Overall CPU Spikes while individual cores aren't near maxing out

[Karu]

Hey People,


I’ve got serious CPU Issues lately with my Mac Book Pro. Here are the Specs of my Mac Book:

Macbook Pro (15-Inch, 2016)
Processor: 2,6 GHz Quad Core Intel Core i7
Memory: 16 GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3
Graphics: Radeon Pro 450 2 GB

the OS is 11.5.2, Problem was already occurring with 11.4 and I updated in hopes of resolving the issue with that, but to no avail.
Pro Tools is Running on 2021.7

My Attached Peripherals are an SSL 2+ as Audio Interface that’s connected via USB-C, a Samsung SSD Drive, my Ilok, a Razor Taipan Mouse and an EditorsKeys Keyboard (all connected Via a USB-C to USB adapter). Also, I’m using a Slate Raven Monitor that’s connected via HDMI to the Macbook through the Adapter.

I attached a Screenshot that shows pretty nicely what’s the Problem. Though my CPU Cores aren’t even near maxing out, the overall CPU Usage Spikes to 100% and causes Pops and Freezes the moment I turn an Audio Track Record Ready or the Input Monitoring Button.
I tried if anything’s changing when I’m disconnecting all peripherals but the Ilok and the SSL2+, but that didn’t change anything. Same goes for trying to turning off any programs running in the Background, didn’t resolve the issue either.


I followed the newest optimisation guide, but that didn’t help either.

I hope you can help me out with this information so I can get to recording as soon as possible. If you need any more information, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!!

[massivekerry]

That CPU meter is notoriously inaccurate. and it's hard to suggest a singular way to address your issue. Mine has been a slow refinement of workflow over years as I repeatedly noticed certain triggers on my specific machine and setup.

https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/hom...d-be-pay-to-it

[DontLetMeDrown]

Have you tried using the “ignore pops and clicks” setting in the playback engine? I know they make it sound like it’s a bad setting to use, but even with a much faster computer than yours (5.3 ghz), I have to enable that in order to ensure perfect playback at low latency settings.

[Will Russell]

This is most likely due to a plugin. Try removing all but the Avid plugins from the plugins folder and see if you still have the problem.

[nebosphere]

You could also try a replacement USB-C cable for your interface. A bad cable can cause crazy things like this to happen!