weird audio distortion upon playback

[kb9ysc]

I searched the thread to see if I could find a solution but didn't find anything.

I have used audacity for a while now, and really like how it works. However, I recently reinstalled my operating system (10.4.11) and transferred the applications & accounts from the backup image. Ever since I have done that, I get a momentary distortion sometimes when I play an audio file in audacity. it doesn't happen every time, maybe every 2 or 3 times I press play. it has static and sounds like the playback is slowed down, and lasts for a half a second.

I'm wondering if anyone has heard of this before, or might be able to give me pointers as to what might be causing the problem. any ideas?

Thanks much!

Tony

[kozikowski]

<<<I recently reinstalled my operating system (10.4.11) and transferred the applications & accounts from the backup image. >>>

And you did all this because.......?

If you did this because you're getting instability and memory errors, be advised you're still getting instability and memory errors.

My favorite checker is MemTest.

http://www.memtestosx.org/

Memory checkers have to run quite a bit of the computer in order to test the memory, so it's really a good system check as well. I run memory checkers on all my machines. I got tired of computers with "personalities." My first memory checker experience (multiple infinite tests) turned up mad memory strips, a bad system board and at least one ratty power supply.

Run the tests for 24 hours or at the very least overnight and do it from the command line, not the graphic version. The graphic version is pretty, but it doesn't check as many things or as thoroughly.

It's a given that you ran the tests from /Applications/Utilities/DiskUtility, right?

Koz

[kb9ysc]

It has been a while since I posted this-- and I appreciate your query as to why I reinstalled the system-- it was only to get a software package to work (of which I don't remember at the moment) but the problem that I am having still exists. when I play something with Audacity it has some distortion for the first second or so after pressing the play button. I have had no other reliability concerns with my laptop, nothing that a memory error would cause. it is only when playing an audio file through audacity that the problem arises.

Come to think of it, since it has been a while since i've posted, I will try the most recent version of Audacity to see if the problem exists in the most recent beta.. (or not, hopefully!)

Thanks!

Tony

[kozikowski]

Have you tried trashing the Audacity Preference File? It makes Audacity start over from First Birthday without actually reinstalling the program.

Given you're on OS-X, I think you're way too eager to slash, burn, and wipe out the whole world to solve problems. OS-X is based on a Linux variation and is a remarkably stable platform, not easily damaged.

Are you a recent Windows convert? This sounds a whole lot like reinstalling your Windows to get rid of the damaged Registry entries.

Trash Mac Audacity Preferences
/SystemDrive/Users/koz/Library/Preferences/audacity Preferences
Early Windows Preferences were burned into the Registry. Abandon Hope Ye Who Enter...

Koz

[kb9ysc]

I shall try the preferences thing... I should have figured. though it's been long enough that I might have already tried it. Hmm, I tried it, and I think there's a good chance this may solve issue.

As far as a recent convert, well, I suppose I am, sorta. My first computer was an apple IIGS, and after that computer was replaced, I went into the windows world-- then dabbled in Linux when I got my own PC. it wasn't until 2003 or so that I discovered OS X and liked it. I'm well aware that it's based on a *BSD, and is therefore inherently pretty stable-- and I realize that the 'reinstallation' I tried really doesn't do much. Somehow it worked, though. (I can't remember exactly what the issue was, but it had to do with a copy of Adobe CS that I have on my machine) One of my favorite parts is the ability to use the terminal and use shell commands when convenient.... Sadly, instead of starting a calculator, I'll tend to open terminal and use bc to do my calculation needs... hehe.