Best way to handle it

  • Thread starter Thread starter TamaSabian
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TamaSabian

TamaSabian

Peruvian skin beater
I´m working on my second project with SONAR and for the first time I want to change some things that I made in the past. On my last work I used to have 3 or 4 versions of the same project
Mysong1, Mysong2, Mysongwitheq, etc. Now I´m looking for a better way to work, I don´t want a lot of versions in SONAR, just want different mixes of the same song. The problem with it is that my PC can´t handle a lot of plugins without dropping out, and if you add that I have a 20GB HD (not a 7200 drive) you can understand how hard is listening to this song for me. I know I have to make some upgrades, change my HD and add more RAM, but I´ll have to wait until I could do it. :(
In order to free some resources, I use the console view to place them (this current project has 19 tracks, most of them with 1-3 plugins). As you can see I refuse to apply them and save this as another version. Maybe I should apply them, listen and adjust the levels, then export to audio. Finally close the project without saving.
Is there something I could do to optimize my work with plugins and save PC resources............please don´t say: Yeah!, you could get rid of them. :D

Thanx
Tama
 
Unfortunately, the easiest way is to upgrade your system so that it doesn't matter how man effect/plugings you want to run :D

Off the top of my head, I'd suggest checking to see if you may be running the exact same track effect in more than one track, ie like compressing the bass and kick drum. Would be easier to send both tracks to through an aux bus and compress it there. That way you only have to do it once. Compression is a biggie because it's so processor intense. Hopefully there's other effects that you could get rid of.
 
Thanks mtardif wow quick response.

In order to free some resources, I use the console view to place them (this current project has 19 tracks, most of them with 1-3 plugins).

Maybe I didn´t explain it, but I´m working as you´ve suggested. It seems that the upgrade is urgent!!.:(
 
Work's kinda slow today so I've had some extra time :)

I'm sure others will have much more to suggest, but believe me, it'll be easier drop some money into it than pulling your hair out trying to figure out ways to cut corners to save on cpu usage.
 
I think Mtardif is right: I would upgrade. A 5400 RPM drive, low CPU power and low amount of RAM won't get you far (if you don't want to apply effects to audio).

The only way to optimize the CPU-usage of audio effects is to bounce them to tracks, sorry. :( (Unless you're getting a DSP card ;))

Accounts, stand by! It's upgrading time! :D
 
You´re right moskus, I think its upgrade time. But first I have to recover after the purchase of my new 1010lt.
 
Just curious, what's your Windows version ? What about speed of your PC ? and what soundcard do you have now ?

;)
Jaymz
 
Jaymz, I´m working with

PIII 600Mhz
128MB RAM
20GB HD
GFORCE 64MB
XP
Delta 1010lt.

I think the weaknesses of my system are RAM and HD. Gotta do something about.

Thanks
Tama
 
Well, I think if you encounter problems when using plugins often, then you may consider upgrading the processor as well :) Most of newer plugins (2000 and earlier) are CPU hog (Usualy better the plugins, more power it needs). One of my setup is similiar with yours (PIII866-WinXP Home) still it gave me dropout problem with 16~19 tracks with average 3 plugins pertrack. It has 512 MB Ram PC-133 (dual 256) and dual 40GB 7200RPM. If you're on tight budget, then upgrading the processor in the same class (PIII) with higher speed could help you alot without spending much. I saw PIII 1.3 processor new (box) for only ~$40 somewhere in my town. It's worth to try looking for some at yours :) Off course, P4 comes to our mind better :D

;)
Jaymz
 
James Argo said:
Most of newer plugins (2000 and earlier) are CPU hog
Don't you mean: "2000 and later"? :p

And I'm pretty surprised that that computer can handle 19 tracks with 1-3 plugins on each track. That' surely not Waves plugins. ;)
 
moskus said:
I'm pretty surprised that that computer can handle 19 tracks with 1-3 plugins on each track
Me Too! :D Tama, if you bump your processor up to any P4, beef up your RAM to at least 512mb or greater, and get a new hard drive, you'd be in heaven! You can easily do that for under $500 too :)
 
Yeah, Waves plugins need a lot resources. I´m using just 2 of them C1 and Metaflanger. For EQ I use Timeworks, Reverb I use BlueLine, or Waves Rverb.

;)
Tama
 
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