FinalScratch 2 :: FAQ

• CDs will not CUE properly.
  
• After installing Service Pack Two the FireWire does not perform correctly.
  
• When using my PCMCIA FireWire card, I have audio dropouts or cannot get audio through my system.
  
• (MAC OSX ) The ScratchAmp 2 is recognized by the operating system and by the application, but no input signal is detected. The FireWire icon in Traktor FS may also be red.
  
• Erratic behavior of track on needle up.
  
• Time code will not calibrate. The FireWire icon is OK, but no input signal is present.
  
• Time code will not calibrate even though the FireWire icon is OK and input signal is present.
  
• (MAC OSX) After updating to Mac OSX 10.3.8 the latency is much higher.
  
• When running FinalScratch 2 I get audio glitches as I browse through menus or other programs.
  
• Power and FireWire cable options.
  
• Windows XP optimization links.
  
• Intel based Macintosh compatibility
  
• Disabling ACPI to reduce drop outs

For more help and OS specific questions, please see our troubleshooting guides.

CDs will not CUE properly.
This problem is addressed in the Traktor FS 2.03 update.

After installing Service Pack Two the FireWire does not perform correctly.
Install the update to SP2 for FireWire drivers found here.

When using my PCMCIA FireWire card, I have audio dropouts or cannot get audio through my system.
Stanton has found that performance can vary between the many PCMCIA FireWire cards on the market. We recommend using the ADAPTEC 1430A. We also recommend that you check with the manufacturer of the PCMCIA card to make sure you have the latest drivers available.

(Mac OSX ) The ScratchAmp 2 is recognized by the operating system and by the application, but no input signal is detected. The FireWire icon in Traktor FS may also be red.
By changing the sample rate from within the Audio Midi Setup (AMS) Utility, or by using the Reset Device button in the Audio section of the Setup Control Panel (TFS 2.02), the sync to the FireWie connection will be restored and the ScratchAmp will be recognized.

Erratic behavior of track on needle up.
Adjust the Rumble threshold. Rumble or noise in the system can sometimes be detected as erroneous timecode reads. To avoid any problems with low frequency interference the rumble threshold can be adjusted to filter out these unwanted effects.

Time code will not calibrate. The FireWire icon is OK, but no input signal is present.
Check input connections, gain and switching. Many problems can be avoided by making sure all cables are run properly and that the input switches on the ScratchAmp are correct (i.e. Phono vs. Line). The ScratchAmp outputs are line-level outputs.

Time code will not calibrate even though the FireWire icon is OK and input signal is present.
Check records and needles to make sure they are clean, and that the needles are correctly mounted. Some techniques used to avoid needle skipping, such as tilting the cartridge inward, can be detrimental to reading time code. Please refer to our web tutorial on proper tone arm and cartridge setup located here. Needle and Record Care.

(Mac OSX) After updating to Mac OSX 10.3.8 the latency is much higher.
Check in the Audio Midi Setup that the Clock Source is selected as "ScratchAmp Isochronous Stream".

When running FinalScratch 2 I get audio glitches as I browse through menus or other programs.
Turn off and close unnecessary programs to lower the amount of background tasks the computer is trying to run. Streaming audio via FireWire requires that the steam not be interrupted. Therefore, reducing the number of tasks your computer is trying to perform while also running Traktor FS will reduce the chance of any interruption in audio. Wireless networking is notorious for causing such problems. PC users should refer to Microsoft's Windows XP optimiaztion links (see related FAQ) for further information.

Power and FireWire cable options.
The FS 2 amp is cabable of being powered through the FireWire bus or alternatively through the power supply provided. Power can be suppied via the FireWire bus using only the 6-pin to 6-pin cable provided with the ScratchAmp. FireWire cables which use the 4-pin to 6-pin configuration cannot supply power over the bus. In general, only Macintosh computers and desktop computers with PCI cards provide power via FireWire using the 6-pin to 6-pin cable. PC laptops with onboard FireWire use the 4- to 6-pin cable and do not provide power; therefore the power supply is needed. PCMCIA cards mainly use the 6-pin to 6-pin cables, but the PCMCIA card slot cannot provide enough power to meet the FireWire specifications. Therefore, no power is provided via a PCMCIA card, and the power supply will also be needed in this configuration. There should be no difference in data transmission when using either a 6- to 6-pin connector or a 4- to 6-pin connector.

Windows XP optimization links.
For tips on optimizing Windows XP, please visit this link or this link.

Intel based Macintosh compatibility.
FinalScratch is currently not compatible with the new Mac Intel Core Duo computers. Please check back for updates.