N4 + Unitor 8

[Giovanni]

Hi all,
just moved over to new dual pent 3.0 [b]XP Pro [/b]machine and upgraded to N4.
I have a [b]unitor8 connected via comm port[/b]. I found info on the net that said the win2000 drivers would do the job.
Loaded them and and can see all my midi ports is the MIDI Port Setup section of N4, however i cant get a midi signal in.
Unitor 8 is showing midi in and out, but no indication in N4 that its getting in.

Bit fustrated and have tried long and hard before posting. No mention of this when i search the forums.

Anyone using Nuendo 4 with Unitor8 connected via a Comm port?
Could you let me know its firstly [b]do-able [/b]and secondly [b]which drivers [/b]you are using.
A link to those drivers would be great too if you know of one. Currently im using the "unidrv227" dated august 2004.

Of course, it may be that the comm port is the culprit, though in "devices" it says all is ok. I don't know how to test that out?

Any advice would be much appreciated,
cheers
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[planblue]

Hi Giovanni,

i am using a dual unitor8 setup (to be correctly: 1 Unitor-8 + 1 amt-8 in cascade) on my serial port with no problems.
The driver is unidrv227. I remember using the USB port was not as reliable as the com-port regarding to midi timing problems.

Have you checked the ports with MIDI-OX - just to be shure you have no Nuendo config problem?

greetings
Michael
_________________
Nuendo 5.0 + NEK / Windows 7 64bit / Intel i7 975 @ 4.00 Ghz / GA-EX58-UB5 / 6 GB RAM / 1 TB RAID-1 / Fireface UC / Alphatrack

[Giovanni]

Thank you for the reply.

I downloaded Midi OX as you suggested and whilst it DOES see and lists the Unitor8's inputs and outputs, it will not let me map them.
Gives me an "Unidentified External Error".

So, both the N4 and Midi OX see the unitor 8. Midi is getting into the unitor 8 from keyboard, but im getting no indication that it is getting into the computer.

I had a comm port put into the PC. Its a pci comm port. All installation went without issue. Shows up under devices as all ok. Drivers loaded.

I have a M-AUDIO USB 2 port midi interface that is working. Works in N4 as well as Midi OX.
Not sure what to do from here.

I was told there was an issue with "Direct x" and "multimedia" midi drivers conflicting..or something..but i can't see how to address this if this is the issue.

Apart from uninstalling all components and re-installing im a little lost for ideas.

As always, any advice, directions for problem solving this would be appreciated.
cheers,
John
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[undertone]

I have a Unitor 8 mkII that I've recently connected via COM port (changed it from USB) and it works fine. But my COM port is built into the motherboard. Using an COM PCI card you may have IRQ issues on older systems, or with older COM card drivers.

There is some "funny" stuff I'm investigation regarding N4 and Unitor (I suspect MIDI feedback due to routing issues...) but it's not relevant here because the problem is clearly not Nuendo: if properly installed it should at least work with any MIDI software. I'm not at my studio right now, but check to see if you don't have options on the Device Manager's pages for the Unitor that might help you (there are under USB). Also check there to see if the system says that it's working. But I would suggest finding a way to test the COM card, like with an external Modem or Faxmodem just to see if it works properly. Also make sure you're using a proper COM cable and not a Null-modem cable (which is a cross-over cable to connect 2 computers together via their COM ports).

BTW: it may help to put more of your system's details in your sig for reference (motherboard, processor, ram...).
_________________
Nuendo 4.3 / Wavelab 6.0b
Windows 7 64-bit
Q6600, P5Q Deluxe, 8-gigs DDR, 2 SATAII + 1 RAID 0
RME Multiface + 9652, (ex-Logic) Mackie Control,
and a plethora of plugins in the pear tree...

[Giovanni]

Again thanks for reply,

I suspect it must be the Com Port but again dont know how to test. Have no devices to attach and check.

Unistalled the drivers and removed card, reinstalled drivers and replaced card into a different PCI slot. Just worked like a charm.
Found the card on boot up, loaded it no problem, ready to go. The drivers for the card are dated Dec 2007 and the card is new.
So, what to think?

The cable im using to connect the Unitor to computer is the same one ive used for years on old computer. Came with Unitor if i recall.
The computer is new, (see updated specs below), and card shows up in devices as all ok. I dont see IRQ issues. I have removed and tried a different PCI.
Should i do more in that regard perhaps.

