Mac Mini and PT11

[fasttraxx]

>>>On the imac I have documented 3.7GHz sustained turbo up to 75% CPU load.

Nice

>>I have stress tested the system with 100 tracks and 300 plugins and then dropped 8 tracks in to record at 96/64. Still worked so for me - I'm covered...

That sounds like more tracks and plugins then I would ever need.

-------
>>HDN TB is working well for me.
This is good to hear.


>>I miss the simplicity of my old TDM system but with enough constraints in place my HDN workflow is pretty close to the same. I also think that this system will continue to improve with each PT and OSX release...

I like how the TDM just worked and feared of native. I have a powerbook with PT 10 native (not HDnative) and it works o.k., but not like my TDM.

[propower]

I looked up some test documentation I did

20 tracks 200 channel strips - ~40%CPU 64degC
40 tracks 400 channel strips - ~ 67%CPU and 87degC

Typical recording - two to four tracks - Peaks around 30% with average at half that - 8 or 16 tracks will be minimally different.

My typical session when done with limiters and whatever on Master ~ 20%CPU.

I very purposefully buy the computer to be light loaded so that it is never the issue.

[fasttraxx]

Originally Posted by propower

I looked up some test documentation I did

20 tracks 200 channel strips - ~40%CPU 64degC
40 tracks 400 channel strips - ~ 67%CPU and 87degC

Typical recording - two to four tracks - Peaks around 30% with average at half that - 8 or 16 tracks will be minimally different.

My typical session when done with limiters and whatever on Master ~ 20%CPU.

I very purposefully buy the computer to be light loaded so that it is never the issue.

Does HD Native help with The load or only latency?

Does HD Native offer same functions as HD TDM?

Trying to decide if HD Native (I would choose Thunderbolt) is necessary.
I'm considering tracking with current HD TDM rig and mixing with a native rig.
And possible going with Apollo interface for I/O and extra dsp.

[propower]

Does HD Native help with The load or only latency?

Not that I know of. It gives one access to PCIe/TB and allows much lower latency drivers to get data in and out of the computer vs FW and USB.

Does HD Native offer same functions as HD TDM?
No. Pro tools is pro tools so software is the same - up to PT10
PT11 will not run on TDM
TDM has built in dsp - all Native must go through the CPU.
TDM has many dsp plugins that are not ported over to AAX/AAX64
etc...

Many folks are keeping TDM for tracking and Native for mixing. For the resale on TDM at this point - not a bad idea at all...

[Bill Denton]

Originally Posted by propower

Does HD Native help with The load or only latency?

Not that I know of. It gives one access to PCIe/TB and allows much lower latency drivers to get data in and out of the computer vs FW and USB.

Does HD Native offer same functions as HD TDM?
No. Pro tools is pro tools so software is the same - up to PT10
PT11 will not run on TDM
TDM has built in dsp - all Native must go through the CPU.
TDM has many dsp plugins that are not ported over to AAX/AAX64
etc...

Many folks are keeping TDM for tracking and Native for mixing. For the resale on TDM at this point - not a bad idea at all...

Does HD Native offer same functions as HD TDM?
No. Pro tools is pro tools so software is the same - up to PT10

Not quite correct...

There is only one installer for Pro Tools 11...it is the license on the iLok that determines the functionality...

Pro Tools - This is the base "native" version, with fewer features available than in the higher-end products.

Pro Tools HD Native (Requires HD Native card or Thunderbolt interface) - This is the same as Pro Tools HD (below) except for the limitations imposed by the HD Native hardware...maximum 64 I/O, no DSP functions, a few other things.

Pro Tools HD - (Requires 1 or more HDX cards) This is the "full" Pro Tools HD system.

But there's MORE...and it's all right here:

http://www.avid.com/US/products/Pro-Tools-Software

[V5V]

Originally Posted by Bill Denton

Pro Tools HD Native (Requires HD Native card or Thunderbolt interface) - This is the same as Pro Tools HD (below) except for the limitations imposed by the HD Native hardware...maximum 64 I/O, no DSP functions, a few other things.

Also not correct. The HD software can be run with whatever interface you want. Adding the Native Interface (PCIe or Thunderbolt) adds capability in the form of reduced latency etc. but it is not required.

[trackone]

I am thinking about the Mini with HD Native. Can someone tell me about the connectivity when using Thunderbolt with dual monitors. Is this possible? What adapters and what about reliability?

[Mike496]

Check out this thread for dual monitor setup

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=352414

[Bookerv12]

If you get the Caldigit T-bolt box, you can use the HDMI from the Mini and the HDMI from the Caldigit to run two monitors.

Update:

Sorry.
I think I repeated info from the above posters link.

[trackone]

It looks as if I can use the pass thru on the Magma chassis and the HDMI for the other. Anyone using this OK?