Protools HD 10 CPU overload problem

[kinghand]

Sometimes the CPU overload problem occured, when I use third party plugins, the problem becomes more often. Espeacially when I adjust the knobs in those plugins, I almost can't work at all. I'm running OS 10.6.8, PT 10.0.1. The third party plugins I'm using are MCDSP plugins and MDW EQ. When I use plugins come with PT, this problem become much less. I guess it's the problem of capability for plugins.


Anyone meet the same thing?

[kinghand]

Is this only my own problem?

[epiphone]

Hi, not exactly understanding the problem the plugs are working but you have hi cpu %? is this in activity monitor ?


Have you checked that all your plugs are recommended for protools ? Compatability pages on avid site and have you used Plug Tools to update all your plug ins ?

Epiphone

[ashurman]

I am experiencing the same problem Kinghand. I have exactly the same set-up with MacBook Pro OS 10.6.8 and PT 10.0.1. I am actively watching the System Usage meter and my CPU use is in the low single digits, very simple mix as I am a new PT user, just learning. I just upgraded to PT 10 from the 9 I bought, only using the plugins supplied with the install and only a couple at that. H/W buffer size now 512, have had it up to 1024 with no difference, 2 processors with 90% usage limit. Also would appreciate help with this, thanks.

[Firechild]

You should set the number of threads to an odd value.

So if you have a Macbook Pro i7 quad core with hyper threading you should set it to 5 or 7 threads (out of 8).

Now your problem is solved.

[ashurman]

Firechild, can you please elaborate a bit on your recommendation to set/change the thread number? Per Apple:

"The 64-bit kernel included in Mac OS X Server v10.6 automatically scales the maximum number of processes, vnodes (open file handles), and threads based on the amount of memory installed in the server."

In my case with 8GB memory (Intel Core 2 Duo @ 3.06 GHz) my max thread number is about 12500.

How does changing the thread number affect PT behavior, why would an odd number make a difference, and how does one change the number in OS 10.6.8?

I am not highly sophisticated when it comes to tech issues, but I am reluctant to make this type of change without a better understanding, and a bit confused since you are suggesting I change a parameter that is automatically set by the server.

Thank you

[ashurman]

Back to Firechild: apologies for my lack of knowledge on this, I've been giving it more thought and now realize (I think) that you mean set the number of threads allocated to Pro Tools, and also that this is related to my processor and core number (1 and 2 with my system). But I don't immediately see how to set the thread number

I did reduce the Host Processor number to 1, did not help, got the same error message several times. Also am doing everything else Avid says - spotlight off, AirPort off, no other apps running.

Thanks

[DRC Music]

That is what Firechild meant... set the number of HOST processors to one less than ALL in Pro Tools... some times even more

On my 8 core Mac I set it to use 5 cores at 99%... that seems to be the magic number for my sessions

This leaves a core/cores free from Pro Tools to handle things in the background for OS X or Windows

[ashurman]

Thanks for responding DRC.

I did that, set Host Processors to 1 (2 is max with my Intel Duo Core). No luck, same error message, multiple times including after re-boots. Also tried a variety of CPU usage limits from max down to 65%, and variety of H/W buffer sizes. No success.

Still reading only low single-digits (under 5%) for CPU use in the system usage meter.

My processor does not support hyperthreading, not sure if that is relevant.

Also I admit I am using only one hard drive in my MacBook Pro. I will probably get another for the optibay and try running PT on the second drive if I don't find another solution to this, easy enough to do though I don't immediately see a connection.

Any other ideas?

[DRC Music]

Can you list any plugins you are using... if any?