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Subject:I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Posted by: lofreequency
Date:1/14/2009 8:01:06 PM

I bet its my computer, but I think I've discovered that when I'm trying to mix tracks in AP7 with the new mixing console, its too much for my computer.

I'm using a dual monitor system, but it doesn't matter which monitor I have the mixer set-up on.

I can do the same mixing moves the old school way without the mixer without crashing and I notice the cpu load is about 15-20% lower than when the mixer is open. This 20% or so is enough to push the CPU to 100% too much.

The project I'm mixing has over 20 tracks. When I use the mouse to adjust sliders, or scroll sideways to get to the higher number tracks, etc., it eventually gets to be too much. Doesn't matter if I use my BFC2000 or mouse to do the same slider/ level moves.

I'm a bit bummed in that the mixer is one of the main reasons I upgraded. Again, I'm sure its my computer. Unfortunately, it's maxed out RAM-wise, etc. I've tried turning off VSTs too.

Compaq Presario AMD Athlon 64, 3500+
2.2 gHz
2 GB RAM (maxed)
Win XP SP3

Video card: nvidia geforce fx 5200 (newest drivers)

Monitors: LG L1932TQ + NEC MultiSynch1830 flat screens.

I'm recording to a second internal SATA drive.

Tried increasing the virtual memory (no idea if that does anything).

Any suggestions how to improve performance?


Message last edited on1/14/2009 8:22:58 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: darrena
Date:1/14/2009 8:28:21 PM

This is going to sound as if it's out of left field but give it a shot. You didn't mention what audio hardware you have, which I think may be important to this.

1. Use ASIO drivers (selectable in the Audio Device preference tab)
2. In your audio hardware's own UX (if available), increase the buffer substantially. If it's at 256 samples, try 1024 or even 2048.

Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: lofreequency
Date:1/14/2009 8:39:24 PM

. "Use ASIO drivers (selectable in the Audio Device preference tab)
2. In your audio hardware's own UX (if available), increase the buffer substantially. If it's at 256 samples, try 1024 or even 2048."

I'm little fuzzy on this aspect.

Audio Device preference in AP7?

I'm using a Tascam US-1641 usb interface. (not sure if this is what your referring too? )

Thanks. :)


Message last edited on1/14/2009 8:40:01 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: lofreequency
Date:1/14/2009 8:50:15 PM

OK, i see now in the audio preferences>advanced now says...

Tascam driver name :us-1641

Buffer settings: 5ms (256 samples)

ASIO clock source: Hardware (44.1ookHz)


OK...i see how to increase it now...just upped it to 23ms (1,024 samples...the highest)

Thanks.

Message last edited on1/14/2009 8:59:44 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: darrena
Date:1/14/2009 9:01:07 PM

cool, and in the prefs dialog, you want to make sure for the audio hardware tab, you have selected the device that says ASIO and not "Microsoft Sound Mapper" or anything else.

Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: lofreequency
Date:1/14/2009 9:12:57 PM

"cool, and in the prefs dialog, you want to make sure for the audio hardware tab, you have selected the device that says ASIO and not "Microsoft Sound Mapper" or anything else."

Am I going to the right place?

Preferences>Audio Device tab > Audio device type: says" USB 1641". Other options in the drop down menu are Microsoft Sound mapper, Direct Sound Surround Mapper, Windows Classic Wave Driver. USB 1641 is selected. There's nothing about ASIO..i assume the 1641 is that?

Also, I just saw I need a driver update for the Tascam so going for that now. whether it helps...can't hurt anyway, eh? :)

Message last edited on1/14/2009 9:17:29 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: lofreequency
Date:1/14/2009 9:42:04 PM

Ok. First test after installing new firmware and driver and AP7 crashed in normal playback without the mixer open while tweaking sliders. I then looked at the audio settings and they were at the lowest latency. So I upped it to the max again, however now 512 was the max, not 1024. Anyway, I just tested playback with the mixer open and so far so good. The cpu is only hitting 80% max at times,usually lower and seems smoother. I'll test more tomorrow...got to get to bed for work tomorrow.

Thanks so much...it's encouraging at the moment anyway! :)

Message last edited on1/14/2009 9:42:52 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: lofreequency
Date:1/15/2009 2:12:41 PM

darrena, thanks so much for your input.

I just made it though my project twice now (23 tracks +) using both the mouse and BCF2000 to tweak levels and navigate around the mixer and main interface and not one glitch! Your advice seems to have done the trick. CPU levels are much lower now. :)

Thank you.


Message last edited on1/15/2009 2:23:04 PM bylofreequency.
Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: darrena
Date:1/15/2009 10:52:56 PM

excellent, glad i could help!

Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: b4dawn
Date:2/1/2009 8:19:14 AM

Is there anyway to eliminate all the mixing garbage besides going to Tracktion 3 again?

Subject:RE: I guess the mixing console is crashing AP7
Reply by: SHTUNOT
Date:2/1/2009 2:16:28 PM

What mixing garbage?

Ed.

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