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More => Old Versions => JRiver Media Center 21 for Mac => Topic started by: Jay13 on April 20, 2016, 03:48:25 pm

Title: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 20, 2016, 03:48:25 pm
New to MC 21, using a mac mini running El Capitan.  Dac is selected as output on the MAC and as the device for MC21 (core audo).  When I go to play a track, the output instantly changes to (internal speakers) and there is no audio output.  As soon as I stop playback on MC, the audio MIDI instantly changes back to the original settings.  It's probably a simple explanation, but I can't find it.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Awesome Donkey on April 20, 2016, 04:04:51 pm
Sounds like exclusive access to the device is enabled...

Go to MC's Options > Audio section then click on Device Settings... and uncheck Open device with exclusive access. That should do it. :)
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 20, 2016, 04:35:46 pm
I tried that, but still no output to the DAC and no sound.  Source is correct in the MIDI though.  The track shows as playing, and the file is bit perfect, just not recognized by the DAC.  I thought it might be the Mini, but I switched to Amarra and it started playing immediately. 
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: blgentry on April 20, 2016, 04:53:45 pm
Make sure you have selected the DAC, by name, in MC's audio setup.  Don't select "default output".

Uncheck exclusive (I think you already did this)
Uncheck Integer mode.
Make sure the hardware buffering is set to default.
Save by pressing OK.

Stop and restart MC.

That should get you basic sound.

Brian.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 20, 2016, 09:35:05 pm
Thanks so much for the suggestions, but I still can't get any audio output........frustrating. 

What should the volume settings be?  Or any other suggestion I would be happy to try.  Again, track shows as playing, just no sample switching noted on the dac, and no sound, but the track shows as playing on the screen.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: blgentry on April 21, 2016, 08:36:16 am
Maybe I don't understand the problem description.

What DAC are you using?  Can other programs play to this DAC?  Can the Mac make system sounds through this DAC?

Brian.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 21, 2016, 08:53:38 am
The DAC is an Accuphase DC-37.  The DAC works flawlessly through all other inputs, so I started removing things in the usb hardware chain to locate the problem.  I had the usb cable running into a USB Regen, then into the DAC.  I took out the usb Regen, re-inserted the usb cable......everything worked!  No software problem at all(feeling a little dumb for not trying that in the first place!). 

Now all non-dsd files play perfectly, but I have static coming over the line when I play DSD files.  I still may need to replace the usb cable itself, but if you know of a possible MC setting that may be causing the distortion, please advise. 

Really appreciate the help.  I've had this DAC for only a few days, and I can't wait to hear what it can do with MC 21.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: blgentry on April 21, 2016, 09:18:49 am
Glad to hear you got it working!

For DSD, you probably want to turn on bitstreaming.  That will ensure that MC does no processing at all on the DSD signal and just sends it to the DAC.

Tools > Options > Audio > Settings > Bistreaming > DSD

Restart MC and try a DSD file and it should play.

Enjoy.

Brian.
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 21, 2016, 10:09:14 am
That's how I have it programmed.  I still think I'm dealing with a bad usb cable.  I have a Curious USB cable on the way from Australia.  Should be here in a couple of days.  I just grabbed a Belkin cable from my office - I think that has to be the culprit.  I will change out and let you know.

Again, thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Problem with Audio MIDI switching on MC21
Post by: Jay13 on April 21, 2016, 04:45:38 pm
Good news!  I changed out the cable, and also tried a different usb port on the back of the mini - works perfect.

Hi rez and DSD files all crystal clear - much thanks.  (Who says cables don't matter!)