Hi cnsdj4hire,

Have you analyzed all your files and ensured none of them are corrupt?

Do you have any other USB devices connected to your computer?

What is your USB buffer size currently set to?

I always analyze and build overviews, when I add new tracks to the library. I even ran "rescan id3 tags" the other day and everything is fine. I did a gig last Friday with Scratch Live and had not one hiccup. When I'm running the DDJ. I only have my external hard drive plugged in use, besides DDJ. I would have to get back to you on buffer size. I have it set at whatever comes with initial installation of Itch? I have to head out to work. Thanks in adavnce

Ok thanks, if you have never adjusted your USB buffer size it should be set at 10ms.

Can you try moving it over to 20ms and applying the changes to see if anything improves for you?

Also I highly recommend going through our computer optimization guide to ensure your computer is set for maximum performance when using ITCH: serato.com

ITCH generally is a bit more CPU intensive when compared to Scratch Live because of the amount MIDI messages being sent from your controller, so even thought Scratch Live may function well, sometimes adjustments need to be made to have your computer performing well with an ITCH controller.

Martin I did everything you suggested. The results from a 2 hour gig is: Itch spiked 100% 3 or 4 times and software froze for 5 seconds, but audio didn't stop! This is huge leap forward! I am still a little nervous though. Is there anything else I can try? My other question is. How would this work on a new Mac Book Pro? The 2.4 i7 with 4 gigs do in your opinion? The processor use was low for the most part though. Just asking

Hey thats good news!

The next thing I would be interested to see would be that if you transferred a bunch of files over to your internal drive (enough to do a 1/2 hour gig for instance) then you disconnected your external drive, and played off those internal drive files, if the CPU spiking and freezing situation got any better.

There is a also a tool we can use to to help us pinpoint what is causing latency/dropouts, but I would be interested about the results of the above test before moving on any further.

In regards, to the Macbook Pro, it is of my opinion they generally run a lot better. I personally have a 2.3 Ghz i5 with 4GB RAM and using the DDJ-S1 with ITCH is a dream.

If you are thinking about getting a Macbook Pro for DJing, I cant recommend them enough :)

I have been kicking it around with a buddy of mine to get a new internal hard drive 750 gigs. How do I do that with all my crates and all on the current internal? I don't want to mess anything up? I really want a Mac book, but very expensive and my credit sucks! I have wanted to test at a Apple store. They don't allow software to be installed on their machines! Martin you don't happen to be in Cali USA are you? Thanks again in advance for your help so far

No sorry, I am based in Auckland, New Zealand :)

So do you have a few files/crates on the internal drive already? In that case you wouldn't have to transfer any across from your external for the test, I would just be interested to see if performance generally improves when NOT using the external drive.

If this is not the case, then I can walk you through the process of moving some files over.

Thats unfortunate they won't let you test it out properly to make the sale! Perhaps you could check out the performance on a friends Macbook Pro before buying?

I was afraid you were going to say New Zealand! Yes I don't have any crates or any music on laptop. I just have the software there. If you could walk me through I would appreciate it. I don't have any friends with a Mac Book pro. Thanks again in advance

Well, simply for testing purposes, choose 100 files from your external drive, then make a folder on your desktop and copy the files from the external into that folder.

Disconnect the external drive at this point.

Now open ITCH and create a new crate. Open the files browser and drag that folder containing the 100 files from your desktop onto the new crate. That should import those files into ITCH and now you can play around for a while and see if its still good, and whether you get that high CPU or not.

Will try. Does it have to be on desktop or can I put in music under my documents?

It doesn't matter, it can be in your documents folder.

Martin, I downloaded music on internal drive and played. They still spiked to 100the percent or went into red on cpu usage window. Anything else to try?

You could try running the DPC trace report tool.

Instructions on how to do so are in this article: serato.com

Martin how do I get the results to you or know what I'm getting on the report?

When you have got the report, use the "attach a file" button on this thread, which will upload the text file to this thread.

Ok Martin. Let me know if these work? Thanks again in advance

Ok, looks like you have two potential issues causing this problem for you.

USBPORT.SYS (USB port driver)

* Try connecting to a different USB port.
* Use a different USB cable.
* Go to your computer manufacturer's website and check if there you are using the most up-to-date drivers.
* Try using an external power supply for your hardware.

NDIS.sys (Network connections)

* Disable all network adapters

XP:
1) Go into your Control Panel
2) Open to Network Connections
3) Disable the Wireless Network Connection and any wired connections.

Try that out, then run another report and attach it to this thread again, and I can check if there is any improvement.

