1 Topic by lbro (edited by lbro 2011-01-05 08:48:39)

  • lbro
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Topic: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

I got the HDSP9652 W/DigimaxFS Running on a new system about 10 days ago. I had HDSP acting as the Master using ADAT1 in for sync issues. It seemed to me to be running ok, but am not sure as the [SyncCheck] area of the hammerfall setting keept blinking on the word 'sync'. Is that normal?

In just the last couple days I lost the sync completely. I no longer get an ADAT1 Sync at all and the Digimax just sits there with the red LED lit up searching away wondering how to sync. I have already pulled out and reseated cards, Swapped out all the TosLink cables, Reseated the cardd HDSP 9652 nothing works to get the sync back! I seached in here and noticed CoachZ ran into somewhat the same issues about a year ago. I tried his fix as well and it dig not do a thing. Issue remains.

In desparation I tried making the Digimax the master and got a sync off it. However I would like to know the HDSP card is fine and ready to connect to watever I connect to in the future.

Thanks,
Dave

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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

ADAT Sync should work just fine, but why not use a 75-ohm BNC cable and connect the wordclock out of the HDSP to the WC In of the DigiMaxFS?

--Dean

HDSP9652 w/ AEB4-I/O - FireFace800 - 2 x Presonus Digimax FS - FriendChip DMX16/18

dstdean's Website

  • vinark
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

If you are using the digimax for both in and out it´s best to have that as a master anyway. Not that it shouldn´t work with the hdsp as master but I need more details how you connected them to help.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • lbro
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Hi & thanks so much for the quick replies,

I sure am stable with using the DigiMax FS as the host/master. I should mention I am running Win/7-64.

I started out using the BNC connections but quickly deep sixed the idea  when others pointed out that it is not needed due to being able to sync over the toslinkls connections that also carry the sound signals. It also reduces that amount of spaghetti wires needed.

I have a problem I think in using the DigieMax FS as the master and this is another reason I should not be using coax as the sync line. I have an FA 66 that has no bnc connections, but does have the toslync connections. In addition I have an amplifier that has Adat TosLink in connectors.

So here is a summary of why I think the HDSP card should be Master and related questions:
* Future expansion - The HDSP has 3 adat timing ports out - the DigiMax FS has 1 in, 1 out.

* Can the DigiMax FS even work with the other gear?

* If so how? By using tos link cables to form a ring topology with the DigiMax FS as Master, all the rest of the equipment as slaves?

* It would seem the HDSP card should be master in the above example because it is supposed to be able to do it and more importantly is has 3 ports to do it more so thatn any other item mentioned above.

* Would I run for instance fiber from the HDSP, to the DigiMax FS, to the FA 66, back to the HDSP and the out of the HDSP ADAT 2 port to the amplifier?

* When the DSP software should ADAT1 "Sync" be steady as a rock, or should it be blinking every second or so?

Thanks so much,
LB

  • vinark
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

It is still not completely clear what you use everything for but there is no problem in using the presonus as master anyway. The hdsp locks to the presonus and you can then lock other adat devices to the hdsp (and the Roland to spdif). If you give a list of what you would like to connect and what you would like to use it for it will be easier to advice.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • lbro
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Hi Vinark,
I thought I sort of listed out prior what I was trying to put together on this end, but I don't think I was very clear, so here we go.

I should mention I am running Win/7-64. on a desktop with 8 GB Ram & an i7 930.

* The HDSP has 3 adat timing ports out - the DigiMax FS has 1 in, 1 out and is connected to the card via Adat1.

* An Edirol FA 66, connects to the HDSP ADAT 2 port.

* The Adat 3 port on the HDSP is connected to an amplifier that only has tos link in.

* How would this work use tos link cables to form a ring topology with the DigiMax FS as Master, all the rest of the equipment as slaves? Or are we looking at a mixed topology of Star and Ring?

* It would seem the HDSP card should be master in the above example because it is supposed to be able to do it and more importantly is has 3 ports to do it more so than any other item mentioned above.

I hope the above is clearer than my prior attempt.

