64 or 32 bit...any advantage?

[Topo]

I don't think I'm running my iMac @ 64 bit.....you have to hold six and four down at boot, is that right? Any advantage to doing that w/DP7 and my StudioLive 16.4.2?
BTW, how would one check to see whether you're running in 64bit mode?

[Frodo]

Advantages depend much on software and hardware.

For the purposes of using DP at this time, there really is not an advantage to running the 64-bit kernel unless you want to run a 64-bit VI in standalone mode and have enough RAM to support that kind of memory addressing.

One example is my laptop, which is the only machine I have that will boot in 64-bit mode. Problem: it only takes 4GB RAM which is the theoretical limit of a 32-bit app like DP anyway. To further complicate the futility is that part of that 4GB RAM will be used by OSX's system-wide processes, so there's no significant advantage under that scenario.

If one has 6-8GB, the lack of advantage could still be argued where memory addressing goes. Some have argued that double digit RAM (12-64GB) has shown a range of appreciable improvement, however costly. In addition, different plugins and VIs which are not completely 64-bit compliant may simply work better in the 32-bit kernel. Hopefully, 2011 will find many more developers meeting the new compliance standards.

As for leaner, meaner Snow Leopard or Lion code, Apple's system apps are all 64-bit, but it's hard to say that iCal runs better or worse in the 64-bit kernel than it does in the 32-bit kernel. Granted, iCal is not as much of a memory hog as a DAW loaded with plugins and VI's, but that may only further support the argument regarding *advantages* where questions of overkill for such an app might be posed. It is important for the smallest of apps to be 64-bit compliant if the goal is to get all apps into the 64-bit arena, even iCal, etc. To that extent, a 64-bit iCal is not a bad thing at all-- whether or not it requires the totality of one's computer resources under the 64-bit kernel. There will be a day in the near future when 32-bit support will be abandoned.

But make no mistake: all apps compatible with Snow Leopard will run in the 32-bit or 64-bit mode unless the developers specify otherwise. Here is one example of such an exception:

Some 64bit programs I use (Adobe Premiere) are completely confined to 64bit plugins and VSTs. But just across the way, After Effects 64bit can use both 32bit and 64bit plugins.....

It should also be noted that just because a 32-bit app can run in the 64-bit kernel doesn't mean that it will be better or faster. It only means that if you have a mixed bag of 32-bit and 64-bit apps that you will still be able to work no matter which kernel is in use.

In other words, it will become even more important to note differences between apps that are 64-bit *compatible* from those that are truly 64-bit *compliant*-- and for the purposes of DP users, the day DP goes 64-bit will be a very important day, indeed.

There's always one thing you could do: boot the 64-bit kernel and keep working. Is it better? Worse? The same?

****

And this:

How do I tell if I'm using the 64-bit kernel?

Use the System Profiler to determine if you're running a 64-bit kernel.

From the Apple () menu, choose About this Mac, then click More Info.
In the Contents pane, select Software.

If 64-bit Kernel and Extensions is set to Yes, you are running a 64-bit kernel.

[mikehalloran]

The short answers:

Not yet.

It depends

[Frodo]

It depends

What depends-- and on what?

[cbergm7210]

The short answers:

Not yet.

It depends

A bit more would always be helpful, brother.

[mesaken]

I wasn't sure either and found this info relating to Logic, which I don't have. For now I've decided to boot to the 32-bit kernel as I don't know how this applies to DP.


"When you are working with Logic Pro or Logic Express in 64-bit mode, some features may not be available. Projects created in one mode can be opened in the other, so you can switch back to 32-bit mode to access these features when necessary.
Products Affected
Logic Pro 9.x, Logic Express 9.x
Resolution
To switch Logic between 32- and 64-bit mode:
1. Quit Logic Pro, if it is running.
2. Navigate to and select the Logic Pro application in the Applications folder.
3. Choose File, then Get Info.
4. Select the "Open in 32-bit mode" checkbox to run Logic Pro in 32-bit mode. Deselect the checkbox to run Logic Pro in 64-bit mode. 


The following features are available only when running Logic Pro 9.1 or later, or Logic Express 9.1.1 or later in 32-bit mode.
▪ Firewire streaming of video
▪ Digital Cinema Desktop
▪ OMF import and export
▪ Recycle (REX) file support
▪ ReWire support
▪ Vienna Symphonic Library Tool
▪ Logic Node processing
▪ AKAI format sample import
▪ Internal Apple QuickTime Synthesizer
▪ Export audio to movie
▪ Transport controls in movie window
Additionally, the following features are available only when running Logic Pro 9.1 in 32-bit mode (but are available in 64-bit mode with Logic Pro 9.1.1 or Logic Express 9.1.1 or later).
▪ Conversion to MP3
▪ AAF import and export
▪ EuCon control surface support
▪ Automap of parameters with control surfaces

Can I use my existing Audio Unit (AU) plug-ins in 64-bit mode?
To make the transition to 64-bit easier, both Logic Pro and MainStage are still able to access 32-bit-only Audio Unit plug-ins while in 64-bit mode by using a utility application called 32-bit Audio Unit Bridge. This application opens automatically whenever a 32-bit-only Audio Unit plug-in is accessed.* The 32-bit Audio Unit Bridge hosts all currently used 32-bit-only Audio Unit plug-ins and runs alongside Logic Pro or MainStage to provide access to the plug-ins being used.
The 32-bit Audio Unit Bridge has the same 4GB memory address limit as any other 32-bit application. Also, it is only possible to display and edit one 32-bit plug-in at a time.
Audio Unit plug-ins which are 32-bit only will appear in the channel strip plug-in insert menu under "Audio Units (32-bit)". Audio Unit plug-ins which are 64-bit will appear in the normal location in the menu. Check with your favorite third-party plug-in developers for updated information on the availability of 64-bit versions of their plug-ins.
Additional Information
* While most 32-bit plug-ins should work with the 32-bit Audio Unit Bridge solution, not all plug-ins may be compatible.
Is there a performance penalty when using the 32-Bit Audio Unit Bridge?
32-bit Audio Bridge does use some of your computer's resources, but it is designed to operate extremely efficiently. In most cases, you should not notice any performance difference as compared to running the same plug-ins directly with Logic in 32-bit mode.For more information about running Logic Pro in 64-bit mode, see this article.

How do I tell if I'm using the 64-bit kernel?

Use the System Profiler to determine if you're running a 64-bit kernel.
1. From the Apple () menu, choose About this Mac, then click More Info. 
2. In the Contents pane, select Software. 
3. If 64-bit Kernel and Extensions is set to Yes, you are running a 64-bit kernel.
Note: A 64-bit kernel is not the same thing as a 64-bit processor.
Does running a 64-bit kernel have an impact on applications I usually run?

No, but it can have a significant impact on kernel extensions, usually used to enable third-party product hardware and special features.  32-bit kernel extensions will not work when your computer is running a 64-bit kernel.  Products that use 32-bit kernel extensions may not work or may not recognize their associated hardware.   Learn more about compatibility with the 64-bit kernel. 

Can I switch between the 64-bit kernel and 32-bit kernel?

Yes. Switching to the 32-bit kernel will let you use products that use 32-bit kernel extensions.

Can I find out if a kernel extension is 32-bit?

Yes.
1. From the Apple () menu, choose About this Mac, then click More Info. 
2. In the Contents pane, select Extensions.  It may take a few moments for all your extensions to be listed. 
3. Look in the 64-Bit column to determine if an kernel extension is 64-bit compatible.  If it is, the entry will be Yes."