[treelegs]

I just started a new project and I am having serious issues.

I have an mbox 2 7.4 cs7 (latest firmware and so on)

I have a Mac Pro 2.6 dual core with 8 gigs of ram running 10.4.11 with 4 internal 7200 rpm drives. one for applications, one for files, and two clones.

When I run heavy sessions (42 tracks, and sometimes up to 4 plugins on many tracks since I am doing electronic music- and a few samplers and midis open) after about 20 mins or so I start to get glitches and Pops, it soon gets to the point where it is almost white noise. I then have to close pro tools and restart the computer to get another 20 min window- if I just close and re-open protools the pops come right back. It has been very difficult getting work done. I also get alot of cpu error messages such as 6101 and the 91.. one ( I forgot the specific number).

Here are things I have tried
-Clean instal of the OS and pro tools
-Optimizing the computer for pro tools (energy saver and what not)
-Running off of my clone drives (which does not get used)- rules out hardrive issues
-Stress testing the computer at the apple store (passed fine)
-Removing ram sticks to determine if one is corrupt
-Switching usb ports and removing all but the bare nessecities to see if it is an Mbox power issue
-Buying a new Mbox 2
-Playing with ever playback engine setting possible.

and nothing has helped- Digidesign has told they cannot help any longer and apple does not know whats up.

It only happens on heavy session, but my CPU monitor shows that I am not even close to maxing out CPU and with 8 gigs of ram I should be fine. This computer should be able to handle this load of work- and has in the past. The problem has slowly gotten worse and worse over time and it still getting worse yet- meaning less time before the popping starts.

I tried opening a 38 track session with no plugins (which ran real smooth) and then adding 5 Vienna Instruments Plugins and the popping started- then when I deleted the tracks the popping stayed.

It makes no sense why there is a 20 min issue and then it jacks up- if it is too taxed it should happen right when I open.

If it was a heat issue I imagine the stress test would have shown something- plus restarting and opening protools right away does not give the computer a window to cool.

On occasion if I let my computer sit and the pops will go away only to come back a few mins later.

Please if anyone can help it would be huge! I am at the end of my rope and my deadline is looming.

this only happens with protools btw.

Thanks Guys,
Jeremy