NOTE: Coachz had some issues on here a while back with the same thing as we are running the same mobo, DigiMax FS, HDSP card and a bit more. I got his settings for Performance Options/Visual Effects/Custom/ all checked except: Enable Aero Peek
& Save taskbar thumbnail previews. I had tried some of his settings prior to him sending me a screen shot of the above and it did not work. Once I put in the exact settings per above the DigiMax synced immediately and it was solid as a rock. I have been running this a couple days. If this remains to be true I will then add in the rest of the equipment and see if it stays stable.

All that know about this are still scratching our heads over the "solution"!
The only thing we can think of is that it is video related and I myself suspect a timing issue with the clock on the system being very finicky with the HDSP card... these thoughts are only speculation mind you.

LB -good for the moment and holding my breath-

  • vinark
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

No ring, just connect everything to the hdsp. Preferably connect everything but the amp with 2 optical cables (easier to check sync status that way as both the device and the hdsp will give sync feedback). Digimax in and out to adat1 in and out. Set pref.sync to adat1. Check if that works, adat 1 should read sync in synccheck.
If thats ok, connect edirol in and out to hdsp adat 2. Set edirol to external adat sync. adat2 should now read sync too in synccheck. Connect adat out 3 of the hdsp to the amp and set the amp to exteral adat sync. Ready.... go. I have no ideas about the flashing sync word, could indeed be a graphics issue. I´m on XP64 pro. If for whatever reason you want to try the hdsp as a master. Set clock mode to master (should have been on autosync before) and set the digimax to slave. No other changes needed. The hdsp can be the master for the roland and the amp while slaved to the digimax. That is one of the big pros of the hdsp, which I love I have connected 3 devices too, one internal output board, a emu1212m and a Tascam FW1804. Here the tascam is the master on adat 2.
Hope this helps. BTW the presonus can never be slave if you forgot to set autosync to master.
Hope this helps. It took me some time to get my head around too when I first got the hdsp (and patchmix too)

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • lbro
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Vinark,
Thanks for the excellent comeback and help!

So far (for about 3 days anyways) the DigiMax is doing well as a slave and with the HDSP as the master. This after I input the settings per Coachz.... I hope this roll continues as I will add in the Roland/Edirol Fa66 and if that doesn't pop the cork, I will add in the amp.

I am still getting my feet wet with Total Mix too... I can pretty much get it to put the signal where I want but I am still at the point that sometimes I am not sure about how it came about. lol, it is a very flexible deal so much so that sometimes I am not sure if a signal is present because of total mix or due to Cubase.

take care,
Dave

  • lbro
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Well I must have spoke too soon on this issue. I came back from a weekend away, with the DAW shut down and once I got everything back up and running I could not get the HDSP9652 to sync as master with the Digimax. I unloaded and reloaded the video driver, then played with the settings under performance options in Win 7. At some point I was able to get a solid sync on the HDSP9652 with it as master again.

All this to say that whatever is ailing, it is very close on whether it will work ok or not. I am not sure if it has to do with heat or what as it is just finicky. I may have to contact RME support as the card should be able to be master HDSP9652.

Thanks,
LB

  • vinark
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

When this happens, did you try to just switch the digimax off and then on again. AFAIK, the sync of the hdsp is totally independent of the computer (except for power of course). The results you see is not the hdsp failing as a master but the digimax failing as a slave. The hdsp is reporting that the digimax is not in sync.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

11 Reply by lbro (edited by lbro 2011-01-11 08:50:31)

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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Hi Vinark,
You know I power cycled the Digimax a few times here and there. I was not keeping close tabs on that though as I was more focused on the computer and the HDSP. You make a good point.

From now on I am going to speed up this trouble shooting process by downing the DAW and related equipment every night and that way if trouble is going to appear I will see it every day in the morning. What has me wondering is why when the Digimax FS is set as master is it so solid? Just strikes me as strange that it is only a prblem on a one way street. HDSP as master and the DigiMax FS as slave.

But I will try powering off the DigiMax in a more deliberate way and keeping track of what that does for the problem.

LB

  • lbro
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Re: HDSP9652 sync issues W/DigimaxFS

Just an update to this issue.

The power on & off many times a day showed that the issue was even more erratic. I finaly contacted Syntax and they had me run some loopback tests. The result was a probable bad card. It is now in thier hands and I hope they can duplicate the problem. If not I am not sure where to turn next.

DP