CPU running out of power...# tracks can my desktop handle?

[debbiedeneese]

I'm running ProTools M-Audio 6.7 on a WinXP System with the following configuration:

OS: WinXP Home SP2
RAM: 1.25GB
Motherboard: Intel D845GRG
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1.8GHz
Sound card: M-Audio Delta 24/96 Audiophile
Audio Drive: Samsung 300GB
System Drive: Maxtor 200GB
Latest drivers, etc.

I've done the tweaks recommended in the sticky here and I'm still getting CPU running out of power errors after only a few moves with maybe 5 audio tracks. I have one RTAS plugin (D-Verb and delay) on each of two sends, and PT's bundled compressor on the master fader. My questions are:

1) How many simultaneous audio tracks can I expect out of this setup?
2) Do I make better use of my processor power by using ReWire to access Reason and leave my drums in MIDI form, or by printing them into ProTools?

I'm getting frustrated enough to consider going back to CuBase...and soon have to purchase a PT system up for my band's studio with the intent of doing at least 32 tracks, so I need to know what kind of power I'm gonna need for that setup as well...

Any help is very much appreciated I'm in pre-pro for an important project and need to get stuff done ASAP...thanks in advance.

Deb
Visit me on MySpace

[debbiedeneese]

One more thing...the problem seems to start as soon as I select part of the audio track with the cursor to process or edit it...

[spkguitar]

There could be a lot of other stuff going on there compatibility-wise. If you could post a Sandra report (as mentioned in the general troubleshooting thread) it would be easier to diagnose.

=====

Note: To enable other users to help you, please include all of your system details when posting an issue to the DUC; Pro Tools hardware, Pro Tools software version, CPU, OS version, Motherboard make/model, chipset, amount of RAM, type of hard drives used, etc.

- SiSoftware's Sandra Lite application can be used to post your full system profile:
www.sisoftware.co.uk
Under SiSoftware Sandra, click on "Download & Buy" to download the free Sandra Lite version or purchase other versions.

These days, a Pentium 4 is going to be a little underpowered (IMHO) for Pro Tools, though you should be able to get a fair amount of tracks with it. Once you start adding plugins is where a bog-down will occur.

Also, you might be (actually, most probably are) experiencing denormalization while using the dverb (or any reverb) plugin, which will soak up a majority of your CPU power unnecessarily. Try inserting a low level noise producing plugin (like a dither) in line before the reverb. (You can google "denormalization and audio" for details of the problem; it will happen in Cubase too, so it's good to be aware of).

You might also want to consider upgrading your computer to one that's a little more modern. Core 2 Duos have come way down in price, and will blow that little pentium away when it comes to audio performance.

[spkguitar]

Also, yes it would be less strain on the CPU if you actually printed the Reason tracks to audio in Pro Tools.

[debbiedeneese]

So sorry...I missed that in the sticky...I'll do that Sandra report.

Although I'll be using this setup for the interim, I'm definitely in the process of getting a new machine; I'm doing my homework here first as to what the system configuration will be...I don't want to make a mistake and buy the wrong thing.

[debbiedeneese]

Here's the system report from Sandra:

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.00GHz
Speed : 2.00GHz
Cores per Processor : 1 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 1 Unit(s)
Internal Data Cache : 8kB Synchronous, Write-Thru, 4-way set, 64 byte line size, 2 lines per sector
L2 On-board Cache : 512kB ECC Synchronous, ATC, 8-way set, 64 byte line size, 2 lines per sector

Mainboard
Bus(es) : X-Bus PCI IMB USB i2c/SMBus
MP Support : No
MP APIC : Yes
System BIOS : Intel Corp. RG84510A.15A.0021.P11.0210160839
System : Gateway E-4000
Mainboard : Intel Corporation D845GRG
Total Memory : 1.2GB DDR-SDRAM

Chipset 1
Model : Intel Corporation 82845G/GL/GV Brookdale Host-Hub Interface Bridge (A1-step)
Total Memory : 1.3GB DDR-SDRAM
Shared Memory : 1MB

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Default Monitor
Adapter : Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics Controller

Physical Storage Devices
Removable Drive : Floppy disk drive
Hard Disk : Maxtor 6L200R0 (190GB)
Hard Disk : SAMSUNG HD300LD (279GB)
CD-ROM/DVD : HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCC-4320B (CD 40X Rd, 32X Wr) (DVD 5X Rd)
CD-ROM/DVD : LU1493M FWL131K SCSI CdRom Device (CD 32X Rd) (DVD 4X Rd)
CD-ROM/DVD : LU1493M FWL131K SCSI CdRom Device (CD 32X Rd) (DVD 4X Rd)

Logical Storage Devices
Hard Disk (C:) : 95GB (13GB, 13% Free Space) (NTFS)
DRV2_VOL2 (D:) : 95GB (59GB, 62% Free Space) (NTFS)
Samsung 300 (H:) : 279GB (171GB, 61% Free Space) (NTFS)
CD-ROM/DVD (E:) : N/A
Library Disc 2 (F:) : 7.8GB (CDFS)
Audio CD (I:) : 0 byte(s) (CDFS)
3.5" 1.44MB (A:) : N/A

Peripherals
Serial/Parallel Port(s) : 2 COM / 1 LPT
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(R) 82801DB/DBM USB Universal Host Controller - 24C2
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(R) 82801DB/DBM USB Universal Host Controller - 24C4
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(R) 82801DB/DBM USB Universal Host Controller - 24C7
USB Controller/Hub : Intel PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Composite Device
Keyboard : Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse : Microsoft PS/2 Mouse

MultiMedia Device(s)
Device : M-Audio Delta Audiophile

Communication Device(s)
Device : BCM V.90 56K Modem

Printers and Faxes
Model : Fax
Model : Auto HP DeskJet 660Cse on NEWDELL
Model : Auto EPSON Stylus CX4800 Series on dell
Model : Auto Auto HP DeskJet 660Cse on GATEWAY on NEWDELL

Network Printers
Model : \\dell\EPSON Stylus CX4800 Series

Power Management
Mains (AC) Line Status : On-Line

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP/2002 Home 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 2)
Platform Compliance : Win32 x86

Network Services
Adapter : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

[spkguitar]

Are you still having problems? Did you try the denormalization solution I offered above? That machine should be able to handle at least 32 tracks and a modest amount of plugins.

