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[gd0]

Hey. Long-time user here.

MC 23 abruptly stopped responding a few days ago.

I only listen to music from local hard drives, hardwired. Somewhat older Apple desktop: 2013 iMac, macOS Sierra 10.12.6, MC 23 out to USB DAC / amp / speakers. Plenty of backup HDDs. Since it’s music-only, I’ve not upgraded; I don’t perceive any added benefit.

I got this pop-up MC message:
Something went wrong with playback.
Details:
Playback could not be started on the output ‘Core Audio’ using the format ’44.1 kHz 2ch’ *
This output format may not be supported by your hardware. You can use DSP Studio to change the output to a compatible format.
Also, make sure that your system has a valid sound playback device and that it is properly configured in playback options.

(* or any other, DSF etc)

I think I’m correctly identifying MC 23 as the source of the problem. MC 22 plays perfectly well; same for all other audio functions on the iMac.

While reading and troubleshooting, I was starting to get the impression that my license had expired. (Does that happen?)

Rather than do the research for all the extensive troubleshooting options for MC, I just decided to update / renew license. Paid for and documented.

Not having done this in a long time (I’m a set-it-and-forget-it guy), I was reminded that a Mac requires a manual transfer function to move the settings from MC 23 to 28. Curiously, the first download attempt got me MC 27; a subsequent try got me 28. I have 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 onboard in Applications.

What I’d REALLY like to do is just get 23 back up and running, assuming the renewed license will facilitate that. 23 does everything I need (I think).

Additionally, some brief reading here suggests that 28 is rather different than 27 and prior.

What I REALLY REALLY want to do is avoid an unnecessary rebuild of settings or risk errant transfers for a newer version that has features I’ll never use. I did it for MC 22/23, and it worked, but it took forever to research how. I have to admit that all the possibilities that MC offers are overwhelming, and the unfamiliar terminology to implement (or even just identify) them piles up fast.

So…

Can I just get 23 to start back up, with or without a renewed license? (Which I have)

Is there any compelling reason to install 27, or 28? Avoid 28? (Again, music only)

Do I understand correctly:
File > Library > Backup Library in MC23
and then
File > Library > Restore Library in MC27 (or 28)

Thanks in advance!
.

[bob]

You can download and reinstall MC23 from the old versions on the wiki.
https://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Old_Versions

To see if that fixes your issue.
Otherwise, check your audio settings in MC.
Turn off exclusive access (perhaps you installed something that's interferring with that).
Turn off integer mode if it's on.

You are correct on the backup and restore library procedure, it's how to migrate to a new build on Mac.
Make sure you aren't running Media Server from an older version.

MC28 is much more capable than MC23, especially on newer Macs.
Licenses for each version you buy never expire.

[blgentry]

You should first verify that your USB connected DAC/Amp works with your mac.  Use VLC, or Itunes, or even youtube and see if you get sound as you expect.

If you do, then you should be able to get MC23 to talk to it again.  It's probably as simple as setting DSP studio to output 48kHz instead of 44.1.  Though that would be unusual for a USB connected DAC to only support 48kHz.

Brian.

[gd0]

Thanks guys

@bigentry --
All audio (except MC 23) works fine, DAC plays every format. (iFi Nano DSD)

@bob --
I launched MC 28, got a "successful restore" message, and the non-play problem persists.

I then started backing up prior libraries from MC 23, then restored into 28, and the problem persisted.

I then backed up the most recent library from MC 22, then restored into 28, and everything played fine.

I'm way out of my element here, but I get the sense that my MC 23 is somehow corrupted. Especially insofar as it abruptly stopped working in the first place.

What next?

[blgentry]

When you do your library restore, there are two check boxes.  One for Library items (music) and another for settings.  I suspect that the settings in MC23 are wonky and importing those settings is messing up playback in MC28.

Try restoring an MC23 backup, but UNCHECK the "restore settings" checkbox.  Hopefully that will give you your latest library and settings that work.

Good luck,
Brian.

[gd0]

Thanks Brian.

Wow, that worked as you described.

I haven't looked yet, but does this mean I will have to re-make settings from scratch?

That will literally take me days; out of hundreds of options -- which all have to be learned -- I only need a dozen or so.

Is there any alternative way to retrieve 23 settings?

[blgentry]

The procedure you have used will not change any settings that are currently set in MC28.  As for getting your MC23 settings back *and* having audio play?  Well that's a little bit difficult.

You could open MC23 and MC28 side by side, open the options on both and go through page by page.  That probably wouldn't take as long as you might think.

Otherwise, you'll have to figure it out as you go along I guess.

I'm happy that your audio is playing again *and* you have your library as you want it!

Brian.

[gd0]

Hey.

I was just about to type a follow-up: I lost ability to do DoP DSD, so I assume settings are lost.

"You could open MC23 and MC28 side by side, open the options on both and go through page by page."

Yup, pretty much as I imagined it: nightmare.

"That probably wouldn't take as long as you might think."

And that probably will take substantially longer as you might think. Haha.

"I'm happy that your audio is playing again *and* you have your library as you want it!"

Well...

I immediately, and accidentally, noticed a missing album after the Restore Library. I have to assume there are others. The other fun thing MC has done periodically is lose albums that have been in the Library for some time. No particular type of file, as far as I can tell.

Have you ever heard of this? Know any remedies? Any idea why 23 flat-lined?

Seriously guys, I appreciate the feedback. Clear, concise, helpful.

[Awesome Donkey]

I was just about to type a follow-up: I lost ability to do DoP DSD, so I assume settings are lost.

Enable DSD bitstreaming (MC's Options > Audio > set Bitstreaming to DSD).

[gd0]

Yup, set Bitstreaming to DSD.

Since I was feeling snakebit, and because the original problem seemed caused by prior settings, I figured the prior settings might be in error, so I just reset from scratch. All seems well with that. All files play, accurate sampling rates are confirmed, everything sounds good.

It went quickly, and I didn't experience any of the complexity or unclarity I was whining about upthread. I must have errantly remembered some kind of EQ setting tools with a bunch of preset EQs to choose from, not found in MC. Maybe it was from an Audirvana trial. All of this was years ago, and now I don't remember anything.

I'm old and senile. Like I said, set it and forget it.

A lingering question, though. MC sends bit-perfect to my outboard DAC as a default, yes?

Also, any input on missing albums upon restore? Or albums that suddenly disappear well after a restore?

Thanks guys.

[blgentry]

Disappearing albums is not normal.  But it is known to happen sometimes when you have your music on a network device.  Sometimes the network device will not be ready when MC goes to read it and then MC will remove the files that it (temporarily) can't find from your library.

Running auto import again normally fixes this, but not always.  The setting that allows this removal to happen is:

tools > options > library & folders > configure auto import > tasks > fix broken links

I set this to NO, so it's not possible for MC to automatically remove anything.  I have to remove anything I want removed by myself.

There are more possibilities; this is just the first one that came to mind.

Good luck,
Brian.

[JimH]

I'm old and senile. Like I said, set it and forget it.

You're still OK if you can realize your mistakes and even apologize for them.  That's uncommon.  Thanks.

And you're not the only old guy around here.  We've got your back.

[gd0]

Just wanted to double back and thank everyone for the responses.

28 works fine, sounds good.

Don't know why 23 died. And now I don't care. My hobby is listening to music, not IT maintenance.

blgentry : acknowledging the 'fix broken links' tool; I'll address that later.

Viva JRiver!