As you say, I do need to test the comm port somehow to eliminate that variable.
Thanks for all you thoughts on this. I've searched posts here and seems no-one has ihad similar ssues. All issues relate to timing.
Will see if i can get the port checked in a store tomorrow.

cheers

JP
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[Giovanni]

Still no joy here.

Checked the Comm port and it is working fine. It is sending data and receiving data.
New questions.
Is there anywhere in Nuendo4 where you tell it to use comm port 1 or 2 etc. Or is this automatic.
I know i have not ever set this before, but perhaps this is a factor now??

The tech guy, who is very computer savy, but not at all DAW aware, asks. What board rate and parity speeds should the port be set to to match the unitor 8?
Anyone have any idea.

These may not be the issue either. Perhaps it is something completely unrelated. A midi driver issue? As ive exhausted all that im aware of im now trying to think outside the box. Anyone with ideas!?

btw, i reconnected the Unitor back into the old computer and confirmed that it is working fine. Any ieas, direction, thoughts appreciated.
John
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[undertone]

The Com port is irrelevant to Nuendo, which doesn't care how MIDI interfaces are connected to the computer. The driver is what recognizes and deals with the serial port, handling communication speed as well.

But I took a quick look at Gigabyte's site and it seems your motherboard has a built-in serial port on ALL 3 versions even though only the first version has an on board port on its back panel. The COM port cable that connects to the motherboard connector for the later 2 revisions is an OPTION. So in fact you must currently have 2 active serial ports on your system and I suspect the Unitor drivers may be simply accessing the wrong one.

I would try disabling one or the other. If you don't have the on-board connector, then go into the BIOS and disable the on board Serial port (and save your changes...). You might also have to delete the previous Unitor entry you created in Device Manager and re-install Unitor again.

Fingers crossed :)
_________________
Nuendo 4.3 / Wavelab 6.0b
Windows 7 64-bit
Q6600, P5Q Deluxe, 8-gigs DDR, 2 SATAII + 1 RAID 0
RME Multiface + 9652, (ex-Logic) Mackie Control,
and a plethora of plugins in the pear tree...

[Giovanni]

Undertone, I do [b]appreciate [/b]the effort you have gone to. Very much.
I turned my focus to the port/bios last night and today.

I verified the pci com port was working. Still no joy.
Yes, the model of motherboard i have has two com ports, one smaller and one printer type.
Today i bought a little lead to plug straight into the motherboards com port and then to the unitor8.
No luck.

I disabled all com ports in bios setup leaving only one available. Then reloaded the drivers. No luck.
I then disabled in the bios the on board com port leaving only the pci card port and reloaded the drivers.
No luck.

I take my Nuendo dogril out and stick it in the old PC, plug in the unitor 8 to the com port. Viola, all ok.
So i verified the unitor8 was working, and the lead was ok.
Go back to the new machine and do it all over again. No luck.

So ripping my hair out. I think ive done everything possible. It MUST be somethng else. BUT WHAT!
Im loading the 2.27 Win 2000 drivers via the add hardware. Following the prompts...getting the install all ok.
Thats correct is it not?

I load my little usb midisport 2x2 and voila...midi. All good. But this just wont do. Ive got 4 external devices i wish to send midi to.
Its not the point. The unitor8 should work. No-one seems to have had this issue or difficulty with getting their Unitor8, on XP Pro, to talk.
(not even me on the 2 machines ive used in the last 6 years!)

SO, am i loading the drivers wrong? Im following the steps verbatim.
The midi device setup in N4, is there something in there, hidden, that should be switced on? Nothing in manual.
Could i have conflicting drivers of some sort. I dont know much about that.

I remember when i used PARIS (yes i was a Paris loser), i had to delete the legacy drivers as they interfered with the Paris audio drivers.
What the hell are legacy drivers anyway?
I have realtec audio drivers on this machine as well...i see under its properties a MIDI DEVICES and INSTRUMENTS entry. Do you have those?
Do i need those?

Question: If inputs and outputs of the Unitor8 show up in the midi device setup in N4, does that tell me anything? Does that mean the drivers are loaded ok?

