Audio In Windows 8 Randomly Stops Working With Ux2

[rewhasdimples]

I don't normally post to forums, but after experiencing issues with my UX2 with Windows 8 I found in the archived forums many other people were having the same problem (as recently as last month) with similar hardware.  I was experiencing random audio dropouts  on my PC.   The audio would stop completely throughout all applications.   The only way I could find to get it back was to restart my PC.  I know it is not a hardware issue as I have a dual boot PC which runs both Windows 7 and windows 8.  The UX2 always has always performed perfectly on Windows 7.

 

Here is the solution which appears to have fixed the issue on my PC.   I was experiencing the problem multiple times daily since installing windows 8, but haven't had it reoccur since I found this setting about a week ago.   I've been pulling my hair out for months and was right on the edge of uninstalling Windows 8, but now it seems to be working great.  I'm hoping this post can help others enjoy their line6 devices again.

The solution:
1. open power options.
2. click "change plan settings" for the plan you are currently using
3. Click "change advanced power settings"
4. Under USB settings -->USB selective suspend setting --> setting, change to disabled
(I have noticed the setting has changed itself back, but the problem hasn't reoccurred so maybe there's a bug in windows 8 in the power options.  Maybe if yours is disabled by default, you could try enabling it)

Sorry to make this post so long, but since the forums have been archived I couldn't reply directly in the thread where the problem was first mentioned.  I hope this is a permanent solution and helps everyone.   If it does maybe someone could shout me a copy of Podfarm2.5 Platinum...just kidding :P
 

[BigChas52]

I had the same issue until I changed that setting.  Thanks for the post.  I'm sure lots of others have that problem as well.

[residual-self]

Hi!

 

I came across this forum because I have exactly the same problem.

I have changed the power options, as described in your post, but this does not seem to work for me.

 

I have sound for about 10-20 minutes after I start up my PC, then it suddenly dies and doesn't seem to get back until I restart again.

One thing I have noticed is that if I play a youtube video while the sound dies youtube also pauses the video.

 

I never had this problem with Windows 7, only with Windows 8.

If anyone has a any other suggestions on how to deal with this problem it'd be greatly appreciated!

[Triryche]

If you run the Monkey to you have green ticks for everything?

[residual-self]

Hi! :)

 

Yeh, the monkey is all green!

 

My Podstudio UX2 is connected to my computer by USB. From my Phones exit (on the UX2) I run an audio cable to the AUX IN connection on my speakers.

 

(It's in Dutch, but I'm sure you get the idea...)

As you can see SPEAKERS LINE 6 UX2 is set as my standard.

 

I also just noticed that when the sound dies Itunes also doesn't play songs anymore. I hit the play button and the counter just stays stuck at 0:00.

 

Also, sound seems to die much sooner now. I got about 5 seconds of sound before the audio just dies...

[Triryche]

I would try all available USB ports and see if there is any difference.

[residual-self]

Hi Triryche,

 

Thanx for the help!! :)

 

I have alsp tried that.

Popped out all USB devices (except keyboard and mouse ofc) and tried the UX2 in several different USB ports.

I have 4 onboard USB ports, 4 in my mousepad and 4 extra through the use of a PCI card.

 

In all cases the sound dies :(

 

I feel a re-install of Windows 7 coming up... <_<

[TheRealZap]

I'd get slim drivers: https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimdrivers.php

and run that to make sure you have the latest drivers...

I suspect that windows 8 defaults to lower performance drivers just to be more compatible....

slim drivers will find usb and chipset drivers that you didn't even know existed.

it's worked for me and others a few times... doesn't work for everyone, everytime as ultimately there has to be better drivers to install better drivers.

[Triryche]

+1 to Zap.

Also double check those power settings.

 

Here's a USB Troubleshooting guide.

 

http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-4282

 

And if you still have issues you can open a ticket.

 

http://line6.com/support/tickets/add.html

[residual-self]

Hallelujah! You are my own personal Jesus Christ! :P

 

Right now, I am enjoying at least 45 minutes of uninterrupted music!

Even after plugging in the ol' Epiphone and booting up PodFarm 2.5 Windows gave me no troubles at all.

 

I do not know if the answer was the Slimware or the USB guide, but somehow it worked like a charm!

 

Thank you so much! :D

 

Now I'll go and find out how to give you guys some kudos/rep/creds and finally enjoy my UX2!

[residual-self]

Nevermind... sound just died...  <_<

Ahh.. at least it was a sweet 30 minutes....

 

Seriously considering a rollback to Windows 7!

