Cortex HDC 1000 - Drop Outs

[Bridge]

Has anyone had any problems with the Cortex HDC 1000? Mine "lost" the external hard drive on two occasions last night towards the end of a song. I've got music ready to play on CD, so only a second of "dead air" but I'm concerned about the reliability.

I have a feeling it might be an issue with the external drive, so any similar problems you might have experienced (or not) would be greatly appreciated.

[sandysounds]

Has anyone had any problems with the Cortex HDC 1000? Mine "lost" the external hard drive on two occasions last night towards the end of a song. I've got music ready to play on CD, so only a second of "dead air" but I'm concerned about the reliability.

I have a feeling it might be an issue with the external drive, so any similar problems you might have experienced (or not) would be greatly appreciated.

I use cortex 1000......but with an i-pod. I've never had probs with the cortex, but a few blips with the i-pod which is why i carry two identical ones. I have my laptop connected with i-tunes up and suitable playlist selected....so in the event of a blip i just press the space bar which only results in a nanosecond of dead space......which is easily disguised with chat. I know a few people using the cortex....and its never let them down so i suspect its the external drive.

[Dragonfly]

i think this has been brought up before .......... i have no problems whatsover with my cortex ....... i have 2 hard drives however both freecom one is 400gb the other a spare is 160gb

i have noticed when i update them that the 160gb seems to take for ages but the 400 is done in seconds???

but ive never lost power or had drop outs or anything like that??? id say try a different hard drive before laying blame with the unit.

[CRAZY K]

Has anyone had any problems with the Cortex HDC 1000? Mine "lost" the external hard drive on two occasions last night towards the end of a song. I've got music ready to play on CD, so only a second of "dead air" but I'm concerned about the reliability.

I have a feeling it might be an issue with the external drive, so any similar problems you might have experienced (or not) would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, all I can say is that with the limited use of mine never a problem.

Only last night I was giving Rice a demo of the Cortex at my gig--dont think we got to the end of a song though!

Im sure Dragonfly and Spin who are regular users of Cortex will give you useful feedback.

Have you backtested fully the same tracks playing through a PC or laptop?

Is it a fault with the tracks?

There seems to have been more reports on here about hard drive failures than USB readers---only two I can remember though:D

CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

of course it maybe scratches on cds or something???? and just thought...

cortex hdc 1000 - drop outs ......... who you calling a dropout :D :D :D

[Bridge]

Thanks everyone for your comments so far. The tracks are all OK - the cortex displays the "insert storage device" message each time it happens. Its as though the USB lead has been unplugged for a second and whatever is playing stops. It was at the end of the track - which may be just coincidence?

[CRAZY K]

Thanks everyone for your comments so far. The tracks are all OK - the cortex displays the "insert storage device" message each time it happens. Its as though the USB lead has been unplugged for a second and whatever is playing stops. It was at the end of the track - which may be just coincidence?

Have you double checked through a PC yet?

Sounds like might be faulty connection between Cortex and Hard drive.

Could be

1.The usb lead
2.Connection into Cortex
3 Connection into Hard drive

keep checking:D

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Meh, should have bought a Denon....

[Dragonfly]

Meh, should have bought a Denon....

:riceandrob: :riceandrob: :boxer2: :boxer2: :moon: :eek: :eek:

[Bridge]

Have you double checked through a PC yet?

Sounds like might be faulty connection between Cortex and Hard drive.

Could be

1.The usb lead
2.Connection into Cortex
3 Connection into Hard drive

keep checking:D

CRAZY K

Yes - I am pretty sure its one of the three above. Its a USB smart cable and external disk caddy. I've had it a couple of years now. Doing a test in the living room to see if I can replicate the problem.

[CRAZY K]

Meh, should have bought a Denon....

Its only a cable fault probably Daz:D

I was out again today with mine---purfik every time--

CRAZY K

[Creature]

still trying to get used to mine - was out a few weeks ago and noticed a major problem - when one side is in use and the other is cued - if ya change ya mnd then hit the search button the playing track pauses for a couple of seconds :(:(

spent the rest of teh weekends bookings using just one side and the cd decks - i left in !!!!!


seeing cortex rep at local shop next week.

[Dragonfly]

not had this problem either?????