Do i sound desparate :)
I'll plough on and start deleting drivers and such and go through the continual reboot process and see if i can find a solution.
Again, any ideas, thoughts, cunning schemes will all be considered and appreciated.

Regards
John
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[Giovanni]

Sorry for double post.
One last thing.
When i try to open the Unitor8 Control, or the MIDI OX application someone mentioned ealier. I get a
"UNDEFINED EXTERNAL ERROR".

Can't find a reference to that in the help files.
Does that indicate anything specific.

Ill pursue this for another day or so, but if no resolution, i guess it time for me to move to a USB midi interface like a timepiece or similar.
Something more current. Im reluctant to do so as the Unitor is fine when working with my older P4 single processor and Nuendo3.
But, its rediculous losing all this time.

cheers
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[undertone]

[Giovanni]

Hi Undertone,

First of many thanks for your input.

Now the apology: My spec is wrong. Copy and pasted the spec listed on computer shops quote to me which had typo :(
See my sig now. But for ease..go to
gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2747 (stick www.) at front..not sure if links are allowed.

I thought i had been organised in my approach however, after all these nights..im questioning that.
Before i undertake you steps in you fantastic respose which again gives me a glimmer of hope, i got to clear something up.

My com port lead does not fit into the space provided on motherboard connection. It get is the way of other connectors.
Thats why i had to go buy a little connector lead. It is only 9 pins!!! My unitor 8 only has a 9 pin connection too. Not 15 or 24...was that a mistake?
I was unaware the motherboard had a com port...computer shop didnt tell me that...found that out myself. Im not overly computer savy at that level.
But im not too unfamiliar also.

I do appreciate you posts..and ideas...im going to work through them all today. Thank you so much for your input.
Im not really desparate:) though i am tiring of it all, and did get pretty fustrated after another long night of no success.
I will make a cup of tea before posting in future.

I think you are certainly correct in that with all my efforts, my system may be somewhat clogged with eronious stuff as a consequence of many many attempts at this.
Whilst im a bit daunted by going into the registry and system/32 folders...but, im up for it! Can always reload and reformat i guess.

Again, thank you for all your suggestions.
John
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[undertone]

Hi John,

15 pin? I never said 15 pin? ;) Many apologies, you're absolutely right (I just edited my previous post): we're talking about a 9-pin cable, as described here.

When you say a "little connector lead" are you referring to a something like this?

As for the registry, while its true that you can badly damage an installation if you do stupid things, I've found it's sometimes the only way to get a system to completely forget about hardware that's previously been installed. And you have no choice but to go there to fix the 10-device MIDI problem. One simple and safe thing to do is to create a System Restore point that you can go back to whatever happens.

And if you accept reformat and reinstall as an acceptable route, you're gold because you're prepared for the worse :)

u
_________________
Nuendo 4.3 / Wavelab 6.0b
Windows 7 64-bit
Q6600, P5Q Deluxe, 8-gigs DDR, 2 SATAII + 1 RAID 0
RME Multiface + 9652, (ex-Logic) Mackie Control,
and a plethora of plugins in the pear tree...

[Giovanni]

I have a Unitor8 again!!

It was the little lead as per the one you put a link to.

I connected the Unitor8 to my "Email" computer. An P4 1.6Ghz thats used for everything misc. Its also XP Pro. Loaded drivers and the Unitor control software and went like a dream. I checked inside that computer as the com port was also connected from the motherboard to a metal strip via a little lead. (like you link). So i took it out and pluged it into my motherboard...and viola. Unitor 8!.

The pci card com port though showing it is connected properly, and sends data in a loop test....would not be recognised by the unitor8. Even when i disabled all com ports in bios leaving only the pci com port going. The DIFFERENCE i see in the two little connector leads is that one of them on the plug that goes into the motherboard has no hole for a pin no1.
Which does not exist i see on the port on the motherboard. The other connector lead i see had a hole there. Subtle, but obviously significant in some way though i have NO idea what and can't be bothered finding out by googling!!!

Such good news.
Undertone, you're a good man to have taken the time to think this through with me.
I really do thank you. If you come to Sydney, I'll buy you a beer.
_________________
Nuendo 4, Windowns XP Pro
Intel Core 2 Dual E6850
3Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB
GA P35 DS3P Motherboard
MOTU PCIe424, 2408MkII
Unitor8 via comm port,

[undertone]