Rayzoon Technologies LLC

[J.W.]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a simple (free or cheap) VSTi host and audio multitrack program to use with Jamstix (I normally use n-Track but it tends to crash when I use Jamstix, so have been using SAVHost and MiniHost). I think I've narrowed it down to the following systems, which I've briefly checked out the specs for.

Audacity Audacity Audio Editor
Frieve Music Studio Independence / Producer Sequencer / Multitrack
Kreatives.org Kristal Audio Engine Sequencer / Multitrack
PQN Audio VstSeq Sequencer / Multitrack
Steinberg Cubasis InWired Sequencer / Multitrack

Has anyone had any experience with these and Jamstix? I'm thinking that Cubasis InWired might do the trick. I only want a simple system that can simultaneously record the live guitar input and the Jamstix jam output to wav file(s).

I know that SAVIHost can record audio, but it only records Jamstix for some reason - not the live instrument input. In fact, if I could get it to record the live instrument as well as the Jamstix output then I would be happy with just using SAVIHost.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

JW

[J.W.]

I've kind of solved the problem. Got rid of the ASIO drivers I'd been using, which weren't helping, and I've gone back to Direct Sound drivers, which work best with my soundcard. I can now operate Jamstix in SAVIHost, whilst recording the Stereo Mix (with live guitar) in n-Track .

JW

[Ralph [RZ]]

If you have latency issues with the DS driver, try ASIO4ALL (www.asio4all.com)
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[J.W.]

ASIO4ALL is the one I tried. It was doing ok for a few days, then sound using ASIO just stopped working altogether, that is, SAVIHost wasn't finding my soundcard using ASIO drivers. If I switched to DS it was ok again. I could still hear my PC's line-in though, presumably working with ASIO. And it was slowing down my PC (even just after bootup and no programs have been opened). I Had to uninstall.

ASIO isn't so handy when two apps want to use the same soundcard though - only one will work, unlike with DS.

Also, I've not had bad latency at all with DS. If I decrease the buffer settings in SAVIHost I can get very little latency.

AND - I've noticed that I actually like a bit of latency when I'm jamming guitar with JS. Around a quarter of a bar is about the right amount, so that the drums lag a bit...and also allow my guitar-playing more freedom to vary in volume. i.e. i can pause for a second, then carry on playing, and the drums won't stop at that moment also. Too little latency will have the drums following every stop and start of the live instrument. At least this my theory, and when you're using a large velocity range. Wouldn't matter so much if the high and low velocity levels were closer together.

--

I've just tried playing JS and guitar straight into my Tascam 4-track, and it records great! Always loved that rougher analogue sound. I think that'll be my setup for now. i.e. using jam mode only > then straight to external recording. I can't be doing with computer-related problems to be honest. as long as I just use SAVIHost + Jamstix I'll be fine

Thanks

JW

[Ralph [RZ]]

Whatever works best. Glad you have a good DS driver!
_________________
Ralph Zeuner
Rayzoon Technologies LLC
http://www.rayzoon.com

[darcyb62]

Just as an FYI...

ASIO4ALL isn't all it's cracked up to be... While it did help to find some stability issues I found that it didn't get the latency it claims to get. The best latency still comes from my native Tascam drivers. I've heard others make similar claims with different cards, but for some it works wonders.

Just food for thought..

EDIT: Just as an addon, ASIO4ALL is invaluable for providing ASIO support to sound cards that do not provide native ASIO support. For example, the on-board sound typically seen on notebooks and most desktops nowadays.
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darcyb62

[Merlin]

I highly recommend saving up for BFD and the Deluxe addon!!kick that ass Jamstix:)