[Bridge]

I was hoping that following a change of external hard drive, I would be OK on Saturday night. However, again (towards the end of a track) it stopped, and the same problem occurred. This was with a new drive and lead.

It was fine for the first 2 hours, however the problem started shortly after I did a search using my keyboard (plugged into USB socket at the front). I removed the keyboard and it was fine after!! So I think I might have the solution.... I hope. The keyboard was new ... Maplins.

Might be a stupid question Creature, but when you search for another track, are you pressing the search button (then scrolling through a playlist or doing a title/artist search) or are you scrolling through from track to track. The only reason I ask, is that if I scroll through a playlist using the up and down buttons (without entering search) - it starts to load each track into the player. If you do it quickly, it causes a drop out on the "live" deck as the other one is calling for too much data. I know this as I did my best to crash it when I was running tests.

[Dragonfly]

I always search for a particular song or artist so dont get massive lists to scroll through or ask the unit to find thousands of tracks maybe it??? only thing with mine is last update meant i lost the genre listing capability which i rarely use but spoke to cortex about it at dj show north .... they said the next update would rectify this ............. it hasnt , but that is the one and only problem ive found?

[Creature]

havnt done the database thing yet - but hit the search button an dthen using the little pad search down until i find the artist then song i want.....

have demonstrate dthe issue at the shop i brought the cortex from and am trying a shorter usb lead this weekend (about half the length of the current one).back on sunday so will let ya know how i got on

[CRAZY K]

still trying to get used to mine - was out a few weeks ago and noticed a major problem - when one side is in use and the other is cued - if ya change ya mnd then hit the search button the playing track pauses for a couple of seconds :(:(

spent the rest of teh weekends bookings using just one side and the cd decks - i left in !!!!!


seeing cortex rep at local shop next week.

Dont tell me I know best ---Im not the same as all the rest ---I am the one and only---nobody Id rather be---I am the one and only---you cant take that away from me-- I am the one and only-------

person to not have a single complaint about my Cortex

My only complaint is I cant get enough Wedding bookings to use it every week !

Any problems have been my fault.

So heres what I do--it may or may not help?

Use a Seagate Hard Drive from Maplins with usb lead supplied about 2-3 feet long.

320gigs but only about 10,000 tracks on it, many many duplications :mad:

So plenty of spare capacity.

I have NEVER updated or upgraded from the beginning--I bought one of the first ones, my motto--if it aint broke--leave it alone.

Use miniature keyboard from maplins

All tracks on the HD that are my CDs were ripped at 320.

Some are downloads so depends on download rate.

I never use the PC to update the database always use the Cortex.

Searching--as Dave says keep it simple and should be ok--I dont have lists or Genre as I work off lists written down or playlists from the customer.

Speed of search is pretty quick.

So if I can help anyone ring me at home 01832 734788 to have a chat and a run through with mine set up here--I need to do some update work on the Hard Drive for next weekend, last Wedding for the Cortex for a few weeks---:bang: :bang: :bang:

Its been absolutely brilliant for me--and Dave--:D

CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

Tonight ladies and gentlemen Crazy k is ................................... chesney hawkes!!!! now im impressed.

same here if i can help in anyway let me know and ill do my best.

[Creature]

good and bad news on my slight issue

the good news is the freezes whilst playing on one side and searching on other turned out to be the box my harddrive was in - went a brought a new usb 2.0 box and works flawlessy now....

well

untill this weekend in a marque tested all ok Friday afternoon it rained andf it was very moist inside the marque 1st track on the cortex and it frose solid.

lucky had cds ready in cd player and rebooted the cortes - unable to read device error !!!!!!!!

so playe dthe gig on good ol cds - sat afternoon tried again - same result - just got home hooked the harddrive to me pc and it reads and plays fine :(:(

off to bed for a few hours and then will setup the rig in living room and try again later

[CRAZY K]

good and bad news on my slight issue

the good news is the freezes whilst playing on one side and searching on other turned out to be the box my harddrive was in - went a brought a new usb 2.0 box and works flawlessy now....

well

untill this weekend in a marque tested all ok Friday afternoon it rained andf it was very moist inside the marque 1st track on the cortex and it frose solid.

lucky had cds ready in cd player and rebooted the cortes - unable to read device error !!!!!!!!

so playe dthe gig on good ol cds - sat afternoon tried again - same result - just got home hooked the harddrive to me pc and it reads and plays fine :(:(

off to bed for a few hours and then will setup the rig in living room and try again later

Hello there Steve been following your problems as I am a fellow Cortex owner-

Do you think it might be dampness affecting the hard drive on Friday?

