2GB memory limit in Cubase SX ?

[ABGen]

Originally Posted by minus-sounds.com

Finally, I have just put together a new DAW pc based on a quad core Q6600, Abit P35pro mobo and 8GB (4x2GB) of Muskin 800MHz ram.

I have installed Win2003 32bit as it has built in extensions that could see up to 64GB of ram, still in 32bit, if I remember correctly.

After the installation of the utilities (antivirus, firewall, ati center, etc) the system overhead is about 350MB ram and it idles at about 0 to 1%.

I opened a new project in Cubase and I have created 96 mono audio channels. (yeah right!) Then I started to put in the first insert on each channel a Waves IR1-full reverb. Then I went to insert the 33rd it wasn't inserted. I didn't occur to me at the moment that the total memory was about 1,95GB of ram. CPU usage about 48% evenly spreaded on all 4 cores.

Than I started to insert SSL channel strips on the second insert from the start. I have succeeded to insert 18 channels. It wouldn't allow me any more.
Now the CPU usage about 50% evenly spreaded on all 4 cores. Again the memory was about 1,97GB of ram.

Is there a Cubase specific limit in memory usage or is it an OS related thing?


PS. I am aware of the XP limit that's why I have opted for Win2003.

see this thread

/3GB WinXP Pro switch - UAD1 users read this

[narcoman]

32bit addressing is the reason.

[minus-sounds.com]

Thank you Andrew.
I have been able to get 54 mono audio channels, each one with inserts of IR1-full and SSL channel strip.
Then I hit the 2.9GB wall. CPU usage was about 68%.
Oh well ... fuuck

Currently this system has a lowly ATI 2400 card for the initial tests, but on the desk next to me I have a couple of Sapphire 2900XT 512MB ram cards, for some serious visual number crunching in a Crossfire configuration for my visual related works.

Only problem is that this Abit mobo has the firewire header connectors just next to the PCIe slots. There are no firewire connectors on the back, you only have to use the headers. Those 2900XT are huge motherf*****s that take 2 slots each, and the first one totally crushes the cables of the firewire bracket. fuuck

Anyway the built in firewire controller seems to work with the Liquid Mix or the Fireface 800. In the afternoon I will install the LaCie 800 PCI card, that is dedicated to the RME FF800.

Then the 2400 card will go to the second, identical, quad core system, that will act as a file server, and DSP farm for visual rendering. Burn baby burn.