AARGH !!! What is causing my timecode to flip out !?

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AARGH !!! What is causing my timecode to flip out !?
Posted on: 24.02.2013 by Nereida Jasnoch
So I have been having timecode issues since the last days of 2012.

First I bought new needles. (Got Shure M44-7s now)
Got 1210 recalibration, cleaning, tone arm tightening, new cables, new RCAs.
I clean my timecode vinyl with a piece of cloth before each set, and today I even cleaned my Shures with those little brushes that come with ortofons. I have dust covers for my technics.
I did a full tonearm calibration (height, weight and anti-skate) not too long ago and I do it about once a month, just to be safe.
These issues also appear when using my older Ortofon Concorde pros.
Also changing mixer channels (Scratch-certified Korg Zero 4) seems to have no effect.

I was 40 mins into a deep house set, not even halfway by far and traktor is freaking out, have a listen to the last 5 minutes or so:

https://soundcloud.com/amtik/deep-house-mix-traktor

What the hell is going on and how do I prevent it from happening again?
I sick and tired of this fucking up my mixes.
Nereida Jasnoch
23.04.2013
Originally Posted by ellgieff
FWIW, I have a similar issue, using CDJ-1000mk3's and timecode on an Audio8DJ running OSX 10.8.3. I've tried different USB cables, checked all the connections, turned off anything that might be causing trouble.

The NI community s suggested using the 2.6 beta. That hasn't helped.

The last time it happened was in the middle of my show. I yanked the USB cable and put it back in - trouble free operation for the next hour and a half. Personally, I believe it's a driver issue.

I just wish I hadn't lent my CDJ's to someone, and had them lose my version 1 timecode. I was happy with 1.2.7 ...
Another slightly different case! Apple or NI need to recognize this and undertake some actions.
Fannie Ohayre
22.04.2013
Originally Posted by MyUsername

Yup, happydan has an NI soundcard. I don't. I believe it can happen with just about any soundcard.
So you're saying that this issue has or might affect Kontrol Z2s
Nereida Jasnoch
22.04.2013
Originally Posted by happydan
Update for you:
NI support suggested I try setting latency to 512 samples, specifically. I tried a mix after lifting the lid from sleep and it went wonky within a few minutes. A restart of the laptop and I successfully managed to blast through a two hour mix without issues. This is with a bitrate of 44100
So it's slightly improved then ? But actually still hit and miss ?
But I'll definitely look into it.

Another really weird thing: when I place my MBP on top of a krk rokit rp 8 studio monitor it produces static, we removed other cables from the area and changed the power outlet we used etc. and we still got static. Now the thing is there was another DJTT member with an identical MBP, also early 2011, 13inch, running the same OS and also running traktor and we tried it with the power connector attached and not attached. And his laptop on top of the same speaker produced 0 static.

We were fairly certain my HDD was to blame. I opened a support ticket with apple. But I don't believe they 're the kind of company that 'll reach out in a situation like this.


Originally Posted by dj subculture
Is this a problem for people who are using the NI Audio8/10s, or are people who are using Kontrol Z2s having this issue also?
Yup, happydan has an NI soundcard. I don't. I believe it can happen with just about any soundcard.
Evalyn Voges
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by MyUsername
Most likely is that the timecode etc. works fine and my MBP is to blame. 90% sure of this.
I'm believeing this. I really suspect it's an update that Apple has done to OS X that messes up CoreAudio on MBP 7,1. I've replaced everything in the chain apart from the TTs and the laptop. Including cables. Doing a reboot before loading TSP seems to help, but it still happens. I've even tried turning up the latency to 640 samples.

If I just mix using the X1s, or with CD timecode I get zero problems. I know for a fact that about 18 months ago, vinyl timecode worked just fine using this setup, as I used it in the Red Bull Threestyle and at a NYE party.

And just for the record, I want to use vinyl timecode because it's fun as hell. Way more fun than any other DJ setup.
Shan Skvarla
14.08.2013
After similar issues, I have found that deleting the other NI audio drivers except the audio 8 which I use has done the trick. I have swapped it since on different setups and all seems to be good so far.

I can however anger it still if I run maschine from another soundcard through a deck but I'll worry about that later.
Evalyn Voges
14.08.2013
I believe I've mostly fixed the issue on my 7,1 laptop now. I did a blank reinstall of OS X to start, updated Traktor Scratch to the latest (2.6.3) and have set the audio to 44.1K with a latency of 1024 samples. It still blinks red angrily at me, but has mostly stopped going crazy.
Shan Skvarla
09.08.2013
I'm having similar issues anyone have any ideas? I've got a ticket with NI so see what happens but can't find a solution in any community s.
Evalyn Voges
03.05.2013
Yeah. I found some other people complaining on the NI community s...

http://www.native-instruments.com/fo...d.php?t=186110
Nereida Jasnoch
23.04.2013
Originally Posted by ellgieff
FWIW, I have a similar issue, using CDJ-1000mk3's and timecode on an Audio8DJ running OSX 10.8.3. I've tried different USB cables, checked all the connections, turned off anything that might be causing trouble.

The NI community s suggested using the 2.6 beta. That hasn't helped.

