Pro Tools 7 Software Optimizations Deliver Host-processing Performance Increases

[Jules]

From the Digi site

Pro Tools 7 software boasts powerful RTAS plug-in performance improvements within the RTAS engine and the RTAS plug-in environment, allowing Pro Tools HD 7, Pro Tools LE 7, and Pro Tools M-Powered 7 software users to run significantly more RTAS processing and instrument plug-ins on single- and multi-processor computers.

The RTAS engine in Pro Tools 7 software has been completely overhauled for load-balanced multi-processor support. This enables you to take advantage of every available host processor in your system to perform RTAS processing — delivering plug-in instance counts that scale with the number of processors in your computer. For example, you will see up to twice the number of RTAS plug-ins on dual-processor computers. Preliminary tests† with Digidesign's EQ III shows a performance increase of 98% with Pro Tools 7 software vs. Pro Tools 6.9.2 software.†† Digidesign's D-Verb plug-in also shows similar results, demonstrating a performance increase of 83%. Native Instruments Battery 2 showed a 60% performance increase with Pro Tools 7 software.

Thanks to the enhanced RTAS plug-in environment in Pro Tools 7 software, plug-in developers can create more efficient processing and instrument plug-ins — allowing Pro Tools users to enjoy more plug-in instances on single- and multi-processor systems. When used in tandem with the enhanced multi-processor RTAS engine, select plug-ins will benefit significantly, delivering up to 150% more plug-in instances on dual-processor computers. For example, Arturia's CS-80V virtual synthesizer shows a performance increase of 125% with Pro Tools 7 software* vs. Pro Tools 6.9.2 software.** Way Out Ware's TimewARP 2600 virtual synthesizer also shows clear performance gains, demonstrating a performance increase of 114% over pre-Pro Tools 7 software. Digidesign's EQ III showed an impressive 151% performance increase with Pro Tools 7 software.

† Tests were performed using Pro Tools LE 7 software and a Digi 002 system running on a dual-core Pentium D 3.0 GHz, and a Power Mac G5 Dual 2.3 GHz
†† Tests were performed using a dual-core Pentium D 3.0 GHz system
* Tests were performed using optimized "beta RTAS plug-ins on a Power Mac G5 Dual 2.3 GHz system (two processors used)
** Tests were performed using non-optimized RTAS plug-ins on a Power Mac G5 Dual 2.3 GHz system (one processor used)

NOTE
Plug-in performance data was produced using systems and software mentioned above, using "beta" versions of optimized plug-ins. Results may vary based on your individual hardware and software configuration.

[Tetness]

When will it be released????

[BrianT]

Originally Posted by Jules

From the Digi site


NOTE
Plug-in performance data was produced using systems and software mentioned above, using "beta" versions of optimized plug-ins. Results may vary based on your individual hardware and software configuration.

Looks to me as if the plugins themselves have to be optimized, as well as the PT software. How many plugin developers will do that, and when, are the real questions. The main point I'm making is that you're not going to simply update your PT software and get the benefit. You'll need updated plugins as well, at least according to this press release.

Which also makes me wonder why VST plugins using SX/Nuendo do not require any particular optimizations to take advantage of all 4 cores on my dual, dualcore Opterons? The load balances almost perfectly across all 4 cores, just by virtue of changes made to Nuendo, with no changes required for the plugins themselves.

Hmmmm. I wonder why PT requires plugin recoding to multithread? That seems weird.

[Renie]

That's great news Jules thumbsup

[travista00]

PT 7 out november 4th, according to digi.....

[True North]

For those of you who want to keep themselves from ripping out whatever remaining hair is on your heads (sorry Jules) I would highly reccomend waiting at least 5 to 6 months before jumping the on PT 7 bandwagon. Every software vendor on the planet is trying to get in on the whole Multi CPU, 64 bit thing and PT is one of the last to the game - can you say rush job - not to mention that PT is the last vendor that I would trust to truly try and optimize their native environments!! Wait until the other lemmings sort out all the numerous bugs which are sure to ship with this first version.

[johnjm22]

Originally Posted by True North

For those of you who want to keep themselves from ripping out whatever remaining hair is on your heads (sorry Jules) I would highly reccomend waiting at least 5 to 6 months before jumping the on PT 7 bandwagon. Every software vendor on the planet is trying to get in on the whole Multi CPU, 64 bit thing and PT is one of the last to the game - can you say rush job - not to mention that PT is the last vendor that I would trust to truly try and optimize their native environments!! Wait until the other lemmings sort out all the numerous bugs which are sure to ship with this first version.

Agreed. It's always best to stay a few updates behind imo. That way all the bugs will be worked out by the time you upgrade.

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by johnjm22

Agreed. It's always best to stay a few updates behind imo. That way all the bugs will be worked out by the time you upgrade.

This is good advice with any platform/os

[T_R_S]

Originally Posted by BrianT

Hmmmm. I wonder why PT requires plugin recoding to multithread? That seems weird.

That's because of the recoding in PT 7 for true multi-processor support.
Protools never really had it as you could only assign RTAS to 99% of one processor.
That's all changed with 7. thumbsup

[Tetness]

I'm going to upgrade right away. Even though waiting would obviously be the smartest thing. But I really need that new midi stuff for what I do. That's why I ditched Logic Pro.