Buffer settings for tracking VI's

morebutter · 5th December 2006

Sparked by my quest to set up my computer for low latency VI tracking (I am just getting into softsynths), I am wondering how others are setting their buffers for VI tracking and what kind of performance they are getting at low buffer settings.

For tracking I am doing 128 samples/88.2khz. Any more than 128 at this sample rate is too much latency for me, especially when doing drums.

The problem for me is that I can barely have Battery, Kontakt and Guru open at the same time (as plugin instances) and this is without any additional FX plugins. Once I add a reverb or vintage warmer my system chokes (CPU overload in Digital Performer). (At higher buffer setting for mixing I have no problem having lots of plugs running)

What buffer/samplerate are you using for tracking?

Are there others out there that have a similar system who are getting better performance/ more plugin instances?

G5 Dual 1.8, 3GB RAM, 7200rpm 16MB hard drive, Digital Performer 4.61, RME HDSP9652. Apogee Rosetta 200.

s_sibs · 5th December 2006

Hi,

My system is set up very similar to yours. I use Cubase SX3, BTW, and my hard drive is alittle bigger than 16MB ;^)

I track VSTis at 128 samples also.

I'm working on a track right now that has 2 NI electric pianos, and Ivory. Tracking wasn't a problem but if I was thinking of adding another part I'd probably have to use the Freeze funtion to capture Ivory and free up resources.

I think DP has a Freeze function. Yes?

That's what I'd do. I'd freeze some VSTis that have parts fully finished (done tweaking timing etc.) then continue adding parts. What I like about freeze is you can always go back an unfreeze a part if you need to edit it at a later point.

BTW, most guys' systems will choke if they try a very low buffer and add effects like reverb or vintage warmer...unless you have something like a UAD-1 (that's what I use) to free CPU cycles for VSTis. Like you said, your system is solid when bumping the buffer when mixing so I'd leave things like reverb out of the mix until mixing.

morebutter · 7th December 2006

thanks for your reply. dp does have a freeze function though i prefer not to use it, though it may be necessary. i just ordered some more ram so hopefully that will make some difference. i guess switching between buffer settings for tracking and mixing is the way to go when dealing w/ VI's.

5th December 2006	#1
morebutter Gear addict Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Northeast Corridor Posts: 463 Thread Starter	Buffer settings for tracking VI's Sparked by my quest to set up my computer for low latency VI tracking (I am just getting into softsynths), I am wondering how others are setting their buffers for VI tracking and what kind of performance they are getting at low buffer settings. For tracking I am doing 128 samples/88.2khz. Any more than 128 at this sample rate is too much latency for me, especially when doing drums. The problem for me is that I can barely have Battery, Kontakt and Guru open at the same time (as plugin instances) and this is without any additional FX plugins. Once I add a reverb or vintage warmer my system chokes (CPU overload in Digital Performer). (At higher buffer setting for mixing I have no problem having lots of plugs running) What buffer/samplerate are you using for tracking? Are there others out there that have a similar system who are getting better performance/ more plugin instances? G5 Dual 1.8, 3GB RAM, 7200rpm 16MB hard drive, Digital Performer 4.61, RME HDSP9652. Apogee Rosetta 200.

5th December 2006	#2
s_sibs Gear addict Joined: May 2006 Location: Bernardston, MA Posts: 484	Hi, My system is set up very similar to yours. I use Cubase SX3, BTW, and my hard drive is alittle bigger than 16MB ;^) I track VSTis at 128 samples also. I'm working on a track right now that has 2 NI electric pianos, and Ivory. Tracking wasn't a problem but if I was thinking of adding another part I'd probably have to use the Freeze funtion to capture Ivory and free up resources. I think DP has a Freeze function. Yes? That's what I'd do. I'd freeze some VSTis that have parts fully finished (done tweaking timing etc.) then continue adding parts. What I like about freeze is you can always go back an unfreeze a part if you need to edit it at a later point. BTW, most guys' systems will choke if they try a very low buffer and add effects like reverb or vintage warmer...unless you have something like a UAD-1 (that's what I use) to free CPU cycles for VSTis. Like you said, your system is solid when bumping the buffer when mixing so I'd leave things like reverb out of the mix until mixing. __________________ Scott Sibley Technical Advisor - Toontrack Music Owner•Engineer•Producer Rainbow Sounds Recording www.rainbowsounds.com

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7th December 2006	#3
morebutter Gear addict Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Northeast Corridor Posts: 463 Thread Starter	thanks for your reply. dp does have a freeze function though i prefer not to use it, though it may be necessary. i just ordered some more ram so hopefully that will make some difference. i guess switching between buffer settings for tracking and mixing is the way to go when dealing w/ VI's.