Martin I disabled all network connections and I swapped around USB connections! Let me know and thanks again

Hey I find that DPC trace report a little tricky to read, and so Im not entirely sure I will be giving you accurate answers.

Are you using the DPC trace report tool available for download in this article? Or a different one?

serato.com

I am using the tool you link up to? It is the RATTV3? Is this correct?

Sorry, I am just a little bit unfamiliar with reading RATTV3 reports so I had to get some assistance, so I apologize for the delay.

In this report I can see a few more things going on:

atapi.sys

This is the Windows IDE/ATAPI Port driver (www.file.net). This is the port to which CD & DVD drives are commonly connected to.

* Ensure that the drive is not in use.
* Check manufacturers site for driver updates.

More info on the IDE/ATAPI port here -> en.wikipedia.org

i8042prt.sys (System function driver for PS/2-style keyboard and mouse devices.)

* Switch to a USB keyboard or mouse.

To confirm make sure there is no disc in the drive and use a USB keyboard and mouse?

Hmmm yeah. Do you have any disc or mouse connected at all?

They aren't usual things that I have seen come up before when having these kinds of issues. But apparently those are the common workarounds for when those system processes return high values.

I don't have any disc playing and I don't use a mouse either? Should I do another report?

Ok weird that those were showing up! Yeah perhaps doing another report could be useful.

We previously discussed that you had analyzed all your files, but have you definitely ensured none of them are showing up as corrupt?

You could use the status column (far left column in the library view) to group any corrupt files together in the all crate and then remove them.

Let me know if you do find any.

Martin you were right! There was about 20 corrupt files and I deleted them! I ran another report except that the program acted weird, so let me know if the report is incomplete?

Also after I deleted files. When I played some tracks for report. The cpu did spike again. I hope it shows up on report? Thanks again in advance

Thanks for that report :)

The only one showing any issue is something that has already come up before:

USBPORT.SYS (USB port driver)

* Try connecting to a different USB port.
* Use a different USB cable.
* Go to your computer manufacturer's website and check if there you are using the most up-to-date drivers.
* Try using an external power supply for your hardware.

Have you tried all 4 of these suggestions to help with this issue?

When you say the CPU spikes, is this the CPU meter in ITCH? Or are you looking at the task manager in windows? Do you get a red light showing in ITCH that says USB?

The only thing I haven't done is look for up to date drivers for USB. My external hard drive has a plug for 120v. As for cpu spikes it shows in red for Itch and when I watch Task Manager it is showing 100% usage. Is there anything else I can try? If I had the credit or money I would have a Mac Book Pro already, but not going to happen in the near future! :(

I forgot to mention that the USB light does not come on in Itch with the cpu spike. Thanks again

Ok, I would definitely recommend looking into possible driver updates for your USB bus.

Additionally I think its best for you to do these tests with the external drive disconnected, because this could be causing issues especially with the USB.

Perhaps after doing both of the above, you could run another report.

Which test on my external hard drive?

Martin I updated windows that were all security updates and from Lenovo a Intel chipset 5 update? I ran another report. Let me know what we got? Thanks again - Steve

Still showing the USBPORT.SYS (USB port driver) issues, everything else is fine.

Did you have your external connected at the time you did this report? Any other devices?

I guess what I meant when I said tests, was any further DPC trace reports, or further investigating into this issue, I would leave the external disconnected just to eliminate any variables.

Thanks for your patience Steve :)

I have had my external plugged in for every test I've done. The only other thing I have had plugged in is my controller the Pioneer. I will run a test without external tonight. Thanks

Cool, yes, definitely remove the external to see if this USBPORT.SYS issue will go away in the DPC trace report.

Ok Martin here is the report with no external, I only have the Pioneer controller plugged in.

Still the same issue popping up.

I have been doing some research on the USBPORT.SYS thing and have found something else we could try:

USB selective suspend setting:

Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > "Edit" or "Change Plan Settings" >
Change advanced power settings >

(In "Power Options" popup box - under the "Advanced Settings" tab)
"USB settings" > "USB selective suspend setting"

You should see something that says: "On battery: Enabled"and "Plugged in: Enabled"

Change both of these to disabled.

Now run another report and see if anything improves. I actually only need the .txt file that to read the DPC trace report, not the other two files.

Good luck!

Martin for some reason your directions don't make sense on my machine? I don't have a NHarware and Sound" icon? They are separate and either do not have a power option. Now there is a Power Option icon, but none of the settings you are giving me? Is it maybe a regional difference or Lenovo has set up different? Let me know and thanks in advance

Ok sorry, it might be that your Windows 7 is set up a little bit different to the steps I found.

