I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

In my sessions I seem to get stuck at around like 15-20 tracks before I start getting the CPU overload message. This is just in playback not recording. Usually, my tracks only have like an EQ and compressor on them with an occasional more powerful plugin. I also have my H/W buffer size maxed at 1024. What do I need to do to maximize my tracks and use PT to it's full potential?

I am using a Macbook with OS X version 10.6(I know I need to update) and it has 4gb of RAM.

Matt

P.s. I have done all of Avid's recommended optimization stuff except turn off Blue Tooth because I use Macs blue tooth keyboard but I wasn't sure if that could really be that big of a problem.

Check out this video
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...OespdBEKchZzEw

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Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

You haven't given us any info on which MacBook you are using. The type and power of the processor is key to the answer to your question.

Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

If he's only getting 15-20 tracks it would have to be a Macbook from the 90's or something. Something's clearly set up wrong here.

Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

He'd need a time machine (TARDIS) to have a Macbook from the 90's; earliest MB's were 2006 or so.

But agreed there's something wrong here if indeed he's getting the problem on playback and not record, especially at a 1024 buffer. Looking at his equipment profile he's using a Zoom R24 as his I/O and his MB has 10.6.8 but no mention of exactly which MB he has. He's probably recording to and pulling audio from his internal system hard drive which is always a no-no, especially for any decent amount of tracks, not that 15-20 tracks should be a strain.

Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

Then again, his 15-20 tracks might all be stereo, which equates to 30-40 tracks of audio:rolleyes:

Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

Matt;
It would be easier for us to help you if you put your system specs in your signature, I found this from a previous post of the OP, have at 'r folks...

"Computer model and processor speed: Macbook and 2ghz intel core 2 duo
OS: Mac OS x version 10.6.8
Pro Tools 9 version 9.0.5.
4gb of RAM
Attached directly to the computers USB ports I have my Zoom R24 interface and a 10-port USB hub, plugged into that I have a USB MIDI converter, my Ilok, my Alesis USB speakers, and occasionally a USB micro card reader and a 40 GB hard drive. I have unplugged all of this down to just the bare minimum to run pro tools and record (Zoom R24, and Ilok).
I also have an external monitor plugged in via a converter.
and 1 firewire disk drive and 1 firewire hard drive but like I said I have unplugged all of this and the problem persists so it is not in the connections."


So I guess I have to ask, what drive are you recording to?

Re: I seem to be very limited in the amount of tracks I can playback
 

Given what you found, and if he has indeed disconnected everything except what he says, I'd assume he's recording to his system drive.

What's confusing is when he says he has 1 firewire disk drive and 1 firewire hard drive. Those are both disk drives, right?:rolleyes:

I'm also thinking he's run out of bandwidth on either the FW or USB bus (or both). 40 gig hard drive on the USB bus? Do they even make drives that small anymore?