I wouldnt think the Cortex had much to be affected by damp -but im no expert.

I would back test everything in normal dry conditions and see what happens first.

What Hard Drive are you using? I use Seagate--I know Steve (Corabar) had problems with his--not sure of make---notepad or notebook something I think.

I did a gig in Stafford recently in a very very damp marquee---it rained for 5 hours for the whole expletive gig:eek:

Absolutely no problem with Cortex or hard drive at all--Harddrive was on a piece of plastic next to the wet grass--to keep it cool;)

As I have said to other people --always feel free to compare notes--01832 734788--im here most of the time decorating---ugh!

regards

CRAZY K

[Creature]

Do you think it might be dampness affecting the hard drive on Friday?

Crazy - not to sure m8 - but something i have noticed is the usb lead that im using for the disco is just a cheepo 1/2 metre long one - where as the lead that came with the HDD is a 3mtr and has 2 large plastic cylinders on that lead (ferral rings or something ???)

will try again tommorow as is and with the lead that came xwith the external case.

the harddrive is Maxtor diamond max21 250 gig with 16 meg onboard cache..

I must say tho that the support from my disco supplier and Cortex has been 2nd to non

[CRAZY K]

Crazy - not to sure m8 - but something i have noticed is the usb lead that im using for the disco is just a cheepo 1/2 metre long one - where as the lead that came with the HDD is a 3mtr and has 2 large plastic cylinders on that lead (ferral rings or something ???)

will try again tommorow as is and with the lead that came xwith the external case.

the harddrive is Maxtor diamond max21 250 gig with 16 meg onboard cache..

I must say tho that the support from my disco supplier and Cortex has been 2nd to non

Im using a lead supplied with the HDD thats 5 feet long --not been a problem.

I just wonder if its HDD problem?

Have you got a back up one you can try ?

Heres the acid test --easy.

Run the Cortex on memory stick and keep selecting different tracks on it and use as if on a Disco.

If it runs perfectly for half an hour I would say that should be enough to show its something else.

CRAZY K

[Creature]

Crazy - no backup as yet as only just started playing with the cortex and i take me cds along as well just in case - im not planning to replace me cds but use the cortex alongside them -

the harddrive is new and its possible there may be an issue with it but unable to find it - its been working flawlessy for 2 weeks on pc (been playing and copying at same time. - im not in a rush or even panicking so am happy to slowely get it all working as it should

as i said the puase issue now is history - altho when i got the errors friday night my first thought was harddrive - but this has proven faulse.

will keep ya updated

if nowt else hopefully will help narrow down issues if anyone else is having them at some stage :):)

[Corabar Steve]

What Hard Drive are you using? I use Seagate--I know Steve (Corabar) had problems with his--not sure of make---notepad or notebook something I think.
WD MyBook, not had any problems with my Maxtor.

[Twinspin]

Meh, should have bought a Denon....

:D :D So true :D :D

[CRAZY K]

:D :D So true :D :D

Theres several of us who have Cortex working fine on here:D

CRAZY K
:cowboy:

[Corabar Steve]

So you keep telling us, but over all the forums I look at there have been a lot more Cortex problems than Denon.


I would suggest anyone using a HD controller & is having problems, defrags their HDD, worked wonders with the Denon. Can't hurt can it?

[TONYTIGER]

So you keep telling us, but over all the forums I look at there have been a lot more Cortex problems than Denon.


I would suggest anyone using a HD controller & is having problems, defrags their HDD, worked wonders with the Denon. Can't hurt can it?

I agree have never seen so many issues with one piece of equipment ever ,i bought the very first oodj still going strong after 5 years just plug and play.:D

[Bridge]

I'm still having a problem with mine. It only happens occasionally, and the last couple of times it has been during the buffet or a break. I'm using a new external drive, good quality USB2 lead. I'll be seeing the Cortex rep at BPM.

