Logic Pro Problem

Question

Level 1

8 points

Logic Pro Problem

I got a new MacBook Pro a couple of days ago - 2.2ghz, 4GB RAM, 7200rpm HD.

I also got Logic Studio with it, and there seems to be something wrong somewhere:-

I've created a new Logic project, and chosen the Compose->Electronic template.

And, I've tried recording a 4-bar phrase, on just 3 of the instruments, and my CPU meter is constantly into the red, and also dropping out/distorting.

Surely my new MBP should be a lot more capable than this?!

Using the inbuilt soundcard, by the way.

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 1, 2008 8:37 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 1, 2008 10:07 AM in response to MarkW19

Some of the demo songs are pretty huge and inefficient. If the instruments and plugins are installed, they take up cpu resources even if they are not being played. Try bypassing the inserts and instruments that are unused.

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Answer 2

de palm

Level 1

65 points

Feb 1, 2008 10:48 AM in response to MarkW19

I got the exactly same system.
Try to create an empty project and add the things (instruments and plug-ins) you might need to work with.

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Answer 3

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 12:17 PM in response to de palm

I've tried that - I added piano, strings, bass, drums, and my CPU is constantly in the red, and it often stutters. Even just playing the piano with no other instruments loaded puts the CPU at well over 50%!

Are your samples you use stored on your internal HD? How many software instruments and effects do you get out of your MBP, and what sort of CPU usage?

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Answer 4

Feb 1, 2008 1:27 PM in response to MarkW19

How much RAM do you have?

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Answer 5

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 1:40 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

4GB.

My RAM usage - both in Logic and Mainstage - is minimal, 20% absolute maximum at all times in Mainstage, and hardly 10% most of the time in Logic.

In Mainstage, my CPU is constantly in the red, and it's the same in Logic. Both with just a small number of simple instruments.

Message was edited by: MarkW19

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Answer 6

Feb 1, 2008 1:44 PM in response to MarkW19

Turn your Buffer size up in the Audio prefs to 128 or 256 and see if that improves things.

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Answer 7

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Sampleconstruct

This is already at 256, unfortunately.

I just loaded one sound - Steinway Piano Hall - and while playing, the CPU is at 75%+, just with the one sound!

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Answer 8

Feb 1, 2008 2:29 PM in response to MarkW19

I'm getting 10 times the performance out of my old G4. Something is WAY wrong. Is it possible that you have some bad RAM of some other hdwr problem?

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Answer 9

Zuelito

Level 4

1,515 points

Feb 1, 2008 2:38 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

Make sure the 'I/O Safety Buffer' checkbox, found under Devices in the Audio Preferences box, is UNCHECKED. It will kill your performance if it is activated.

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Answer 10

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 2:40 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

It's possible - my RAM is 2 matched pairs from Crucial. My HD is a 7200rpm internal too, but both RAM/HD seem to be performing fine both in Logic and Mainstage. It seems to be just CPU, according to the meters...

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Answer 11

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Zuelito

It is unchecked.

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Answer 12

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 3:27 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

I just ran the Apple hardware test, and everything was reported fine (inc. the RAM)...

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Answer 13

Feb 1, 2008 4:57 PM in response to MarkW19

I'd be goin' nuts by now. Do you have any apps on your computer that would have installed rewire? How about 3rd party plugins?

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Answer 14

MarkW19 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2008 5:05 PM in response to Data Stream Studio

Nothing at all! I just installed the full Logic Studio package (everything except Soundtrack Pro), and I don't have any 3rd party plugins. My MBP and Logic came from Apple at the same time, so my machine is brand new - I even did a clean install of the OS when I got it.

Hmm. OK - I/O buffer set to 256, buffer range Large, I/O safety OFF, Logic only program open, just created one software instrument track (stereo) - chose Steinway Grand Piano Hall from the Library - and as soon as I start playing normally (sustained notes/chords), my bottom of the 2 CPU meter jumps and stays at 50%+. Surely this isn't normal? As soon as I add another couple of instruments, the bottom one is into the red, and the top one is about >40% also.

HD and RAM however, are only ~15% maximum - even with a LOT going on (the demo songs, etc.).

It's the same in Mainstage - RAM 20% max, but CPU constantly into the red - I have a patch with just piano/2 strings/organ, and before I even start playing, after I select the patch the CPU jumps to 50% even before I've played a note!

Is it worth trying the original 2GB RAM I got in my Macbook Pro?

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Answer 15

Feb 1, 2008 9:07 PM in response to MarkW19

Have you checked what's going on in Activity Monitor? You surely have something in the background running. When using the EXS on 32-bit floating point mode on my MacMini 1,83, the CPU meter barely registers. I'm still on LP7 but i can't believe version 8 alone could cause this. Did you went through standard stuff like repairing permissions after installations, etc.? Good luck...

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