Optimizing DP for fast response

[Tripi]

Just saw that this thread was still open, so thought I would add something that I experienced today. My system drive took a nose dive, so I had to replace it. I got a 1tb SSD drive. The single biggest boost in DP's performance I have ever seen. Even on my gigantic VEP scoring template with video, everything is running so much smoother today. Maybe I didn't notice how far the performance had dropped because it was happening over time, but I can definitely see an improvement since installing the SSD (only as the system drive). Something to consider for sure.

[doodles]

REALLY interesting Tripi. I have all my samples offloaded to various slaves, but wondering if installing an SSD drive would make DP go faster in general, if I'm hosting VI's/plug-ins and audio on the main computer.

What do you think?

[labman]

We would have to concur with trip. When we put up SSD' son system drive for main host DP Mac Pro, we almost couldn't believe the fluidness and raw speed of everything DP related.

We use OWC SSD's. And a frightening experience is when you put in an accellsior card by OWC. All I can say is wow. (frightening in a good way)

[frankf]

+1000! After my jaw dropped post system drive replacement, I put streaming sample libraries on a couple of OWC SSDs. Jaw stayed down! This is on my MP 3,1. Even though the 3,1 supports 3gb buss, I bought 6gb SSDs so I can get the benefit when I move up to modern MP


Frank Ferrucci

[kestudi]

Have you noticed any performance difference between Aux tracks and input-monitoring audio tracks?

[frankf]

I just saw this: OWC 480gb 6G SSD $279
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Mercury_6G/


Frank Ferrucci

[frankf]

Have you noticed any performance difference between Aux tracks and input-monitoring audio tracks?

I use Aux tracks as VI audio returns myself so I cannot speak to the difference.


Frank Ferrucci

[labman]

We also use aux tracks for all our returns.

[kestudi]

Is there any difference between:

128 sample buffer with Host Buffer Multiplier = 2
256 sample buffer with Host Buffer Multiplier = 1

?

[Tripi]

I believe the host buffer multiplier has to do with how many audio interfaces you are using. Usually, 1 is the correct setting.

[doodles]

I believe the host buffer multiplier has to do with how many audio interfaces you are using. Usually, 1 is the correct setting.

And to make it even more confusing, my understanding is that it's not how many audio interface you have, but how many PCI cards you're using. (I'd need to check to 100% confirm). So if you're using 3 2408's chained under 1 card, you'd have the buffer multiplier at 1. Firewire devices, like Travellers, wouldn't change this number.

[Shooshie]

I believe the host buffer multiplier has to do with how many audio interfaces you are using. Usually, 1 is the correct setting.

And to make it even more confusing, my understanding is that it's not how many audio interface you have, but how many PCI cards you're using. (I'd need to check to 100% confirm). So if you're using 3 2408's chained under 1 card, you'd have the buffer multiplier at 1. Firewire devices, like Travellers, wouldn't change this number.

In the case of the PCI-424 interfaces, of which you can plug several into one card, it's the card you count.

Actually, I think the object there is to set the number of drivers that will be used. Thus, there is a driver for the PCI-424, another driver for 896mk3 Firewire, and yet another driver for USB devices.

Each device that adds its own driver should be counted. Multiple devices using the same driver are counted as 1.

At least... that's the way I remember it. Someone please correct me if that's wrong.

Shooshie

[doodles]

I believe the host buffer multiplier has to do with how many audio interfaces you are using. Usually, 1 is the correct setting.

And to make it even more confusing, my understanding is that it's not how many audio interface you have, but how many PCI cards you're using. (I'd need to check to 100% confirm). So if you're using 3 2408's chained under 1 card, you'd have the buffer multiplier at 1. Firewire devices, like Travellers, wouldn't change this number.

In the case of the PCI-424 interfaces, of which you can plug several into one card, it's the card you count.

Actually, I think the object there is to set the number of drivers that will be used. Thus, there is a driver for the PCI-424, another driver for 896mk3 Firewire, and yet another driver for USB devices.

Each device that adds its own driver should be counted. Multiple devices using the same driver are counted as 1.

At least... that's the way I remember it. Someone please correct me if that's wrong.

Shooshie

This makes perfect sense. So it's just crappily named Thanks for the confirmation.

[fsheinfeld]

Good thread. I want to add a few of optimization tips that are working really well for me:

-Try to set up the studio with the smaller amount of buses possible (configure studio settings).
-Disable "Audible Mode" if you are not using it and the CPU is high. There's a big delay when this is activated and you select audio files and try to drag them on the Sequence Windows. Same with the soundbite window, if you try to export, for example, deactivate the audible mode first. Huge difference.
-GET A GOOD VIDEO CARD! I just did this and DP is not slushing anymore even when the cpu is very high. I'm not getting drop notes either which is a big relieve when using the event input

[Dan Worley]

-Disable "Audible Mode" if you are not using it and the CPU is high. There's a big delay when this is activated and you select audio files and try to drag them on the Sequence Windows. Same with the soundbite window, if you try to export, for example, deactivate the audible mode first. Huge difference.

Are there a lot of users experiencing this problem with Audible Mode? I wonder what's common to those who experience it. I never turn Audible Mode off and I haven't experienced any kind of hangups or delays or slowdowns.

Couple of reasons why not (maybe):

- I don't use large templates

- My largest projects are around 72 audio tracks

- I rarely use VIs or MIDI (sometimes but not often, and then only two or three tracks).

- My main output is a RME Digiface

Just curious as to the cause.