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FAQ: What does "Error: Could not initialize ASIO system" mean?
SR-SUPPORT
SR Research
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 20

#1
09-02-2020, 09:11 AM
This error means that Experiment Builder is set to use an ASIO audio driver, but it cannot find a correctly configured ASIO-compatible sound card or device on your Display PC. This typically happens for one of two reasons:
  • You do not have an ASIO-compatible device connected.
  • Your ASIO device is connected but has not been configured correctly for Experiment Builder.

You can resolve this by following the steps below:
  1. Verify your ASIO device
    You must use an ASIO compatible sound interface. A list of vetted sound devices can be found in the Experiment Builder user manual (Help menu -> Contents -> Installation -> Windows PC System Requirements -> ASIO Card Installation). This list is not exhaustive but does include a list of affordable devices that have been tested and verified with Experiment Builder.

    ⚠️Note: Using emulated ASIO, such as ASIO4ALL, will not work. These drivers do not deliver good timing or reliability. Ensure your device is fully ASIO-compatible.

  2. Configure your device
    You must configure your device as outlined in the Experiment Builder manual (Help menu -> Contents -> Installation -> Windows PC System Requirements -> ASIO Card Installation). The FAQ How do I synchronize audio within my experiment? has further details, but this includes:
    • Installing the drivers for the device.
    • Configuring the manufacturer's device settings.
    • Configuring the Windows Sound control panel.
    • Configuring the device in the Configure ASIO Utility (C:\Program Files (x86)\SR Research\Experiment Builder\ebasio.exe).
         

  3. Verify your Experiment Builder project is configured to use ASIO:
    • Click the Edit menu -> Preferences.
    • Go to the Devices -> Audio.
    • Change the Audio Driver property to ASIO.
         

  4. Test your configuration
    • Open the Configure ASIO utility mentioned above and press the Play button to test playback and monitor the VU meter to verify input.
    • Test run (Experiment menu -> Test Run) your project to verify that the project runs and you can hear the audio at the expected times within the project.