Logic Pro preference settings for iMac 5K

There are not just one settings. There are multiple settings that you have to adjust and also change depending on your specific Project and task you are performing.

CPU/HD Meter

First, have the CPU/HD Meter always visible, so you can monitor your system to see if it operates smoothly or if it is choking and requires you to adjust it.

In the Logic's Control Bar, choose the Custom Display Mode (which shows the mini CPU Meters), or click on them to open the separate floating CPU/HD Meter.

In the Audio Devices Preferences, you can adjust the following settings:

I/O Buffer Size

Basic Rule: When recording, set it to the lowest value possible before getting any overload messages (monitor the CPU Meter). The line below tells you the Latency. When Mixing, set it to the highest value, because latency doesn't matter in that case.

Processing Threads

Leave it on Automatic so Logic chooses how many cores (and virtual cores) it uses. Or you can select the highest number to make sure you utilize all the horsepower. A good idea is to quit any other app running in the background that might use up CPU resource (no, you don't have to check Facebook constantly, it's gonna be fine).

Process Buffer Range:

This sets the chunks the audio stream is chopped up to be processed. The Large setting is more for older (CPU-challenged) machines. You can try the Small setting for faster audio processing, again, monitor the CPU Meter.

Multithreading:

Set it to Playback and Live Tracks. This is especially important when you use Summing Stacks and have its Main Track selected. Usually, the processing of the entire signal flow of the stack is processed by a single core (thread), but using this Live mode will distribute the load more evenly across the CPU cores.

Very Important:

Don't leave a Track (especially Instrument Track) selected in the Tracks Area if you are not recording on it. Selecting a Track puts it into so-called "Live Mode", which you can see as a big spike on the last CPU bar of the CPU Meter. You can create a Track with no Channel Strip assignment for "parking purposes".

Conclusion:

As I said, there are many variables that you have to take into account. React accordingly.

Hope that helps

EdgarRothermich - LogicProGEM.com

(Author of the "Graphically Enhanced Manuals")

http://DingDingMusic.com/Manuals/

'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.'

What audio interface?

Recording filetype wav(44.1 or 48k) @ 24bit.