mbox mini problems

[A.Y.]

Hi, I am running a macbook 2.0ghz with 2.0 gigs of ram on OS 10.4.9 and an mbox mini with PT LE 7.3.1cs2 and a Glyph GT050Q external firewire drive. So far I have had nothing but problems. Although some of the PT updates have solved one or two of them, almost all the original problems are still present. I have scoured the net looking for and trying all sorts of solutions to no avail. Here's what's going on:

1. Constant CPU spikes in every session, regardless of size or plugin count
2. Constant buffer errors when mixing, even at highest buffer setting
3. When I hit the record ready button, a mystery signal is already present that is constant and won't go away until I unplug the mbox and reboot
4. When loading a session, there is a pop and the audio disappears until I unplug the mbox and reboot
5. I can't record one single track without getting a buffer error, even at higher buffer levels.
6. General overall poor performance

Here's what I've tried so far (not necessarily is this order):
1. Updating from 7.1 to 7.3 to 7.3.1 to 7.3.1cs2
2. Tried with all buffer levels and DAE settings
3. Uninstalled and reinstalled PT and all updates
4. Repaired file permissions
5. Combo updated from os 10.4.8 to 10.4.9
6. Tried changing between 1 and 2 processor settings
7. Limited open ended recording allocation to 7 min.
8. Clicked checkbox for "Ignore Errors during playback/record"
9. Tried different CPU usages
10. Closed all other programs that were open
11. Stopped Dashboard and Airport from running in the background

Anyways, I could keep going, but you get the idea. Does anybody have any new ideas that I haven't tried yet?

[A.Y.]

also, I have trashed preferences

[Smithcok]

Format the harddrive, reinstall the operating system, along with pro tools?

Yeah I dont know.

[Joseph Hanna]

Have you tried un-plugging the external drive and doing a test record to the internal drive??

[Audioholic]

how much cpu power do you have designated to pro tools? did you make sure you optimized your playback engine window?

though the pops and clicks doesn't sound like that is the issue. Did you try another usb cable to the mbox, make sure it is on a dedicated port on your puter,

[A.Y.]

Have you tried un-plugging the external drive and doing a test record to the internal drive??

No, I haven't. At least not since I first got it. I might try that, thanks.

[A.Y.]

how much cpu power do you have designated to pro tools? did you make sure you optimized your playback engine window?

though the pops and clicks doesn't sound like that is the issue. Did you try another usb cable to the mbox, make sure it is on a dedicated port on your puter,

I have 85% dedicated for cpu. I haven't tried a different usb cable, but it is on a dedicated port and I have tried using both usb ports.

[A.Y.]

No, I haven't. At least not since I first got it. I might try that, thanks.

Ok, I tried it and got the same errors recording to the internal. That's with one audio track and one plug in.

[dirt_rock]

Im having the same problems withe the mini. I ma also running a mac book pro and get buffer size warnings?????? and a nasty noise that doesnt go a way untill i unplug and re boot PT. Are there any upgrades to fix these problems?

[BradLyons]

We've sold many of this configuration with no issues that I'm personally aware of, I'd have to throw out there too that 10.4.9 is not officially supported. Sure, Digi says you CAN run it IF YOU HAVE TO...but at this point, I'd be willing to bet if you go back to 10.4.8 things will be fine.

[mhalpern]

Has anyone tried downgrading back to 10.4.8 to see if it would resolve the CPU spike issues? I've got the same set up (mac book pro / 10.4.9 / 2.66 GHz intel dual core / 2GB ram / Pro Tools LE 7.3.1 / mbox 2 mini) with similar issues.