[rewhasdimples]

hi residual-self,

 

You could try running system file checker to check for any corruptions before you try the change to the power settings.  I did this a couple of days before changing my settings as described above and it found some errors, but the sound problem still existed, so I can't really say the system file errors where related to my problem.

 

Just in case you don't know what I'm talking about....I've never had an issue using it, but it might be a good idea to back up your computer first.

 

• from Search type "cmd.exe" in apps
• right click on the cmd.exe icon, click on "run as administrator" located at the bottom of the screen. 
• type "sfc /verifyonly" if you just want to see if there are any errors without making any changes (you can skip this step if you want)
• type "sfc /scannow" command to repair the damaged files.

 

After that I would restart your PC and then try my change to the power settings again, and if that doesn't help go through the usb troubleshooting guide from step 1 again.

 

Also if the sound always stops while using the internet, it could possibly be a problem with the flash plugin with your browser...i found quite a few other forums where users where describing this problem while watching youtube clips.  If this is the problem I think your sound would die only while or shortly after browsing the internet.  I couldn't see it applying in my situation as my sound died at anytime.

[salado]

it seems this issue isn't just with line6 ux2 but many other audio interfaces

 

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-pictures/audio-stops-working-but-works-after-a-reboot/f3684f19-ee21-4e90-ae4c-98acb797d019?page=9&tm=1368283692511#LastReply

 

http://www.sevenforums.com/gaming/188362-sound-suddenly-stops-during-gaming.html#post2394416

 

its hard to tell what's causing it driver, usb, power issue, ect.
 

hopefully this will work: thanks "Just Startin'"
The solution:
1. open power options.
2. click "change plan settings" for the plan you are currently using
3. Click "change advanced power settings"
4. Under USB settings -->USB selective suspend setting --> setting, change to disabled

 

[slammer88]

After some tests, i've found the reason of my problem. I'm using AMD and whenever i activate Cool'n'Quiet function, which drops the cpu voltage and speed while not in use, this sound problem happens. I've disabled that last week, and not a single sound drop has ever happened. 

Note that, "USB selective suspend setting" was disabled in Balanced Power Setting, in which i had drop-outs, and enabled in High Performance, with which i've never experienced drop-out's! 

[vito26]

Still no driver update in July ..

 

I think i will go back to windows seven ;(

 

And no answer from the support, i opened a ticket. 

[Ruben2]

same here with KB37... I have already many many months an open ticket with line 6 but no solution yet.. except they suspect it's due to my hardware which is wrong as I had no problems with the exact same hardware on xp and windows 7.

Some of the things I tried:

- disabled USB selective suspend setting

- slim drivers

- disabled all other USB devices using the USBDeview tool

- "sfc /scannow

- I even bought a new USB pci express card

- something I did not see anywhere on these forums: http://withinwindows.com/within-windows/2012/06/28/workaround-for-windows-8-freezing-issues. 

- bios: set fixed parameters for cpu (so no dynamic settings)

unfortunately nothings helps for me, but maybe these steps can help other people...

[Klopskopf27]

Same here....sound drops out since i use win7 and 8 .....with XP i had no problems. and only a restart help -_-

[IvarsKA]

I have the same issue with Windows 8 Pro x64.

I have tried every single solution mentioned it this thread, but nothing seems to work for me.

When the sound drops I'm not even able to restart the PC from Windows - when I press Restart, Windows hangs on the Restarting and rotating circle screen!

Only pressing the reset button on my PC helps.

 

Line 6, you have to find a fix for this, because I think the UX 2 driver is causing these problems..

 

So, now I'm back to Windows 7 till they'll fix it!

[mistrbigg]

i actually dont think this is line 6.. i had the EXACT same issues and i found a solution for myself so i figured i would chime in, maybe it wont work for everyone or it wont apply to you, but what i found was that the ux2 HATES usb 3.0 ports.  sometimes, if in a 3.0 port (which is SUPPOSED to be backward compatible with 2.0), it will work great, sometimes it works for a half hour then dies, sometimes it doesnt even show up at all..the SECOND i put it in a 2.0 port...ALL my issues went away.

 

what im hoping is that some or all of you have been plugging it in to a 3.0 port...just switch it to a 2.0 and you should be golden :)..hope it helps

[IvarsKA]

i actually dont think this is line 6.. i had the EXACT same issues and i found a solution for myself so i figured i would chime in, maybe it wont work for everyone or it wont apply to you, but what i found was that the ux2 HATES usb 3.0 ports.  sometimes, if in a 3.0 port (which is SUPPOSED to be backward compatible with 2.0), it will work great, sometimes it works for a half hour then dies, sometimes it doesnt even show up at all..the SECOND i put it in a 2.0 port...ALL my issues went away.

