Most Common Solutions

1. Be sure to read your Echo product documentation,

2. Make sure you have the latest Echo driver for your Echo hardware.

3. Check to see if you are using a compatible motherboard chipset.

4. Get the latest drivers for all of your hardware.

5. Update your operating system and audio software to the latest versions.

6. Run as few programs as possible in the Windows system tray.

7. Reseat the Echo PCI card or move it to different PCI slot.

8. Reconnect the breakout box cable.

9. Check your cabling (audio, MIDI, etc.)

10. Raise the number and size of audio buffers in your audio software.

11. Don't overclock your CPU, motherboard or PCI bus.

12. If you are using an Intel processor and chipset then put your hard disk/s in ultra- DMA mode...

1. Be sure to read your Echo product documentation,

[top]

which includes: Quick Start Guide, Readme, and Manual. Here you will find answers to many of your questions. Especially, read the documentation regarding Echo’s Console application.

2. Make sure you have the latest Echo driver for your Echo hardware.

[top]

Also, reinstalling the latest driver can solve a number of problems.

3. Check to see if you are using a compatible motherboard chipset.

[top]

Any genuine Intel chipset with an Intel processor will work fine; be sure to use only an Intel chipset with an Intel processor.

Also, we have extensively tested Athlon processors coupled with VIA KT-133 and later chipsets, and these set-ups work very well. Older chipsets may be incompatible with your Echo hardware. For specific information about compatible chipsets click here!

If you don't know the maker of your CPU or motherboard chipset, it is a simple matter to find out. You can use a utility called Sandra.

4. Get the latest drivers for all of your hardware.

[top]

Your computer has many different pieces of hardware and software that are made by different companies. Because of this, they don't always work well together. Fortunately, most companies are constantly updating their drivers to make their products more compatible with other hardware. Some problems with our cards are caused by another piece of hardware or software in your system.

Installing the latest drivers for all of your hardware can often solve this problem. In addition to PCI cards and other external hardware, some motherboards have built-in graphics, modem, SCSI or audio features. These built-in features act the same way a separate PCI card would, and are often overlooked by users when doing driver updates. Every few months you should check for software updates for all: graphics cards, modems, SCSI cards, Ethernet adapters, sound cards, built-in motherboard features, motherboards, and all external hardware.

If you have a motherboard with a Via chipset, be sure to install the latest 4in1 drivers.

5. Update your operating system and audio software to the latest versions.

[top]

Run Windows Update; open the tools menu in Internet Explorer, and select “Windows Update.” Frequently check your audio software manufacturer’s web page for software updates. Your audio software is updated frequently; make sure you are running the latest versions of all your audio software.

6. Run as few programs as possible in the Windows system tray.

[top]

The Windows system tray is the section of the taskbar containing the clock. Each icon you see in the tray represents a running program, and programs in the tray consume your computer’s resources. Programs running in the tray can cause audio latency and unpredictable behavior in your audio programs. You should be able to remove most icons from the tray by right-clicking them and selecting the appropriate menu option.

7. Reseat the Echo PCI card or move it to different PCI slot.

[top]

Reseating the Echo PCI card and/or moving it to a different PCI slot can fix problems such as

• Windows not recognizing your Echo hardware
• lockups
• erratic behavior.

Follow the hardware installation instructions in your Echo manual to properly insert the PCI card.

8. Reconnect the breakout box cable.
[top]

Reconnecting the Echo breakout box cable can fix problems such as

• No audio playback
• intermittent playback
• all-out craziness

Turn off the power to your computer before doing this!! DO NOT confuse the Layla cable and your printer cable. They are NOT the same. The Layla cable is specially designed for use with Layla and carries power to the PCI card. If you mix up these cables you will void your warranty and could damage your Layla or your printer.

9.Check your cabling (audio, MIDI, etc.)

[top]

This is a VERY common cause for not hearing sound. It is always a good idea to write out on paper a cable chart for your studio setup. If you are using a mixer, be sure to thoroughly read its documentation. Even professionals have problems with routing audio, cables going bad, or just not being set up properly. Please triple-check all cables, mixer and outboard gear routing before contacting us.

10. Raise the number and size of audio buffers in your audio software.

[top]

If the audio buffers in your audio application are set too low, you may experience clicking, popping, and drop-outs. Correct buffer settings will differ from machine to machine depending on your particular setup and application. Your motherboard, hard disk, processor, and RAM are all factors in audio recording/playback performance. You will set the number and size of the audio buffers in your audio application; so refer to the given audio application’s documentation for buffer setting instructions.

11. Don't overclock your CPU, motherboard or PCI bus.

[top]

Overclocking is the process of forcing your hardware to run at a faster speed than is recommended by the hardware manufacturer. There is always a risk of hardware failure due to overclocking. Despite the risk, some people like the extra performance they can receive by overclocking. Overclocking your CPU, motherboard or PCI bus will most likely cause your Echo hardware to not work correctly. If you reset your hardware to spec it may well solve your problem. If you don't know anything about overclocking, don't worry about this - Your hardware is probably not overclocked.

12. If you are using an Intel processor and chipset then put your hard disk/s in ultra- DMA mode...

[top]

using Intel’s Intel Application Accelerator. There is documentation on their website regarding installation instructions, system requirements etc. The Intel Application Accelerator has improved audio performance with some users.