More RAM = no better performance?!?

[fly-deluxe]

I just installed 1 gig of RAM into my Powerbook. I don't really see much in the way of performance, particularly with being able to use additional plug-ins.

My system consists of a 17" 1.33Ghz Powerbook that had 512M stock, now upgraded to 1.5 gigs, a LaCie Firewire 800 drive, and a Digi002 rack running Pro Tools 6.2.2, upgraded for Panther.

Initially when I had a few instances of Kontakt and Sampletank running, playback was slowing down and getting all jumbled. When I froze the plugs, performance increased. That's what led me to getting more RAM.

I installed the RAM according to Apple's directions, then verified that my system recognized all 1.5 gigs. But when I relaunched Pro Tools, I got the same problems with the plug ins. Am I supposed to have reconfigured something in Pro Tools?

[mersisblue]

If your in OS9 then I believe you do configure your ram

either way you can probably increase your buffer size to a higher setting

[horse]

At a point yes. You can have all the RAM in the world but if the CPU has had enough then its game over.

I am also experiencing total frustration with my mac (G4 733). It just hasnt lived up to what I thought it would be and Protools on this system just isn't up to the job of recording and mixing whole tracks (live drums etc...) with the required amount of compressors, eqs, reverbs etc.. I just think that G4s arn't what they were cracked up to be and Im cynical about the claims of the G5.

[mersisblue]

I have a g4 1ghz single and I get much more than just drum tracks

I can get 16 tracks no problem when it comes to plugins

if you need the power audiosuite them , or what I do more often is to record the wet signal

on another track

[horse]

16 tracks dont go very far at all (just about drums, bass and maybe a couple of guitars). Forget it if you want to add a decent reverb or two on top of this or a decent virtual instrument. Then what about the rest of the band not forgetting the shakers and tambourines! The whole system just sags and becomes unworkable. Bouncing the whole time is just impractical and inhibits experimentation (thus creativity).

Maybe things are better with a 1ghz but I doubt world changingly so....

[where02190]

If your in OS9 then I believe you do configure your ram

The poster stated they are running PT6 (which is OSX only) on panther.

[fly-deluxe]

or what I do more often is to record the wet signal

on another track

That's what I'm doing. I just wonder why I can't get more plugs with more RAM. Too bad I can't return my RAM.

[Carl Z]

I dumped my powerbook becuase the soft synth power just wasn't there. If you using panther, you should make sure the CPU performance is set to highest (fastest) in the energy saver control panel. If it's set to automatic you may not be getting the most out of the CPU.

C

[fly-deluxe]

Awesome. Thanks, maybe that's what the problem was.

[Slim Shady]

I just wonder why I can't get more plugs with more RAM

Because RAM doesn't equal Plug-ins, CPU equals plug-ins. Once you've got 512mb or so for OS X, you're not going to get more plug-ins by adding more RAM (unless it's a RAM based sampler, but that just means you can load larger samples).

I have a 1ghz TiBook and have no problem mixing 32 track sessions with as many plugs as my system can take. When I run out of RTAS cpu power, I just audiosuite and free up some CPU - that's what PTLE is all about, you're not supposed to get unlimited plug-ins.

Too bad I can't return my RAM.

Even though it didn't help your PT performance, I can assure you your computer is finding ways to utilize that extra RAM - keep it, it's good for you!