 

what im hoping is that some or all of you have been plugging it in to a 3.0 port...just switch it to a 2.0 and you should be golden :)..hope it helps

 

No, I've been using the UX2 only with USB 2.0 ports from the start!

[lowblowjoe]

Tried everything suggested, no go.

 

Worked fine with WinXP Pro. Now with Win8 it pops, clicks, and audio stops/starts at random times.

 

Seems to be worse when doing multiple things but my system isn't underpowered. Quad-core and 8GB RAM.. also i think 750Watt power supply.

 

Onboard audio works just fine, it's just the UX2 clicking away. How long has this been going on and they havent fixed or updated anyone that opened similar support tickets?

[vito26]

There is a driver update in july 2013 but it doesn't solve the problem for win 8 damn :(

 

Also there is this tips : http://line6.com/support/thread/148255?tstart=0

 

It worked with me for 2 hours and audio stops again ><

 

ps : i can't answer to this guy

[jamcorrad]

I have the same problem, sound freezes when using either toneport UX2 or Guitarport. Farm or Farm 2.5 does not have to be running. I have

 

Windows 8 64 bit

USB 2.0

 

Nothing has worked. I was dual booting into Windows 7 and everything works as it should. I recently downloaded the newest drivers and tried again. Still doesn't work. It's not my system it's something either Microsoft did with audio in Windows 8 or it's a Line 6 issue. One thing I noticed that Windows 8 does with audio that other versions of Windows didn't do was when you unplug your speakers the speaker icon x's out and disables audio. 

[Triryche]

I know it's a huge PITA, but you if you haven't already, you should submit a support ticket.

http://line6.com/support/tickets/

 

 

 One thing I noticed that Windows 8 does with audio that other versions of Windows didn't do was when you unplug your speakers the speaker icon x's out and disables audio. 

 

My Windows 7 machine actually does that.

[vito26]

I opened a ticket and they said me "the ux2 is for DAO use, use your audio card for windows audio "   LOL u_u

[lowblowjoe]

Their simple answer is "we dont know what it is so we will make up things so we dont have to try and fix"

 

Recording with the UX2 inserts the popping, clicking, and stopped audio in the tracks. And playback is even worse with any output on the UX2. Never had any of these problems with WinXp.

 

Pretty dissappointed in the way Line6 is handling this and makes me rethink purchasing anymore of their products.

 

I opened a ticket and they said me "the ux2 is for DAO use, use your audio card for windows audio "   LOL u_u

[Triryche]

That does sound like a poor answer. In their defense, Win8 is sorta cr@p right now.

Pooping Popping and clicking and bursts of white noise are almost always interruptions in the USB bitstream and the problem is hard to track down due to the gazzilion combinations of hardware in pc's.

 

If you haven't read it already check out this doc.

http://line6.com/support/topic/217-usb-audio-troubleshooting/

 

Also, I have seen users report some success by specifically disabling their Win8 pc's integrated soundcard and selecting the UX as your device.

 

And for sound drop outs many times it is a WIN8 power setting.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Triryche
correct spelling. LMAO!!

[BigChas52]

+1 - - - This

That does sound like a poor answer. In their defense, Win8 is sorta cr@p right now.

Pooping and clicking and bursts of white noise are almost always interruptions in the USB bitstream and the problem is hard to track down due to the gazzilion combinations of hardware in pc's.

 

If you haven't read it already check out this doc.

http://line6.com/support/topic/217-usb-audio-troubleshooting/

 

Also, I have seen users report some success by specifically disabling their Win8 pc's integrated soundcard and selecting the UX as your device.

 

And for sound drop outs many times it is a WIN8 power setting.

[TheRealZap]

FYI... line6 isnt handling this at all you never asked them to... this is a user forum....

if you want line6 to help go here: http://line6.com/support/tickets/

 

Pretty dissappointed in the way Line6 is handling this and makes me rethink purchasing anymore of their products.

[Triryche]

The more support tickets they receive, the more info they will have to go on.

[Nootch]

Same problem here. I opened a ticket.

