Question / Help Sound from Lexicon Alpha modulating down in the midst of the stream as if sample rate it reduced for some reason.

[theshadow630]

I am using a Lexicon Alpha USB Audio Card to capture audio directly from the sound board for our live stream. Video is captured from the camcorder with an Elgato HD60. Frequently, in the midst of the broadcast, I will check in on how things look and sound by tuning in on my phone. I notice at times that the sound will modulate down as if it is slowed to some degree and will not return to normal without me having to unplug the USB cable from the back of the Lexicon Alpha and plug it back in. I am thinking this is likely a Bus overflow issue with the USB on the computer, but wondered if anyone might have other possible causes or fixes.

 

[DEDRICK]

Ensure all of your device sample rates match, across every possible place you can change them. Choose 1 sample rate, either 44100Hz or 48000hz, and apply that rate to all devices and applications.

All Windows Playback and Recording devices (Properties>Advanced>Default Format)
OBS

 

[theshadow630]

Ok, I'll check. Is the sample rate variable unless it is set specifically? I ask only because it works great most of the time and will just randomly decide to modulate it mid stream with no clear and consistent cause.

 

[DEDRICK]

Device drivers can sometimes glitch out and suddenly fail to re-sample correctly which leads to either chipmunk voices or slow mo voices, depending on the direction.

When you match sample rates you ensure at no point you spend cycles re-sampling the audio, which in real-time audio can be the difference between proper and distorted.