Try this:

1. Control Panel > Power Options
2. Now select your power plan as "high performance" then click on "edit plan settings"
3. Now make sure that your settings to turn off display and sleep are both set to NEVER.
4. Click on "change advanced power settings"
5. Now a pop up box should display, and "USB Settings" should be an option in the list.
6. Expand that and disable USB selective suspend setting for both battery and plugged in options.

Check out this little article to see screen shots of the above steps: www.sevenforums.com

Let me know what happens :)

Martin I am running XP.

So sorry! That is probably why the instructions are different.

Ok, so this process is more complex on XP.

I would check out this link: support.microsoft.com

Further down the page there is instructions with disabling the usb selective suspend settings, but it involves using regedit.

Let me know if you feel unconfident about following these instructions and I will help you.

I did read that article on Saturday and was hoping I wouldn't have to do that. If you could help I would appreciate it. This makes me nervous. Thanks again in advance

Ok, check your Private Messages :)

Quick question, are you running 32-bit or 64-bit XP?

If you are unsure, check this link: windows.microsoft.com

Also, is do the specs here > www.notebookreview.com match your computer? Although you may have upgraded the RAM from 1GB to 3GB, does everything else appear correct? I am especially curious about the processor being correct.

Intel T2500 2.0GHz Core Duo

Will be home in about five minutes to check laptop

I have Intel CORE 2 CPU T7200 @2.00 GHz 997 MHz 3.00 GB of RAM

I have 32to bit

Hmmm ok, that processor should be fine really.

We could check out your IRQ assignments. To view your current IRQ assignments you can open Device Manager.

1. Click on START, click on CONTROL PANEL.
2. Click on Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click on System.
4. Click on the Hardware tab.
5. Click the DEVICE MANAGER button.

Once you have Device Manager open, select VIEW from the toolbar menu, and then click Resources by Type.

Take a screen shot of you what you seen and upload it here. You may have to scroll through the list and take multiple screen shots.

I might not be able to get time to remotely access your computer, but I will try and get another member of our Support Team to help instead perhaps. The IRQ assignments screenshot will help in the mean time though.

Thanks for your patience Steve!

Hey Steve,

I was just looking back through this thread to find more ideas about what else to try.

Are you able to confirm to me the specs of your friends computer where you experienced the same issue?

Are you using a power supply for the DDJ-S1?

I am plugging controller into an AC outlet. I will check out IRQ friends computer when I get home. Thanks

Thanks man, let me know when you have the opportunity.

Just to clarify, the problem is still ONLY taking place roughly about an hour after playing?

It wouldn't happen within 15-20 mins would it?

You would see the CPU spike right away and the whole time. As for cutting out it hasn't done that in a while, but I have noticed in Scratch Live it has very small cut outs. I would have to explain on phone to you? Weird stuff

I wont be able to speak with you until next week unfortunately until I am back doing technical support.

I can have someone from tech support to speak with you sooner than that, but my dilemma would be that someone else may not have a grasp on everything we have spoke about thus far and may ask you questions you have already answered. Ideally I wouldn't want this to happen for you as it will only complicate things.

I definitely do intend to speak with you as soon as I can though.

Just on Scratch Live, you say there are small audio cut outs with that too.

- What hardware and USB devices do you have connected when using Scratch Live?
- What is the USB buffer size set to?
- Does the CPU spike as well?

Ok I can wait no problem. With SL I just have my hard dive, SL box, and my Pioneer MEP 7000 plugged in. It has worked great with no problems until the past few months. The CPU is at 50%5 or less with it. I get no USB light and minor 1 second or so drop outs on the music and no software freeze. It would probably be better to explain over phone? What day are you back to dial in?

Ok thanks, I will be available next wed/thursday, which would be your tues/wed I think.

Would be still good if you could get that IRQ screen shot and your friends computer specs in the meantime.

I appreciate your patience Steve :)

You got it thanks

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200 (2.0GHZ, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB) Windows XP 15.4 WSXGA+TFT Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667Mhz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) No Intergraded Fingerprint Reader 100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200 rpm CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (US/CAN/LA/AP)

This is my friends computer specs^

Martin I attached a picture I took from my phone for IRQ set ups. If you can zoom in you should be able to read. If not let me know. Thanks

Thanks dude! Interesting your friends computer is very similar except you have a bit more RAM. The processor is the same though, so you guys are sharing potentially a common issue that causes these CPU spikes.

The IRQ picture, is this with or without the DDJ-S1 connected?

This is the computer with nothing plugged in sitting idle.

Ok cheers thats great! Any chance you could take a second picture of the same shot with the device plugged in?

Just plugged in idle or playing a track?

In this instance I'm not sure it will make much difference but you may as well do it while playing a track. Thanks :)