The following article troubleshoots noise or dropout issues with the Rubix.
I. BUFFER SIZE ADJUSTMENT
There are generally two buffer settings within a computer audio system. These two buffer settings are independent of each other; however, each affect the performance of your computer audio system.
- The buffer setting in your audio interface (i.e. the Rubix) adjusts the INTERFACE's access to the computer's RAM (buffer).
- The buffer setting in your recording software (e.g. Sonar, Pro Tools, Logic, etc) adjusts the SOFTWARE's access to the computer's RAM.
Be sure to check the Audio Buffer Size setting within the Rubix's Control Panel if there are noise issues and/or dropouts. Increase the buffer size until the problem goes away. The following procedure will guide you through these steps:
Buffer Size Adjust:
- Select the "Roland Rubix" folder from Windows' Start menu.
- Double-click on the "Rubix Control Panel" icon to open the Rubix Control Panel.
- In the “USB Streaming Mode” section, select "7"--this is the highest buffer setting.
Note: This can be changed to a lower setting later but test with "7" for troubleshooting purposes. - Now test the audio to see if the noise continues.
If the noise and/or dropouts continue, adjust the buffer setting within your audio software (DAW software).
Note: As each manufacturer's software differs from version to version, please refer to the software's current manual or online help for the proper buffer size adjustment procedures.
II. ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING
If the noise/dropouts continue even with the audio software's buffer setting raised, the following is additional troubleshooting.
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For troubleshooting purposes, disconnect all USB devices except the mouse and the Rubix—this includes disconnecting the computer keyboard, printer (if applicable), USB hub and/or USB breakout box, etc). If the noise disappears, troubleshoot the device introducing the noise.
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Physically disconnect any cables connected to any inputs or outputs of the Rubix troubleshoot with headphones--this means that a USB cable and headphones are the only cables physically connected to the Rubix.
NOTE: Be sure that speakers are not connected to the Rubix and the speakers are not plugged into any power outlets for this troubleshooting.
a. If the problem disappears, the noise is being introduced from one of the audio cables or the speakers themselves. Start reconnecting cables, one by one, until the noise is reintroduced.
If the problem continues, leave all cables physically disconnected from the Rubix, except for the USB and headphones, and continue the troubleshooting: -
Try connecting the Rubix directly to each USB port on your computer (do not use a USB hub or USB breakout box for this test)—to rule out one or more USB ports causing the problem.
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Move the Rubix away from your computer video monitor—as the video monitor may be introducing this noise.
- Move the Rubix away from the computer itself--as the computer's power supply could be introducing this noise.
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Disconnect the Rubix and test with the computer’s internal soundcard. If the noise or dropout problem continues, the Rubix is not the cause of the problem.
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Connect the computer’s power, and the computer video monitor’s power to a different power circuit. The noise may be a result of dirty power or another issue from the original power circuit. Be sure that your computer's power, your computer's video monitor's power, your speakers power and any other devices connected to the computer and/or the Rubx are all connected to the same outlet--on the same circuit.
- Test with a different USB audio interface (if available) to determine if the issue is isolated to the Rubix or with any USB audio interface.
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Test on a different computer (if available) to determine if there is an issue with the Rubix that continues on a different computer system.