Optimizing DP 8.01 and Plogue's Bidule (64-bit)

[zuul-studios]

As mentioned in other posts, my goal for DP 8.01 is to load it up with orchestral VIs (which takes my much RAM) and use only the program and my one computer (noted below). Although better than the 8.0 version, it seems that I'm still experiencing stability problems with DP 8.01 when I use it by itself. HOWEVER, when I load up Progue's Bidule with greater than 4 GBs of VIs, stability exists! I can't explain why. Wish I could. But I experience none of the issues (graphic issues, system overload issues, etc.) that I do when I solely use DP 8.01.

A couple of days ago, I REALLY, REALLY loaded up Progue's Bidule with lots and lots of orchestral VIs. I'm using a combination of Kontakt 4-powered instruments (mostly Kirk Hunter stuff) and Aria-powered stuff (Garritan instruments). There are a total of 50 instruments (to make up my "virtual orchestral") using a little over 8 GBs of RAM (that I can tell) within Bidule. Included in this set up are two instances of the Aria engine for a total of 32 stereo VIs from Aria. This is in addition to the 18 instruments loaded into Kontakt 4.

With this set-up, DP 8.01 handles smoothly. Unfortunately, I am hearing slight artifact (faint crackling sounds) as if the CPU might be working over-time with my current settings for both DP 8.01 and Bidule. For DP 8.01, I have the buffer set to 128. For Bidule, because it's used in "ReWire Mode", I don't seem to be able to configure the buffer size. When it's not in ReWire Mode, Bidule is configured to the following: Buffer size = 128; FFT size = 512; FFT overlap = 8; and I currently have checked "Higher Precision FFT". Continuing with Bidule, I have its "ReWire" preferences configured as follows: "Enable ReWire Mixer" is checked; "ReWire Stereo Channels" is checked; ReWire MIDI Ports = 8; "ReWire Channels = 96; and, "ReWire device always use adapter" is checked.

I am not an expert to both DP (any version) and Progue's Bidule. I am sure that most of my issues are "User Caused" somehow. To be honest, I am not even sure if Bidule can handle a set-up like the one I'm describing. Note that for a smaller-sized set-up of 24 virtual instruments within Bidule (using Kontakt 4 and Aria), I experience NO audio artifacts with current settings for both programs. So, I know that when loading up less VIs within Bidule, no issues seem to exist when ReWired with DP 8.01!! (I see hope!!)

My questions for those of you who use Bidule and DP 8.01:

What are YOUR settings for both programs? Any ideas to how I can optimize either or both Bidule and DP 8.01 to work together and not experience any artifact? What is "FFT" as found within Bidule's Preferences? How should "FFT" be configured for a relatively heavy-duty VI set-up? When working with Bidule, is there something that I should be doing with either Kontakt and/or Aria in terms of configuration? Does the current version of ReWire found within Bidule use all available cores within a multi-core computer?

Everything is in 64-bit mode. My computer configuration is noted below. All eight of my (Early 2009) MacPro's cores along with its 32 GBs of RAM are available to be utilized. In addition to all of this, I have two MOTU 2408 MK3 devices connected to their PCIe card. I'm hoping that I can FINALLY configure EVERYTHING together so that I have one humming set-up using DP 8.01. Is this even possible?

I thank you in advance for your thoughtful insights, comments and/or suggestions.

Ted

[Shooshie]

My first reaction is to set your buffer a little higher. Try 256 and see if that clears up the crackling. When I'm using a layout with tons of VI's, I usually have two mixes set up. One is my real mix, and the other is for tracking. The tracking mix will have no plugins or automation, and sometimes it may be necessary to turn off VI's as well. Then I can track at the desired buffer with low enough latency to allow me to play comfortably with the sequence. Once done recording whatever it is, I switch back to the real mix, and go on with making music sound good.

It sounds like you're pretty close to having a perfect setup. Tell us if raising your buffer helps.

Shoosh
PS: When I'm done tracking for good, I set my buffer to 1024.

[zuul-studios]

Hi Shooshie -

First, thank you for your time and thoughtful input. It's sincerely appreciated.

Part of my problem is that (this is going to sound "whiney") I'm a "Hobbyist". LOL! In other words, it may be a day or two or three before I get myself back to the computer to trial different settings and work on projects. And, when I am at the computer, I'm usually limited in time to explore and fine-tune, etc.

When I first set up this particular larger orchestral templet I did try increasing the buffer size from within DP 8.01 To 256 and then to 512. I was still hearing that artifact sound at those buffer settings within DP 8.01. This kind of leads me to believe that the issue might be either within Plogue's Bidule or within the Kontakt 4 or Aria engines. Interesting, when using Bidule in the ReWire mode, the ability to change buffer settings aren't there. I can, however, attempt to fine-tune the "FFT Size" settings. To be honest, I don't even know what I'm adjusting when dicking around with the "FFT" settings within Bidule. It's not well explained in it's manual either. At least I'm not understanding the function of "FFT".

There are so many variables to consider I'm don't know where to continue adjusting. It's kind of frustrating.

If you or ANYONE can help me explain how best to fine-tune things from within the Bidule program, that would be helpful. I'm thinking that I probably should present my case at Progue's bulletin board, though.

I will say, though, that with the lesser 24 virtual instruments loaded into Bidule (verses the larger 50 VIs), Bidule and DP 8.01 function WONDERFULLY together with no artifact sounds heard. I see a light at the end of a narrowing tunnel. I'm just not all the way out of the tunnel yet.

Ted

[zuul-studios]

Still having problems with using 50 Virtual Instruments (VIs) within Bidule and "ReWiring" it to DP 8.01; still getting the CPU overload artifact sounds. However, if I only load in about 25 VIs (Kontakt 4 and Aria powered), all is well with no artifact sound heard. It's my understanding that when Bidule is used in ReWire Mode and working with a program like DP 8.01, it only utilizes one Core of a CPU (when I have 8 cores to my Mac Pro).

In the meanwhile, I'm still having issues with DP 8.01. I load up four VIs (from Kontakt 4) and it acts chaotically; it's unstable. It's interesting that when I use Bidule (in ReWire mode) and load up my 25 instrument templet (using the Virtual Rack), DP 8.01 seems to act solidly. No hic-cups, no stutters. Just clean, responsive sound to my sequencing projects. I wish I could say that it's user error. I can't though. I still get these unstable issues when I up the buffer to 256 or 512. And, I can load up the exact same 50 VI (without Bidule) in my other audio/sequencing program (Logic) without issue.

But. . . I want to use DP 8 and it's Virtual Rack and it's Film Scoring tools. I like this program! I read that some people have no issues with the updated version of DP 8. I ain't one of them people, unfortunately.

Any ideas?!?!?