M14x R2 USB 3.0 drivers are incompatible with Native Instruments products.

I've formatted my M14x R2 5 times since I've gotten it (this past Tuesday). I use a Traktor Kontrol S4 and the only way I could get it to work correctly with this laptop was to format and install everything except for the USB 3.0 drivers. The USB ports still all work, but not at 3.0 speeds. I would bank on all NI products not working with their drivers. Just wanted to post this in case I have fellow DJs considering buying this laptop.

Alienware m14x R2 + Kontrol S4 = no go! - NI User Forums

 

Darn I was gonna get an M14xR2

I have a Traktor Kontrol S2 and also Audio 8 and 10 for Timecoded Vinyl

It works fine on my m14xR1, however only on the USB2 port. It does not recognise the devices when plugged into the USB3 port.

Thanks for the info!

 

Its not an incompatibility with native products. It also appears to all kind of audio interfaces, usb hubs, printers and more. The usb 3.0 drivers are not compatble with the usb 2.0 port on the left side. When you uninstall them you can use everything on that port. Check my workaround post in the M14x r2 fi xes and issues thread on page 7.

 

Oh, joy! I hadn't even discovered this problem yet... I guess this is a lesson learned about trying to use AW as a media performance tool. I have been running into bottlenecks for months now with an m14x r1, but my theory is that the r2 is actually a proper instrument. One day I will have a stable VJ system! I used to carry around a mid-size custom desktop PC to gigs, but decided to switch to a high-perf laptop instead. Battery backup in case the power goes, much more portable, etc.. Nobody knoooows the troubles I've seeeen!

 

Yes, it's unfortunate that NI hasn't come up with a solution. It looks to be a problem with a bunch of laptops, not just AW. Sucks I couldn't sell my mid-2009 macbook pro.

 

Ok since this problem is going on for some time now (Ivy Bridge release) we can pinpoint the problem exactly to the Intel USB 3.0 drivers which do not support "isochronous streaming" yet.

Isochronous streaming is used for every audio interface on the market to send audio data free of latency and asynchronous bandwith overlays of different sources.

Lets summarise:


1) Fact is that Intel is not going to fix this issue - period!

2) Native Instruments is trying to solve this but im afraid they cant cause its not possible to develop another streaming technology that is compatible with our audio interfaces then. Has to be an alternative to "isochronous streaming". So no hope here too - period!

3) This means the 3rd Gen i-core users (including Alienware, MSI, Apple, Asus etc..) are on their own doing workarounds like downgrading the OSX or uninstalling the USB 3.0 drivers to have either audio interfaces working or the USB 3.0 speed. Both will never be possible with Ivy Bridge - period!

Thats how it is..

 

You know, even when it ran it kind of ran like poop. I brought it out to a gig one night, and granted, I didn't do any tweaking, but the thing skipped probably 10 times during a 4 hour set. My 3 year old macbook doesn't even do that!

 

I should try out my M-Audio 49 key controller with Kontakt. I'll see if I have any problems. I've been experimenting with 2.0 peripherals in the 3.0 ports, but I've only used one at a time so far. No BSOD, knock on wood...I've also got a Midi interface for my electric guitar, but I have to restring it first. Damn dog knocked it over and busted my already-broken-and-glued headstock. I got it for a steal though because of that! I just superglued it back on hehe