Why am i getting 100% CPU usage using pro tools 8? How do I fix it?

[philipc]

When I open up a session(session1) that has 4 audio tracks and 2 MIDI tracks on PT8, the CPU usage goes to 100% and does not play back at all. Although, when I open up another session(session2) with 5 audio tracks the CPU usage is at around 15%-25% and runs smoothly.

On Session 1 i have eleven free on 4 of the audio tracks, and BFD and Xpand2 on the MIDI tracks.

On Session 2 i have no plug ins

I've done all the optimizations in the setup guide and closed all other applications.
How do I bring down the CPU usage or fix the problem of the session not playing back by still keeping my tracks and plugins?

Windows XP Professional
Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz 2.79 GHz
2 GB RAM
MBOX 2
500 GB 7200rpm external hard drive
Pro Tools 8

[JimC]

Windows XP Professional Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz 2.79 GHz

THAIR IS YOUR PROBLEM. GET A MAC

[68topls]

Yeah get a mac or at least a lot more memory (4-8GB), and a dual / quad core system.

[guitarmongoose]

Nice answers, guys!

What is your Hardware buffer size? Eleven Free is a huge CPU hog, so it will always be a tradeoff between latency and the amount of real time instances that you can use. Xpand 2 is also no slouch when it comes to CPU usage. I think you'll either need to use one instance of Eleven at time and "print" the effect to the track afterwards, or set your hardware buffer to the highest setting and deal with the latency.


Depending on what library you are using with Structure, I don't know if adding more memory will necessarily help, but it's a cheap solution and it definitely can't hurt.

[s0und80y]

Originally Posted by JimC

Windows XP Professional Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz 2.79 GHz

THAIR IS YOUR PROBLEM. GET A MAC

LOL you don't need a mac, CPU wise there is little difference anymore.

[Keybeeetsss]

Originally Posted by guitarmongoose

Nice answers, guys!

What is your Hardware buffer size?

On a p4 that doesnt even matter...

To the OP, Dont waste the extra money getting a mac though although if u wana run like that u definitely need a new system... Grab a i7 rig or @ least a quad... Search/check in those particular threads for specs if u plan on actually upgrading ur system...