I like to add some things:

After the problem occurs, tuxguitar and iTunes crash, when I want to close them

Browser plugins like flash-player crash on loading (youtube for example)

lollipop problem. I have it on my desktop and my notebook -.-

[Nootch]

"Our driver was not designed to stream system audio as a primary sound card. It was designed to be used as a ASIO driver within a audio recording application, therefore I would suggest to use your internal sound card instead for system playback/streaming audio. "

 

That's it ^^

[jamcorrad]

That's what I was told when I created a ticket. That is not a solution but an excuse to avoid the problem. I been using Line 6 since the they came out with GuitarPort and each Windows upgrade had issues in the beginning. I just set up my system to dual boot into Windows 7 when I want to use my UX2 or Guitarport and everything works fine. Windows 8 the sound crashes with the external devices. I agree with another post that I have seen on the internet that other devices are having the same issues. Until Windows fixes whatever is causing this the dual boot is my best option for now.

[mikepollmann]

Hey guys- just noticed this thread.

 

I was having popping noises on my Pod GX as well in Windows 8.  I've been able to get rid of them completely doing two things:

 

1) Use ASIO4ALL for drivers to programs, rather than ASIO GX or Toneport directly.  

2) When static occurs, restart the "Base Filtering Engine" in Windows services.  I have no idea why this works, but it does.

 

Hope this helps.

[vito26]

You think windows can handle the audio4all to use the ux2  during music playing etc ?

[happygotgun]

same problem, not even spotify works. Headphones and it stops, clicks etc every 15-20 seconds.... also tried the power (and there it went again ;O) thing and usb connection... frustrating..   just bought a ACER NOTEBOOK V3-772G-747A121TMAKK, AND THEN NOTHING WORKS...

[vito26]

I went back to Windows 7, problem skipped =)

[fflbrgst]

In Win7 there is a possible issue (I have read about this in forums from others using a Tascam interface like I have) when the interface is being used for all sounds, (not when recording) in that all internet sounds get routed to a buffer, which eventually fills up, cutting out the sound until the computer is rebooted (which empties the buffer).  Sounds like it may be the same problem.

[Ruben2]

Hi,

 

I have found a workaround for playing music... Maybe for some of you it was already clear, but the main issue seems to be with the DirectSound driver.

I'm using Musicbee as my main music player now where you have the possibility to choose the driver..

I switched it from DirectSound to ASIO and magic.. the problem is gone. Left it playing music for 48hours... it did not freeze one time.

Switched back to DirectSound and within 5 minutes it froze... without restarting the PC I simply switched it back to ASIO and problem gone again..

Does anybody have some ideas for a similar workaround for other windows audio (browser etc..)?

 

Then just some random thoughts/questions related to this issue:

 

Is this is really an issue with the line6 DirectSound driver or could it be a problem with the DirectSound api's on windows 8?

Is there someone out here who knows more about which DirectX version is supported by the line 6 drivers?

In theory it should be:

Windows 7 -> DirectX 11.0

Window 8 -> DirectX 11.1

Upcoming Windows 8.1 -> DirectX 11.2 -> if the issue is within the DirectSound api's, maybe this upgrade will solve the issue? But will there ever be a line 6 driver released for windows 8.1?

 

As a side note, did anyone noticed this page:

http://line6.com/support/tickets/

Many devices are now legacy and from january 2014 we'll have to pay to get help with this ongoing issue?

 

Cheers

[CC51]

I have a HP Windows 8 system, UX 2 and Reaper always works, but the media players sound disappears!! only "restarts" seemed to make the media players work again.

 

I uninstalled drivers, and just now tried to disable the USB setting as mentioned above and hopefully this is the fix.

I tried numerous Media players all had the same issue.

 

On my system the songs, MP3 would play and the everything seemed fine except the UX 2 was silent. Then I checked the recording side and everytime this worked well....It is NOT the UX2 or Reaper DAW.

 

This is a Windows 8 issue. 64 or 32 I dont know. Its a major pain in the ask... Sometimes the audio plays for 20seconds sometimes for a hour or so.

 

I left the pc sitting for 10hrs and it didn't work when I came back and tried to play a MP3. (The internet was turned off the entire time. So its NOT the internet either and Not a Update issue)

 

This seems to be a power setting issue and most likely USB port related, driver or sleep setting? I don't know.

 

I put the USB power setting to  High Performance and USB setting to DISABLE, as mentioned above.

 

The good news is the Reaper and UX2 always work fine and all my MP3 can be played back in Reaper! No problem. 

This also makes me think the ASIO works and the media players /USB is the issue via Windows 8.

 

My daughter hates Windows 8 so much she bought a Apple for the first time. If Microsoft trys charging me to fix their problems ....I'll be buying a MacBook too.