CPU Overload in 2018.12 -6101

[richists]

Hello, I'm getting the (in)famous error -6101:

A CPU error occurred. If this happens often, try increasing the "H/W Buffer Size” in the Playback Engine Dialog, or removing some plug-ins. (AAE -6101)

It happens even in an empty session without any plug-ins. It happens on all "H/W Buffer Size" settings. It happens with many plug-ins and it happens: Always!
I've already switched to Reaper for big Sound Design projects (I have to admit: A DAW with a fantastic performance and awesome tools) but as I'm working "in the media industry" I rely on Pro Tools for most of my projects.

I know that it's a very well known error (alongside "Video Engine is not able to stop" errors) but I still haven't found any solution. It's really annoying.

So if someone found A SIMPLE way to get rid of the -6101 please post here.

iMac late 2013 (refurbished in 2016), 2,7GHz i5 16GB RAM and MacBook mid2014 3GHz i7. Both on MacOS 10.13.6 and Pro Tools 2018.12.0

[its2loud]

I have a 2015 MBP with the same configuration and disabling hyperthreading has fixed this issue for me.

Although, I do think the issue is graphics related. Any plugins that rely heavily on the GPU will cause this error. Ie. Izoptope Insight.

I recommend cleaning up your system as best you can, do a clean install of PT, and disable Hyperthreading and try again.

[Emi]

Things to try:

-trash preferences
-put all plugins in the unused folder to see if a plugin is causing it
-try hyper thread off (like said above)
-try turbo boost off

[Cutlerbri]

Also, go to Setup/Playback Engine and uncheck "Ignore Errors During Playback" and also uncheck "Dynamic Plug-In Processing".

In the same dialog box set your Disk Playback cache size to a number, like 2 or 3GB. Just not "Normal".

[jdk11211]

Having same problem with NO plugins, single track of audio! And I'm on a 2.7 GHZ, 12 core Mac Pro with 64GB RAM, so it's kind of maddening to see my system crippled with NOTHING in the session. (Happens when loaded up too, with about the same frequency, so it does not seem actually CPU buffer related).

I tried: unchecking errors during playback, dynamic plug in processing, various disk playback cache settings (all these caused more frequent errors)
Also trashed prefs.

No graphics stuff running.

Will investigate hyperthreading but...Any other ideas?

[petreestow]

Have you had any luck with fixing this issue? I am having it as well

[Netmania]

Try to disable Hyperthreading with the App CPUSetter. Magic happened to my Mac. No more Overloads and lower latency settings possible.

Greetings from Germany

[cnad88]

Having the same issue and pulling my hair out trying to fix it. Just upgraded to 2020.3 and still happening, even with minimal audio and no plugins. Whether I'm connected to my interface or using built-in i/o. Would like to try turning off hyperthreading and/or turbo boost but it looks like I need to update my operating system to use any of the apps that allow me to do that... this whole situation has been very frustrating.

[cnad88]

ok update: downloaded CPUsetter and disabled hyperthreading and got the error even faster than before. Can't get more than a couple seconds without an overload. I guess turbo boost is the last thing to try? Really at my wits end here.
richists did you get it fixed?

[petreestow]

Please keep us updated!