Topic: Random MIDI garbage - Fireface 400 - Notebook PC - PCMCIA Firewire
Hello
I have a serious problem with MIDI setup using Fireface 400 on my notebook, but not on desktop. When I play my keyboard which is connected to MIDI input on FF (either 1 or 2 -the same), I get random garbled "note on" events (especially low notes) all of a sudden. The only way to reproduce this is keep playing until it shows up! No sure way to reproduce it. No connection to CPU usage, wireless activity or wireless enabled/disabled, audio priority (CUBASE option), direct music (emulated) or mme driver, cell phone in range, cable, DAW software (CUBASE & Sonar), active software, hardware connected etc.
I have no problem at all with audio input, by the way!!! Only MIDI input. I have made many tests to either eliminate the problem or be able to reproduce it but no assurance!
The only thing I have found is that when I use the same setup with a Desktop PC the problem is not there! Both the Desktop and Notebook have VIA chipset firewire controlers. Notebook's PCMCIA controler has VIA VT8375 as www.pcidatabase.com says after checking the vendor and device ID.
I would go and buy a Texas Instruments chipset controler, but:
1. Both the laptop and the desktop have VIA and it works for the desktop.
2. Audio transfer is perfect for the laptop, only MIDI has problems! (Isn't that really weird???)
Notebook: DELL Latitude C640 with PCMCIA (Cardbus) firewire controler from Sunix.
Fireface firmwares tested: 1.52 & 1.66
Driver version: 2.86
The test has been done in 2 ways:
1. Local Echo Off on the keyboard - FF MIDI Input from keyboard connected to FF MIDI Output to the keyboard through the DAW (software) using one MIDI Track.
2. MIDI Input from keybard controlling a VSTi
Both setups above produce a problem. Only in laptop.
Please, some suggestions!
Thank you very much!
PS. I have posted on RME Newsgroups too - I hope it is not too much!