How to improve performance of VI's in Pro Tools.

[fourthtunz]

I've been thinking about this for a while and now I have some questions.

Like many people, I'm not always able to have multiple drives with my
macbook, so wondering about partitioning.

So partitioning your boot drive and using the non boot partition to hold
your air content(samples) will that help at all?

Ok so lets say you have an external firewire drive, can you partition that and use one half for audio and the other for samples/content?

Lastly I should not use my usb drive for anything with protools correct?
I was thinking maybe I could use it to hold my air content/samples?
Thanks!

[DigiTechSupt]

Originally Posted by fourthtunz

I've been thinking about this for a while and now I have some questions.

Like many people, I'm not always able to have multiple drives with my
macbook, so wondering about partitioning.

So partitioning your boot drive and using the non boot partition to hold
your air content(samples) will that help at all?

No, it won't. Using the same drive that your OS uses results in 'data contention' where the OS is trying to access data on the drive at the same time as your VI. In those cases, the OS will almost always take priority, resulting in errors with the VI.

Originally Posted by fourthtunz

Ok so lets say you have an external firewire drive, can you partition that and use one half for audio and the other for samples/content?

Yes and no - yes in that you *could* do it but, again, it could result in data contention if Pro Tools is trying to access audio data and the VI is trying to get sample data. It's all about throughput - if the drive is capable of delivering all the necessary data on time, it'll be fine. If not - you'll get errors. The reason you're separating the data is that so that data access is spread amongst multiple drives and will lower the amount of data needed from each drive.

Originally Posted by fourthtunz

Lastly I should not use my usb drive for anything with protools correct?
I was thinking maybe I could use it to hold my air content/samples?
Thanks!

USB is only recommended on Windows 7 and Pro Tools 9. If you're on a Mac or using Pro Tools versions prior to 9, you should be using an internal SATA drive or FireWire drives.

[rhythmrokshocka]

MacBook Pro Snow Leopard 10.6.4
Lacie 1 terrabyte (partioned for audio/ VI's)
PT MBox mini
M audio midi interface
M audio studio monitors

How do I get the virtual instruments on the the separate drive? It doesnt prompt me during set up. Can I simply drag and drop into the other drive or will that create a mapping problem? Also, does it have to be a separate F. Wire drive or will the partioned suffice? I don't mind buying the extra drive I just want the best performance from my gear. Thx in advance for you help...
RhythmRokShocka

[TCM]

I have a separate hard drive for samples where the content of my VIs are stored.
You simply have to tell the VIs during installation where the content should go.

[Stig Eliassen]

How do I get the virtual instruments on the the separate drive? It doesnt prompt me during set up. Can I simply drag and drop into the other drive or will that create a mapping problem? Also, does it have to be a separate F. Wire drive or will the partioned suffice? I don't mind buying the extra drive I just want the best performance from my gear. Thx in advance for you help...

It has to be a separate drive. Two partitions still rely on the same drive mechanics to read/write data. Many VI installers will let you install the samples wherever you like. Read the docs carefully, and take your time with it.

[rhythmrokshocka]

Thanks for the prompt response guys. It looks like I will be a purchase drive for the VI's. Better than to be safe than sorry. Just have to read the prompt during the install a little more carefully....Good luck in all your musical endeavors!
RhythmRS

[rhythmrokshocka]

MacBook Pro 101.6.4
PT Mini Box
Lacie 1Terrabyte firewire drive
M Audio midi / USB converter
M Audio monitors

Can anyone make any recommendations for a good site for free RTAS plugins.
Not looking for 2nd generation or pirated copies but would like to my library if possible....thanks in advance!
RhythmRS

[patwoltenholme]

Yeah this is the single reason I swapped to Ableton Live for doing electronic music, I still use PT for post though. Obviously. It will always be king in that department.

[rdhyde91]

Can someone who is running superior drummer2.0 please give me detailed instructions for loading it and it's libraries. I have it loaded and running but it's using 30-40% of my CPU regardless of the settings in my playback engine.
I loaded everything on my system drive not knowing how to load it any other way and get it to work. I'm pretty sure this is my problem, but I'm unsure of the solution.

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by rdhyde91

Can someone who is running superior drummer2.0 please give me detailed instructions for loading it and it's libraries.:

Probably start another thread in the drum room and you will get some attention.....