[CRAZY K]

I'm still having a problem with mine. It only happens occasionally, and the last couple of times it has been during the buffet or a break. I'm using a new external drive, good quality USB2 lead. I'll be seeing the Cortex rep at BPM.

So whats your latest problem Bridge?

I keep reading people saying buy Denon instead--so I feel a bit of balance is required by confirming Dave, Spin and I have no problems.

We must be lucky:D

Certainly I agree it seems you need to be more careful with your tagging with Cortex than for other play out systems.

Defrag--no harm in that--agree with Steve---mines going so well I dont think ill tempt fate though :D

CRAZY K

[Bridge]

Its the same as before. Towards the end of a random track, it looses the drive, playout stops and the display on both side displays the "select drive message". Its as though someone is switching on and off in a microsecond. I can't replicate the error at home. Tried two drives and new leads. MP3's are all OK. Mystery!

[CRAZY K]

Its the same as before. Towards the end of a random track, it looses the drive, playout stops and the display on both side displays the "select drive message". Its as though someone is switching on and off in a microsecond. I can't replicate the error at home. Tried two drives and new leads. MP3's are all OK. Mystery!

Only suggestion is whether its breakdown of the mains lead---have you checked where it plugs into the unit and also the power pack wiring.

I have ordered a spare powerpack for mine because I had a problem with the powerpack on my Radio Mike--caused momentary loss of power on the radio mike--which actually isnt a big deal of course but I noticed if I touched anything near the powerpack lead it caused a nasty crackle across the speakers so I knew something wasnt right.

New powerpack--sorted.

Cant think of anything else as long as your happy with the tagging, other than faulty unit---wouldnt take it back though until you replicate problem at home at least once.

No idea why you cant replicate at home--that makes absolutely no sense at all--so it could be a wiring problem caused by unwrapping and coiling rather than file reading.

Presume its not electrical supply at the venue? if it happens at different venues then no--I believe I got bushwhacked Saturday by either a faulty electricity supply or themostat cutting in and out on ring main I was using giving a crackle over the speakers every now and then:eek:

CRAZY K

[Bridge]

I've eliminated everything that I can think of. Last night, new venue (it was a walk in so I used their lights & PA), I also had new hard drive, disc caddy and cable. Everything OK for two hours, then playout stops and the "please select your drive" sign appears on the cortex. It happens in the last 5% of a song. The power lead is well attached Crazy, double checked. This happened twice last night (back ups ready to go cos I can't trust the thing!).

Had a word with the Cortex chaps at BPM and they seem to think it might be a faulty unit. Going back to the dealer on Monday to see what we can do. Back to a PC for a few weeks I think.

I wish I'd gone for a Denon!

[CRAZY K]

I've eliminated everything that I can think of. Last night, new venue (it was a walk in so I used their lights & PA), I also had new hard drive, disc caddy and cable. Everything OK for two hours, then playout stops and the "please select your drive" sign appears on the cortex. It happens in the last 5% of a song. The power lead is well attached Crazy, double checked. This happened twice last night (back ups ready to go cos I can't trust the thing!).

Had a word with the Cortex chaps at BPM and they seem to think it might be a faulty unit. Going back to the dealer on Monday to see what we can do. Back to a PC for a few weeks I think.

I wish I'd gone for a Denon!

Oh well--demand a new unit from the dealer---I guess you werent able to use an alternative power pack rather than just check if the lead was loose ?

Have you tried again at home on a backtest for a few hours--you said it only happens at outside gigs--thats an issue that really needs resolving--if it works perfectly at home then its really weird---in problem solving terms you cant move forwards until you resolve that issue--unless they give you a new unit of course-make sure you get a new power pack as well.

CRAZY K

[Creature]

one thing ive found out is not all the externall harddrive boxes work reliably with the cortex

i brought the freecom 400 gig from pcworld and that has worked well - the other boxes work ok at home and on pcs

[Bridge]

I'm running it now in the kitchen and I've just recreated the fault. Here is my theory...

Some of my older encoded mp3s are encoded using VBR (variable bit rate) as opposed to CBR (constant bit rate). They are mostly 192kbs (older ones at 128kbs).

