flickering/unstable

Hi all,

Sorry if this problem has been addressed, but I searched and I didn't really know what to call it. I just installed everything including the update yesterday and now when I use Maschine, the values on the screens and in the software for the browser and the knobs and everything really act all funny, like flickering up and down real fast by themselves- real jittery like, unstable. it happens with just about everything. moving when i'm not touching it, basically. i can still use it, nothing crashes (yet) but its very annoying seeing this thing flipping out all the time. any help? i'm using:

Macbook Pro
10.5.7
2.8GHz
4GB RAM

Thanks!

V

 

Welcome

hmmm, i wonder if it is 10.5.7 (which i think is the most recent version of 10.5 ?) that is the problem?

i am still using 10.4.11, so i can't really help... maybe you should contact tech support?

sowari

 

Does the flickering only manifest when using Maschine?
Did you perform all updates at the same time?
(NI + 10.5.7)

If this is a general problem you could try to reload the extensions cache.
Sometimes when updating the System with Software update and not by downloading the Combo updater, something may go wrong during the update process.

Option A:
To reset the extentions cache in Terminal type:

Code:

sudo su

then your password + hit Enter

Code:

rm /System/Library/Extensions.mkext

hit enter

Code:

shutdown -h now

hit enter

Option B:
Download the 10.5.7 Combo Updater and use it to iron out your System here:
http://bit.ly/HezeZ

Option C:
Contact NI Support and take into account the possibility of being told that it`s an isolated issue and that the problem is located between the monitor`s screen and the backrest of your seat, or worse, to contact Apple Support.

Good Luck!

 

hey thanks guys for the responses.

that would be annoying if it's 10.5.7

i'll wait and see if anyone else around here has any suggestions before contacting TS.

Lancellot, I d'ld 10.5.7 a week ago or whenever it was made available, and just installed the Maschine stuff yesterday; it's not a general problem, and only happens when using Maschine. it's still usable, but the slight unwanted variations on the dials/settings (I think it's specifically those) are getting annoying.... especially the tempo...

hmmm

 

^after reading your post again, I doubt that it has anything to do with Apple software. It could be that there`s something wrong with your cable or your USB port.

My last tip here would be to (yawn) re-install the Maschine software, making sure that the controller is not plugged in.

AND after, to try a different USB port and cable (more yawn )
(preferably the one that is not acting as a Hub)
On My MBP it`s the single port on the right-hand side.

 

I'm running 10.5.7 and I don't have that issue, so I don't believe it's the operating system.

 

hmmm. well that's good to know. will try the un/reinstall and let you know what happens. thanks very much again...

Lancellot, i'm wondering if can you tell me in plain language why you shouldn't have the maschine plugged in when you're installing the software, and also what you mean when you mean when you say the 'USB acting as a hub'? and why one is better than the other? i just like to learn and know these things, that's all...

 

That's the proper procedure for installing the Maschine hardware & software. Install the software first and then apply all the updates. Then connect the controller...As for the usb ports on your MBP question...here's a link :

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2008/05/the-macbook-all/

 

I'll answer that one.

The driver for the controller doesn't start up until after the install's done and you plug the controller in. If you have the controller plugged in during the install, the HardwareService (what switches the controller between Maschine and MIDI mode) and the driver won't initialize correctly.

All of the USB ports on a Mac aren't the same. They vary in power.

ew

 

^eg:

On my MacPro Quad Core which has 4 USB ports, 3 are acting as a Hub and only the top one in the front is powered individually.

On my MacBook Pro the ones on the left are shared, and only the one on the right is not acting as a hub.

So basically, I only have 1 USB port which has juice on each Mac.

 

thanks for the help everyone!

i think we're getting somewhere, except- hmm. i tried the clean uninstall steps. went and reinstalled the disc, and on the third service centre update/restart i get this error message:

Error User/manueldrews/Development/cvs/ni/1.6.3/ngl/src/Controls/SwitchControl_NGL.cpp:610

Invalid Switch Control resource version!


what the heck?

did i do the uninstall incorrectly?

 

That sounds like a Service Center glitch, and not anything with Maschine. I'd try a reboot to force a fresh session.

ew

 

man this is rather unexpected

erm, well i tried the force quit/reboot and nothing. then i reinstalled the service center straight from the disc. a few auto updates in and the same error pops up. is my luck that bad that the service center automatic updates are glitching out today and not yesterday?

 

Try uninstalling the Service Center and install the one on the free updates page:

http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=freeupdates

ew

 

There`s a whole topic about that unreliable un-Service Center..
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65821


Try downloading a fresh version from the NI website.

...dunno...

 

dunno what that was about. did a bunch more uninstalls and reinstalls and downloads and re-downloads and finally the damn service center worked. unfortunately, the initial problem doesn't seem to be solved. i installed everything, then plugged in the maschine usb. browser and knobs still flickering (maybe it's a bit more stable). tried different usb ports to no avail. oh well, try again in the morning, i'll upload a video to show you guys what's happening. like i said, maschine is still useable (and fun!) but this little bug is very, very annoying. thanks a lot for the tips so far...

v

 

hey guys. here's a link to a video of what's going on.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/tu8aid

sent a query to tech support. hopefully things will get sorted. thanks again...

v

 

^looking at the video and seeing that you have a MIDI cable connected, I am wondering whether this may be the cause...?...maybe not...

Have you tried unplugging it?
...and a different USB cable?

Sorry, but I have run out of tips...

It certainly looks like a random issue.

 

hey Lancellot,

thanks for having a look. Tech Support had a look at the video and concluded that the the pots are sending signals to the software randomly, so the hardware must be defective. bummer. oh well. hopefully they can replace/repair it in a timely fashion. (tried a different USB and unplugged the midi cable, just to make sure. nope.)

thanks you guys.

 

bummer!

Good Luck on getting your knob fixed.