Sound poppy over time, using alsa

[beto]

Hey guys,

I am using the latest TinyCore as the OS for a gambling machine (casino style).
The machine is running a game 24x7, and is constantly playing multiple sounds (OGG files).
I am using the Alsa extension to get sound, version 1.0.24.

I have realized that over time, at least 12 hours after the app is running, game sounds begin to pop. To get dirty. It will play the sound but the quality will be worse and worse over time. If I execute the "aplay" command over SSH to play some wav file at this time, that single sound will be played correctly, clean without pops. If I quit the game and start it again (WITHOUT even restarting TinyCore) it will play sounds crystal clear for up to 12 hours or so, then it will begin to get dirtier and dirtier.

If I run the same game, the same compiled executable on Ubuntu 12.04, Alsa version 1.0.24 (the same as on TinyCore), sound will NOT get dirty over time, so I know it is not some programming issue  .

We were using the latest irrKlang (sound library for linux) on our app and changed it to FMOD Ex (another sound library for linux) and the problem is exactly the same on TinyCore, so now we know it is something laying in between the app, sound library, and operating system.

We really like the advantages of TinyCore linux, so I need this issue solved to put our product on some casino floors.
Please, if you would give me any advice I would REALLY appreciate it, since I have tried out everything I can think of and am officialy desperate  .

Thank you guys!!

[curaga]

As a quick check, try OSS instead of alsa.

Your other options could be to try a kernel upgrade, or to see which change exactly fixed that between 3.0 and 3.2 in your driver and backport that.

[Rich]

Hi beto
After the sound has degraded, do you see any messages being logged in dmesg or syslog?

[beto]

Hey Rich,

That's an interesting observation. I will check that and let you know. In the mean time i will try using OSS. Thanks!!