I reckon the cortex is struggling to predict the file size and read these VBR files, and is crashing. This will explain why it happens towards the end of a track. I just googles VBR and it all seems to make sense!

This would fit with the random nature of the problem and the fact that it seems to be software not a glitch with the power supply or cableing.

Do you think I'm on the right lines? I'm going to track some more VBR files down and try to play them.

[CRAZY K]

I'm running it now in the kitchen and I've just recreated the fault. Here is my theory...

Some of my older encoded mp3s are encoded using VBR (variable bit rate) as opposed to CBR (constant bit rate). They are mostly 192kbs (older ones at 128kbs).

I reckon the cortex is struggling to predict the file size and read these VBR files, and is crashing. This will explain why it happens towards the end of a track. I just googles VBR and it all seems to make sense!

This would fit with the random nature of the problem and the fact that it seems to be software not a glitch with the power supply or cableing.

Do you think I'm on the right lines? I'm going to track some more VBR files down and try to play them.


See below from the Cortex site--doesnt seem to be the answer as far as I can tell--but you can certainly backtest---how do you know which files are VBR and CBR?

I have MP3 files on my HDD at all rip rates from 128 to 320 and no problems.

CORTEX FEATURES

Full CBR and VBR MP3 Compatibility
The HDC-1000 can play all your MP3's; CBR or VBR at any bitrate up to 320kbps.


Q What types of files are playable via the HDC-1000?
A The HDC-1000 is able to play WAV files recorded at 44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo (CD Quality) as well as MP3 files of any bit rate, which are recorded at 44.1 kHz stereo. As a precautionary measure, files recorded at any sample rate other than 44.1 kHz will not be playable, as they often provide unacceptable quality when in live situations.

CRAZY K

[Bridge]

I've seen that on the cortex website and the manual definately states that it will play CBR and VBR at 8 - 320kbs. Its all a bit strange. Why me!!

Not very technical I know Crazy, but I can tell if its CBR or VBR by playing the file using winamp. The little bitrate display is constantly flickering.

From what I've found, I would say that some VBR files can cause the cortex to crash. The file I have played was 256kbs VBR and 2 out of five times it causes the problem. That accounts for the difficulty replicating the issue at home. I'm currently standardising my older MP3s and I'll report back when I've been out at the weekend:) This is a good opportunity to normalize and get rid of some of the rubbish.

[CRAZY K]

I've seen that on the cortex website and the manual definately states that it will play CBR and VBR at 8 - 320kbs. Its all a bit strange. Why me!!

Not very technical I know Crazy, but I can tell if its CBR or VBR by playing the file using winamp. The little bitrate display is constantly flickering.

From what I've found, I would say that some VBR files can cause the cortex to crash. The file I have played was 256kbs VBR and 2 out of five times it causes the problem. That accounts for the difficulty replicating the issue at home. I'm currently standardising my older MP3s and I'll report back when I've been out at the weekend:) This is a good opportunity to normalize and get rid of some of the rubbish.

I must say a lot of the Cortex problems have been caused by the state of MP3 files.

That isnt to make an excuse because maybe other USB readers can play them--but I dont know if thats the case.

Anyway keep on the case--you may be making progress--fault finding is a process where you need to keep cool and focussed.:cool:

CRAZY K

i assume the Denon may

[Bridge]

I must say a lot of the Cortex problems have been caused by the state of MP3 files.

It does look like it was my few MP3s that were encoded using VBR. Having edited (and normalised) ALL my files (running adobe audition batch processing 24hrs a day for 6 days) it appears to be sorted. I used it for 90% of last nights 60th birthday - and no problems whatsover. I could even trust it to play the last few [critical] songs without crashing. Thanks for your advice and input everyone:)

[bestdj]

We have 2 Cortex units. One works fine but the other experienced the same problem intermittantly. Unit screen will go blank (still lit up) then it asks to verify the USB device you are using. Seems like the unit is re-booting. If you pull the hard drive the unit displays a message that the drive has been unplugged. Working with Cortex to try and figure it out but even a bad drive or cable should display a message that the drive has been disconnected.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Hi there - you might like to pop along to the Newbies section and introduce yourself to all the other members :D