Bad audio with AIW 128

[JHahn]

I have been getting a crackling noise when capturing with AIW 128 from VHS.
(VCD parameters). Any ideas?

[VisiBill]

What sound card and motherboard are you using?

For example there have been a lot of reports about crackling with SoundBlaster Live boards with Via chipset (Duron/Athlon) boards. There are fixes around for this.

[JHahn]

Hi, there! Thanks for your reply!

It's actually a Soundblaster Live! with an ASUS motherboard. I wouldn't know the chipset (but I can do some research). But it sure sounds like my problem. Very frustrating! Would you happen to know where I can locate these fixes you mention?

I really appreciate the help! :-)

J Hahn

[VisiBill]

Bullseye! Ok now we know its the old Via/SB Live problem.

Try the PCI latency patch at http://www.networking.tzo.com/net/software/

or go to http://www.viahardware.com/ and check the forums there. Do a search for SBLive or crackling or something. I think you'll find plenty of information about this kind of problem.

Good luck!

Bill.

[JHahn]

Thanks a lot, Bill.

I will take a look into that.

J. Hahn

[gesuther149]

I'd like to add my thanks as well. I have the ATI AIW 128 and an Intel Tabor III motherboard (Gateway P3-700) and have been suffering from the crackles and pops as well. You have given me a lead to follow ... Thanks!!

[VisiBill]

Let us know how you get on.

By the way, gesuther149, I don't think your problem is the same. You are not very likely to have a Via chipset on your Intel motherboard! Sorry. You don't say which sound card you are using. The AIW does not capture the sound at all, it just passes through to your regular sound card, and the problem probably lies there.

By the way make sure you have the latest Liveware drivers from the Creative Website for the SBLive.

Also make sure you have DMA enabled on your hard disk. This is VERY important for good quality captures. If you don't know how to do this, I posted details on this board a few days ago to someone asking what DMA was.

If you're really desperate, you could try another soundcard. The Turtle Beach Santa Cruz (known as Videologic SonicFury here in Europe) has been widely regarding as being good for capture.

Good luck.

Bill.