The last time it happened was in the middle of my show. I yanked the USB cable and put it back in - trouble free operation for the next hour and a half. Personally, I believe it's a driver issue.

I just wish I hadn't lent my CDJ's to someone, and had them lose my version 1 timecode. I was happy with 1.2.7 ...
Another slightly different case! Apple or NI need to recognize this and undertake some actions.
Rosenda Gossage
23.04.2013
FWIW, I have a similar issue, using CDJ-1000mk3's and timecode on an Audio8DJ running OSX 10.8.3. I've tried different USB cables, checked all the connections, turned off anything that might be causing trouble.

The NI community s suggested using the 2.6 beta. That hasn't helped.

The last time it happened was in the middle of my show. I yanked the USB cable and put it back in - trouble free operation for the next hour and a half. Personally, I believe it's a driver issue.

I just wish I hadn't lent my CDJ's to someone, and had them lose my version 1 timecode. I was happy with 1.2.7 ...
Fannie Ohayre
22.04.2013
Originally Posted by MyUsername

Yup, happydan has an NI soundcard. I don't. I believe it can happen with just about any soundcard.
So you're saying that this issue has or might affect Kontrol Z2s
Nereida Jasnoch
23.04.2013
I just spent 30 minutes calling apple tech support to find out if there were any known issues etc. with HDDs.

I said I assumed it was a HDD problem they gave me this advice:

Try these 2 separate things in this order:

1. Run the apple Hardware Test:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11342

2. Delete everything off the drive and reinstall the OS. So that you recreate the conditions of a brand new MBP with no third party shit on your drive that might be fucking with things.
If it works without problems now it means that a certain file is causing issues.
If it still does not work it 's almost certain that the hardware is to blame.
Nereida Jasnoch
22.04.2013
Originally Posted by happydan
Update for you:
NI support suggested I try setting latency to 512 samples, specifically. I tried a mix after lifting the lid from sleep and it went wonky within a few minutes. A restart of the laptop and I successfully managed to blast through a two hour mix without issues. This is with a bitrate of 44100
So it's slightly improved then ? But actually still hit and miss ?
But I'll definitely look into it.

Another really weird thing: when I place my MBP on top of a krk rokit rp 8 studio monitor it produces static, we removed other cables from the area and changed the power outlet we used etc. and we still got static. Now the thing is there was another DJTT member with an identical MBP, also early 2011, 13inch, running the same OS and also running traktor and we tried it with the power connector attached and not attached. And his laptop on top of the same speaker produced 0 static.

We were fairly certain my HDD was to blame. I opened a support ticket with apple. But I don't believe they 're the kind of company that 'll reach out in a situation like this.


Originally Posted by dj subculture
Is this a problem for people who are using the NI Audio8/10s, or are people who are using Kontrol Z2s having this issue also?
Yup, happydan has an NI soundcard. I don't. I believe it can happen with just about any soundcard.
Fannie Ohayre
21.04.2013
Is this a problem for people who are using the NI Audio8/10s, or are people who are using Kontrol Z2s having this issue also?
Evalyn Voges
21.04.2013
Update for you:
NI support suggested I try setting latency to 512 samples, specifically. I tried a mix after lifting the lid from sleep and it went wonky within a few minutes. A restart of the laptop and I successfully managed to blast through a two hour mix without issues. This is with a bitrate of 44100
Evalyn Voges
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by MyUsername
Most likely is that the timecode etc. works fine and my MBP is to blame. 90% sure of this.
I'm believeing this. I really suspect it's an update that Apple has done to OS X that messes up CoreAudio on MBP 7,1. I've replaced everything in the chain apart from the TTs and the laptop. Including cables. Doing a reboot before loading TSP seems to help, but it still happens. I've even tried turning up the latency to 640 samples.

If I just mix using the X1s, or with CD timecode I get zero problems. I know for a fact that about 18 months ago, vinyl timecode worked just fine using this setup, as I used it in the Red Bull Threestyle and at a NYE party.

And just for the record, I want to use vinyl timecode because it's fun as hell. Way more fun than any other DJ setup.
Nereida Jasnoch
15.04.2013
Originally Posted by loverocket
It sucks that his timecode is not working.
Most likely is that the timecode etc. works fine and my MBP is to blame. 90% sure of this.
Jerica Salava
15.04.2013
Originally Posted by OmniRoss
I'm sick of his shit, Daddy Santos :'(
Hey man chill. I try to help out when I can and I have a big mouth but this time I was merely joking.

It sucks that his timecode is not working.

I am not an expert on timecode so that's why I just threw a joke in there.

Cheers. Have a nice Sunday.

