MAS Setting? Buffer size? wtf.

echotrix · Post by **echotrix** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:14 pm

I am using a G4 17inch powerbook, Mac OSX 10.4.2, 1GB of RAM. I also record using the new Project Mix Audio Console from M-Audio.

Everytime I record an audio track or a number of simultaneous tracks (drums) DP can't handle the load...sometimes in recording...sometimes in playback. I get an error that says something to the fact that my MAS buffer size may be incorrect. So, I change it to a lower buffer when recording and move it to a higher for playback. However, it still records at peak levels and seems to overbearing on the software. What do I do to fix this?

In addition, how do I playback a series of sequences while recording a new audio track without the playback crashing because of the buffer size? Does anyone follow me here?

Ralph Pagan · Post by **Ralph Pagan** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:53 pm

What version of DP are U using? I not sure if this will help you, but I experienced slower performance with my G4 933 (dual hard drives 7200 rpm) when I upgraded my Digital Performer from 3.0 to 4.6. It appeared that the new version demanded more of my cpu. You might also have a slower hard drive in your powerbook - perhaps 5400 rpm. Faster hard drives = more tracks. I got a quad G5 and all of my problems are gone! You can Always call motu - even though you might have a hard time getting through.

Good luck!

Ralph

gearboy · Post by **gearboy** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:13 am

Please read this thread.

http://www.unicornation.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3248

Jeff

echotrix · Post by **echotrix** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 11:16 am

Thanks. I'll give it a shot.

shankyboy · Post by **shankyboy** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:58 pm

Ran into a similar problem recently with my old 15" 1G titanium which is running the latest & greatest Mac OS & DP. I couldn't make it through a 30 minute set without getting those error messages. (this was the first time I had taken my powerbook out to record in a couple of years) My fellow Unicorn, Mr. Forsooth pointed me to some posting that Magic Dave had put up about his PB settings. I found the culprit right away. The work priority setting was on high. Changed that setting and all is good with the world again. 30 tracks without any sluggishness whatsoever.

oldguitars · Post by **oldguitars** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:40 pm

actually, it is not DP that can't handle the load, it is the computer. And when you want to decrease the strain on the comp, you increase the buffer size, not decrease.

shankyboy · Post by **shankyboy** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:01 pm

Not quite sure who you're adressing that to. I lowered the work priority and it did the trick. I tried changing my buffer settings (up & down) and it did no good. What the heck is work priority for anyway?

sdfalk · Post by **sdfalk** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:29 pm

shankyboy wrote:Not quite sure who you're adressing that to. I lowered the work priority and it did the trick. I tried changing my buffer settings (up & down) and it did no good. What the heck is work priority for anyway?

From Motus website.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technot ... 20Priority'

Work Priority (very basically I believe) is How much CPU priority is assigned
To an audio Interface.
Buffer settings usually make a pretty big difference under most circumstances
as well.

shankyboy · Post by **shankyboy** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:04 pm

Thanks for the link Falk. Make sense for my older powerbook, but the same things was happening to my Dual 1.25, which according to the link, should be set on high. Hmmm? Bottom line, it all works good for me now, so I guess I won't worry about what setting it's supposed to be set at.