Small Buffer Settings--Faster CPU, More RAM or Faster HD?

[sasha222]

What hardware component makes the most difference in performance when working with very small buffer settings--faster CPU, more RAM or faster hard drive?

I know all of them contribute but is there one that makes more of a difference than the others?

[theblue1]

Originally Posted by sasha222

What hardware component makes the most difference in performance when working with very small buffer settings--faster CPU, more RAM or faster hard drive?

I know all of them contribute but is there one that makes more of a difference than the others?

Each element cited has an effect.

That said, its really hard to evaluate the load balance on your system without knowing what you're doing with it.

Someone with only a handful of recorded audio tracks (vox, guitars, etc) but a whole SLUG of CPU guzzling virtual instruments will have an ENTIRELY different load profile than someone using no VIs but who has, like, 70 tracks of 24/96 audio.



And -- before evaluating your needs -- one would also want to know why you're running those small buffer settings.

As you undoubtedly know, small buffers require much more CPU monitoring/intervention. If you don't need super low latencies for virtual instruments but simply want to monitor incoming audio with low latency, you'd possibly be better off using an analog mixer for true zero latency monitoring, instead.

[sasha222]

For me, the main purpose of running low buffers is low VI latency.

[ptbarnum]

i think the type, and caliber of soundcard also needs consideration.

[theblue1]

Originally Posted by sasha222

For me, the main purpose of running low buffers is low VI latency.

Ah...

If they're modeling synths they may or may not use much RAM but probably won't put a drag on the HD but will tend to put a relatively big hit on the CPU.

RAM-based samplers/virtual ROMplers will tend to use RAM but typically less CPU.

Streaming sample players (like the high end piano packages or streaming drum packages like BFD and DKFH) will tend to put a big hit on both RAM and hard disk drive but will tend to have less impact on CPU than some modeling synths.