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  4. Midi problem

  • Midi problem

    M
    M

    Hi everyone,

    I'm trying to get the Special Edition of Vienna Instruments to work, but I'm not having too much luck. 

    When I open the standalone version, I get the following error messages:

    "MIDI device is busy or not functioning at given parameters. Please, check program preferences." 

    "Audio device is busy or not functioning at given parameters. Please, check program preferences."

    I've read the other threads on these error messages, but they didn't help, as I can't select anything in the drop-down fields in the config window - they are empty and don't offer me any options. I'm on a new Toshiba laptop A200-1UM: http://de.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/productPage.do?service=DE&PRODUCT_ID=138187&toshibaShop=false), sound works perfectly in other applications. 

    Any ideas? Is it the laptop? Is it impossible to use Vienna Instruments on this machine?
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    michael, the reason should be foun basically in what it says: the device is busy.

    especially laptops mostly have just a built-in soundcard (without ASIO drivers) and no midi device at all.

    you possibly have some midi USB device attached or are using Midi-over-Lan or similar - set this device to be used in *options* of the Vienna Instruments player.

     

    for the audio device in most cases windows grabs the device for itself (media player, ect) and does not allow multiple access - try playing around with your audio settings (properties of audio hardware ... something related to *exclusive use* or similar wording depending on your drivers) or install the Asio4all driver.

     

    this does not apply if you have a seperate audio device - then select this device also in options of the VI player

    christian

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.
  • M
    M

    Hi Christian,

    yeah, I just found out that my laptop doesn't have MIDI capability. I'll have to buy an external MIDI device that I'll connect to my laptop via USB ... I've done some research and there seem to be quite a lot of options available.

    I don't suppose anybody has any suggestion on what product I should buy? I've found external USB soundcards with MIDI capability for as little as EUR 50 as well as MIDI adapters for up to EUR 300 ...

    Anyway, thanks for your help. 
  • L
    L

    Hey Michael, what kybd are you using now for your midi controller? I am using an M_Audio (Midi Sport 1...I think ) anyway, it looks like an egg with 1 midi in and 1 midi out and is USB 2.0. I use this with much success and I have seen them for as low as $29.00 USD. If you need a USB midi kybd, I also like the M_Audio stuff. Btw,if latency is a problem(it usually is on laptop soundcards) try ASIO4ALL. I thinkif you do a Google,you can find it.

    What I did(since I travel a lot, is I actually got the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS and I use this in conjunction with my Midi sport. I thought it was a fair price $79.00USD and it has been worth the expense. Low latency and it works all of the time. I had an M-AudioAudiphile USB and I had some problems with it. I don't think it is a good USB driver. Plus I liked having a card that is always plugged in and I use my Oxygen 8(USB) when I am on the road and I use the Midi Sport with my larger kybd controller at home(it us not USB compatible).

    Good Luck.

    luces
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    you don't neccessarily need a seperate midi device if you either are using a MIDI keyboard or only a notation program or sequencer.

    in case you need *true* midi (the DIN-plugs) my personal experience with midi sport are not the best ... however there is a device from M-Audio, the Uno, which has USB on one end, MIDI in/out on the other and does not even need drivers ... very pricy btw.

     

    my recommendation for audio rather than USB would be something like a RME fireface or a hammerfall multiface for a laptop, but this depends of course on what you're intending to spend ...

     

    if low latency (little buffer size) is not so much needed i'd try the (free) Asio4all driver though ...

    christian

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.
  • L
    L
    last edited
    last edited

    @cm said:

     ... however there is a device from M-Audio, the Uno, which has USB on one end, MIDI in/out on the other and does not even need drivers ... very pricy btw.

     Ah, yes, the UNO is what I meant. I purchased mine for $32.00 USD. Maybe I got some kind of a deal,but this doesn't seem pricey to me. Now, RME on the other hand, THAT is PRICEY !!! Very nice,however,but PRICEY!

    Hey Michael, I was incorrect, I meant,$39.00 USD,but I did pay $32.00 at a local shop. Maybe they were tired of looking at it.[:)]

    Anyway this is what I am speeking of  

    http://www.audiomidi.com/Uno%2dP2863.aspx

    luces
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    of course it should read that *the uno is low-priced* ...

    christian

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.
  • M
    M
    last edited
    last edited

    @luces said:

    Hey Michael, what kybd are you using now for your midi controller?

     

    I'm new to this whole thing and wasn't planning on using any keyboard at first. I was under the impression that I didn't need one to work with Vienna Instruments ...

    However, for ease of use I have now ordered an M-Audio keyboard that has an internal MIDI controller. The model is called Keystation 49e, I believe. I'll be away for New Year's, but once I get back I'll try the new keyboard and let you know how it works.

    P.S. I've installed the ASIO driver, but I still get the same error message. I'm hoping this'll stop when I have the new keyboard. 
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    indeed you do not need midi (for a keyboard or actually no keyboard at all) if you are using a sequencer or notation program only - you can safely ignore the midi error message then.

     

    however i think you still need to dig in your audio settings (eg. try to disable in the windows audio settings to use the soundcard) - applications like media player grab the device and do not allow other applications to access it

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.
  • L
    L

     "I was under the impression that I didn't need one to work with Vienna Instruments ..."

    "Technically" this is true,however, it is MUCH easier to play in parts and automate midi parameters if you do use an external kybd. IMO. Also,be sure that you follow the driver install instructions EXACTLY the way they tell you to. From my recollection, you have to install the driver before you even plug the kybd to a USB port,then you are prompted to connect the USB cable. Also,always try to use the same USB port b/c Windows does that thing when,if you insert it into a "different" USB port, you will have to reinstall the driver or your software will not recognize the kybd.

    Good luck,

    luces
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    i can confirm this behaviour - some drivers (eg. from roland) need to be installed without having the device plugged in and you need to reboot before attaching the device.

    some others include the USB port number into their *identity string* so the device appears to be absent when plugged into another port - in most cases you see a device with a yellow question mark in the device manager then.

    rightclick on this device, select *update driver* - do not connect to the internet - select automatically.

    possibly you have to choose from displayed devices finally and presto, you should be back again.

    for very badly programmed drivers or under W2K you might need to point explicitely to the location of the driver installer files.

    christian

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.