6.3) was unlocked for everyone (c. 2018). Unfortunately, although it was made free to anyone it is not so easy to find anymore (the original RiffStation site is gone). I just checked for it, and the copy on this site seems to be valid. I downloaded it, but did not install it from there. It will open audio files, read the chords and tempo quickly, and also allows you to adjust playback speed and zoom in on audio you want to focus (audio microscope). There are videos of that app roughly 10 years old now that show how to use it if interested (it is actually simple to use). Quick Edit: This is a thread from the Deals forum in 2022 discussing the app (4 minute video in that thread). They are using the same download link I posted above for it.