Unable to initialize Narration Recorder?

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Level 3

785 points

Unable to initialize Narration Recorder?

I use an external Firewire audio interface for I/O. Things are set up properly on my system. I have full functionality with all pro audio/video applications that I run.

I can't engage a narration recording in Keynote '08.

The message states: problem trying to initialize narration recording. Keynote had a problem trying to initialize the narration recorder.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

-ptfigg.

Message was edited by: Paul Figgiani

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Posted on Aug 10, 2007 11:07 AM

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Answer 1

Ed Dale

Level 1

4 points

Aug 13, 2007 10:58 PM in response to Paul Figgiani

I really need help with this as well running a quad core tower - everything works beautifully except keynote for recording

interestingly - my mac book pro connected to a snowball USB mic works a treat

Ed

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Answer 2

Aug 15, 2007 12:30 AM in response to Paul Figgiani

Let me add my "me too" to this problem. I use an Alesis Multimix 8 and it works just fine with other applications on my 17" Powerbook.

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Answer 3

Brian Peat

Level 6

18,216 points

Aug 15, 2007 5:29 AM in response to Jeffrey Ady

I just picked up a multi-mix 8 firewire for a client. Maybe I'll fire it up later and test it.

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Answer 4

Aug 15, 2007 2:25 PM in response to Paul Figgiani

Just to add my me too... I can record with the built-in mic in my Powerbook (not the best). I then hook up my Presonus Firebox which works fine in Garageband, Soundtrack Pro 2 and Profcast. I then get the "Unable to initialize Narration Recorder" message no matter what setting I tried to use in Audio Midi Settings panel.

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Answer 5

Aug 15, 2007 3:57 PM in response to Howard King

Here is a work around I found until the program is updated to work properly.

1. Hook up Firebox as usual but use line out 3/4 and go into line in on Powerbook.
2. In Audio MIDI Setup, select Built-in Audio for Default Input and choose line in as Source.

It will now record.

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Answer 6

markmsf

Level 1

0 points

Aug 30, 2007 11:25 PM in response to Howard King

Me too. I use a PreSonus FireBox. I was able to use it with a Macbook Pro for one narration voiceover.

Then I stupidly ran the latest firmware update (96 KHz recording) and broke it.

It never worked on my Mac Pro tower.

All other audio inputs work.

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Answer 7

Brian Peat

Level 6

18,216 points

Sep 13, 2007 4:00 PM in response to markmsf

My guess is, this is the answer to this issue:

http://www.mackie.com/products/satellite/pdf/AppleFWAudioRollbackTN.pdf

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Answer 8

x509v3

Level 1

35 points

Oct 10, 2007 10:15 PM in response to Paul Figgiani

Hi all,

I've found a workaround for this until Apple gets around to fixing it.

Summary: Use Audio Hijack Pro and SoundFlower to trick Keynote '08 to use your fancy audio interface and keep your signal path pure digital.

Details: See my blog that has detailed instructions and pictures: http://www.burnsfamily.net/blog/?p=recording-narration-in-keynote-08.

This was driving me crazy. 🙂

Cheers,

Bill

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Answer 9

Oct 17, 2007 4:35 PM in response to Paul Figgiani

I have found the best solution for me to record narration today. I just bought the Apogee Duet which is a two channel firewire device and Keynote allows me to narrate just fine. It cost more than the Presonus but is hands down a better sounding interface. It also works great in Soundtrack Pro and Garageband.

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Answer 10

Nov 3, 2007 8:54 AM in response to Paul Figgiani

Hate to say this, but I must add a "me too". But in my case it's much simpler: I can't record via internal mic. I can use my Firewire iSight, however. Everything else I do with the internal mic works fine. It's not that big a deal to plug in the iSight, but if I just want to do some quick tests I'd rather just use the internal mic.

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