The integrated graphics might be causing a problem. It is definitely not recommended for Pro Tools.

CD-ROM/DVD : LU1493M FWL131K SCSI CdRom Device (CD 32X Rd) (DVD 4X Rd)
CD-ROM/DVD : LU1493M FWL131K SCSI CdRom Device (CD 32X Rd) (DVD 4X Rd)

Why so many optical devices? Are these physical disk devices or virtual disks? Virtual disks are definitely not recommended.

Communication Device(s)
Device : BCM V.90 56K Modem

Are you actually using that? If not, remove it, or at least disable it when using Pro Tools. Same thing for the ethernet adapter.

Are all the printers really hooked up?

[mcgirr]

A lot of issues here.

1. Your pentium is only a 533mhz fsb.
2. You are probably only capable of SD ram usage.
3. The graphics chip usage onboard the MB is probably shared w/ processor.

There are NOT a ton of options to get high track count w/ rtas plug usage.

While it is not comfortable to hear... you will most likely need a better rig.

Best wishes.

[abre]

To get rid of your problem once and for all, if you can afford it get a Core2 Duo. That P4 although it may be serviceable for a while just cannot cope with a reasonable amount of plugins. I have a P4 2.53 and has just retired it for the same reason. Now is a good time for you to upgrade. You may not be able to use anything from it. Look for mainboard with maybe two or three PCI slots.

[mckallipmedia]

Hello, I am having a similar issue. When I create a new track in PT M-powered 7.3 and go to the edit window OR access my hardware preferences, my cpu jumps to 100%. The weirdest part is it has only been happening for a few weeks AND i can open older sessions (loaded with tracks and plugins) and PT will cruise along at it's usual ~20% usage!

System summary (more below)

-windows xp sp2
-upgraded to M-Powered 7.3.1cs4
-M-audio 1010lt is the soundcard
-3gb ram
-2ghz Athlon cpu

Troubleshooting -
Basically I've upgraded PT to the most current version, and also found a driver update for my 1010lt. It really seems like the problem is between PT and my audio interface since viewing anything to do with hardware or operating in the edit window (such as arming for record or setting an input) seems to trigger the problem.

I'm new to the forums and have already been operating with the performance enhancements mentioned in basic troubleshooting. No, i haven't disabled my nic and 1394 adapter, but my system has run smoothly for 2 years and would like to learn more about this problem.

Anybody out there seen this problem?

PC Wizard 2007 Version 1.73
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Owner: John
Organisation: SWT
User: Pro Tools
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
Report Date: Sunday 19 August 2007 at 12:38

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<<< System Summary >>>

> Mainboard : ASUSTeK Computer Inc. A8V Deluxe

> Chipset : VIA K8T800 Pro

> Processor : AMD Athlon 64 3200+ @ 2000 MHz

> Physical Memory : 1024 MB (2 x 512 DDR-SDRAM ) - just upgraded to 3gb 8/19

> Video Card : Nvidia Corp GeForce 6200

> Hard Disk : Maxtor (204 GB)

> Hard Disk : Maxtor (123 GB)

> DVD-Rom Drive : AOpen DVD-1640 PRO

> CD-Rom Drive : LITE-ON LTR-16102B

> DVD-Rom Drive : Generic DVD-ROM SCSI CdRom Device

> Monitor Type : Dell Computer DELL 2005FPW - 20 inches

> Monitor Type : Dell Computer DELL 2005FPW - 20 inches

> Network Card : Marvell Semiconductor (Was: Galileo Technology Ltd) Yukon 88E8001/8003/8010 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Copper)

> Operating System : Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2

> DirectX : Version 9.0c

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***** End of report *****

PC Wizard 2007 Version 1.73
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Owner: John
Organisation: SWT
User: Pro Tools
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
Report Date: Sunday 19 August 2007 at 12:39

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<<< Multimedia >>>

> Device Audio : ICE1712 Envy24 Multichannel Audio Controller

>> General Information
Manufacturer : VIA Technologies Inc (Was: IC Ensemble Inc)

> Audio Playback : M-Audio Delta 1010LT Multi

>> General Information
Reproduction : M-Audio Delta 1010LT Multi
Version : 5.10
Manufacturer : Microsoft Corporation
Product ID : 100

>> Device Capabilities
Channels : Stereo
Balance Control : Yes
Pitch Control : No
PlayBack Rate Control : No
Synchrone operations : No
Volume Control : Yes

>> Reproduction
11.025 kHz, mono, 8-bit : Yes
11.025 kHz, stereo, 8-bit : Yes
11.025 kHz, mono, 16-bit : Yes
11.025 kHz, stereo, 16-bit : Yes
22.05 kHz, mono, 8-bit : Yes
22.05 kHz, stereo, 8-bit : Yes
22.05 kHz, mono, 16-bit : Yes
22.05 kHz, stereo, 16-bit : Yes
44.1 kHz, mono, 8-bit : Yes
44.1 kHz, stereo, 8-bit : Yes
44.1 kHz, mono, 16-bit : Yes
44.1 kHz, stereo, 16-bit : Yes