>
Annalisa Shogren
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by Karlos Santos
Dude don't feed the troll.
I'm sick of his shit, Daddy Santos :'(
Dannie Dimora
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by OmniRoss
There's nothing wrong with timecode when it works right. :/
On cdjs, there is. Timecode on cdjs was invented to make up for the utterly stupid lack of communication between digital devices. A cdj is a digital player. Making it play an digital signal, convert it to analog, reconvert it to digital, process it, then use it to play another sound and convert it from digital to analog again is just plain stupid. HID is the way.
Of course, on vinyl timecode has its proper place, but on cdjs it's like having a car that because of an engineering flaw doesn't have a tube from the reservoir to the motor, and the fuel has to be evaporated from the reservoir, then pumped into special containers, then the containers have to be transported by hand to the motor, then the fuel has to be condensed, and only it can be used.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
14.04.2013
Dude don't feed the troll.
Annalisa Shogren
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by loverocket
how about you move into 2006 and ditch timecode.
There's nothing wrong with timecode when it works right. :/
Nereida Jasnoch
14.04.2013
Maybe, if I can find a pair for the right price.
Dannie Dimora
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by MyUsername
I did.
But I also did some believeing. Unless happydan finds a solution soon I'm going to ditch traktor for now and get a CDJ and map a controller to ableton.
I am fed up with searching for what 's causing the problem. And I've also had enough of not being able to mix with traktor anymore, the stability is pretty much non-existent.

I've had fun with traktor while it lasted, but I believe I need to move on.
What about cdj 400s in HID mode connected to traktor?
Jerica Salava
14.04.2013
how about you move into 2006 and ditch timecode.
Nereida Jasnoch
14.04.2013
Originally Posted by Patch
Fuck it mate - completely forget about it for a week and enjoy your snowbording.
I did.
But I also did some believeing. Unless happydan finds a solution soon I'm going to ditch traktor for now and get a CDJ and map a controller to ableton.
I am fed up with searching for what 's causing the problem. And I've also had enough of not being able to mix with traktor anymore, the stability is pretty much non-existent.

I've had fun with traktor while it lasted, but I believe I need to move on.
Brunilda Kora
07.04.2013
Fuck it mate - completely forget about it for a week and enjoy your snowbording.
Nereida Jasnoch
06.04.2013
Originally Posted by happydan
Another video:
Well in my case it's different. The playhead jumps around randomly and there's a lot of static.

Listen towards the very end: (also minor crackling the last few minutes)
http://www34.zippyshare.com/v/62417384/file.html
Already posted this in this thread before I know. Couldn't use soundcloud because of copyright issues.

But just like with happydan it's around 40 minutes into the mix.

EDIT: I'm going snowboarding tomorrow for a week. So I can't do a video as well. Might not even have wi-fi.
Evalyn Voges
06.04.2013
Originally Posted by bumtsch
Scope looks fine for mk2 - hell, the cyan circles are not that stable for me and I usually don't have tracking issues*.
Also, the mk2 signal does sound different, so no need to be alarmed - like low-fi pink noise on top of a sinewave tone.

*as in no tracking issues for any other reasons than scratches on the record or dust/grime buildup on the styli
Yeah, that's like mine, apart from the odd pop from dust or whatever. To me, this feels like a software or driver issue. the fact it happens on both decks at exactly the same time and one two different audio interfaces. I assume the A4DJ and A8DJ drivers are fundamentally the same?
Delila Vandommelen
06.04.2013
Scope looks fine for mk2 - hell, the cyan circles are not that stable for me and I usually don't have tracking issues*.
Also, the mk2 signal does sound different, so no need to be alarmed - like low-fi pink noise on top of a sinewave tone.

*as in no tracking issues for any other reasons than scratches on the record or dust/grime buildup on the styli
Evalyn Voges
06.04.2013
Could the issue be in the tonearms? I've got a Stanton headshell I can test. Maybe it just doesn't like the Concordes? I've also swapped the USB cable.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
06.04.2013
A diagonal line in a scope generally means that the minus terminal is missing or badly connected in the headshell/cartridge.
May not be exactly that with MK2 timecode but I believe its worth a look mate.
Evalyn Voges
06.04.2013
Tried a friend's Audio 4 and got the same issue. Tried both ports on the MBP as well. I've even tried bypassing the NI multicore cables in case they were wonky. Question: When playing MK2 vinyls through direct audio, are they meant to be a clean whistle sound or is there supposed to be what sounds like slight distortion in the background?

Another video:
Dannie Dimora
06.04.2013
Try a different card on a different usb port. Traktor could be getting timecode misreads because of a bad connection between the port and the plug itself. Happened to me once
Georgie Lukowiak
06.04.2013
Originally Posted by Patch
I don't use Traktor (right now - but maybe soon...) so I don't know if there is any kind of issue with using .mp3's like there is with Live... Decoding cache? Loading into RAM?
I can assure you it is not like Ableton where you cannot load .mp3s
Nereida Jasnoch
06.04.2013
^ I +1 everything that happydan said here. It's exactly the same for me with a slightly different setup.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
06.04.2013
I always earth on the mixer. Probably a habit brought over from vinyl DJing before timecode.
Evalyn Voges
06.04.2013
Also, is it best practice to earth TTs on the mixer or Audio 8?
nayit ruiz jaramillo
06.04.2013
Originally Posted by happydan
I'll do another strip down of the TTs today. Any suggestions for cleaning? I have Concorde carts.
Just the usual, clean the brass connections on the tone arm and on the cart.
Evalyn Voges
06.04.2013
I mean, hell... could it be the mixer somehow?

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