MCrew help needed

[MDBoy]

Well most of the questions on this forum are about SonicStage, I however, have a MCrew problem. MCrew is the software that comes with the Sony PCLK-MN20 PC link kit. I am using the kit to control a MXD-D40. MCrew appears to control all deck functions properly, allows me to copy from the CD deck to the MD deck and input titles.

My problem comes when I try to use MCrew to copy an mp3 on the computer to the MD deck. In the file transfer window I can add a track to copy and it plays back, but I get no signal level on the MD deck. So I've started debugging the system, here's what I know so far:

I have confirmed that the input on the MD deck is set to the optical input.

I have used another optical source into the MD Deck and it gives me a signal and records properly (who would of ever figured I would use and MZ-R1 to check a much newer deck!).

That means that my problem is in the PCLK-MN20 PC Link Kit.

The link kit controls all functions on the deck, so the multi pin controller is working ok.

This only leaves the optical out of the link kit. When I pull the cable out, I see the red light, so the cable is sending something. And If I pull out the cable during recording, the MD deck warns me that the cable is disconnected.

That being said, I'm thinking I don't have something clicked or set correctly in the MCrew software. I do have the record level set to 0.0db on all my inputs (which is right in the middle) and increasing it to max makes no difference.

The disc records silence and adds the title to it, then I can play back the silence, but music would be much more enjoyable.

Anyone else running MCrew to control a deck that could shed some light on my problem?

Many Thanks,

Paul

[MDX-400]

What OS are you using? Do you have a version of MCrew specifically designed for your OS?

I'm not 100% sure how MCrew works but I would think that it would install a sound driver for the MN20 for the OS.

If we're talking about a Windows PC you'd have to make sure to select that device as your sound output device in the control panel's "Sounds and Audio Devices" section.

I would think if you're using MCrew software to playback it would have the default as using the MN20 to output sound though... Still I'd check on the sound card selected for playback. Though I can't be sure, It does sound like some kind of driver issue to me.

[MDBoy]

I would think if you're using MCrew software to playback it would have the default as using the MN20 to output sound though... Still I'd check on the sound card selected for playback. Though I can't be sure, It does sound like some kind of driver issue to me.

This got me to thinking about what control setting I was using under my audio devices tab in the control panel. I remebered something about this in the MCrew manual. I have to switch to the USB Audio Device under the Audio tab in the Sounds and Audio Devices folder in the control panel. This must be done to send the audio stream out the USB, otherwise it goes out the sound card and to the speakers. So hot diggity! It works now! Of course I could have just used sonic stage to do this but I just couldn't rest until I had the full functionality of the PC link setup. Thanks for the help!

Paul