Topic by AlexTecladista

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Topic: Help with performance

Hi all,

I have a new laptop, which should be powerful enough to run Pianoteq at full blast!!

I still don't understand what Sample Rate and Buffer I should choose. With the params I selected it sounds gorgeous, but I am still experiencing some cracks.

I am an intermediate player and play mostly rock, so nothing too complex.

I want to insert an image but I don't know how to, so these are my settings:

Windows 10
Intel Core i5-8250U @ 1.6 GHz

Sample Rate = 88200 Hz
Buffer = 726 samples (8.7 ms)

Internal sample rate = 44100 Hz

Performance Index shows: 52..106.


Also, I get the warning: large fluctuations. What does it mean?



Thanks in advance

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Help with performance

1.6 GHz is not exactly "happy" for Pianoteq. And definitely not at 88.2k. I see that 8250U can go up to 3.4 GHz, so make sure your power profile is set to max performance instead of battery saving - this is very important.

You're getting large fluctuations because by default your CPU speed changes depending on load in order to save battery. This is NOT good for audio performance - you need your CPU to perform at its maximum at all times.

Last edited by EvilDragon (04-05-2018 17:01)
Hard work and guts!

Reply by Groove On

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Re: Help with performance

My two MacBook Airs have old versions of the same CPU and can run Pianoteq at full speed with no dropouts or crackles.

For reference:
- 4th generation i5 4250U @ 1.3 GHz = PI of 40-72
- 5th generation i5 5250U @ 1.6 GHz = PI of 72-112

Notes:
I do get dropouts and crackles when “power saving mode” is ON.

Last edited by Groove On (04-05-2018 22:23)

Reply by marcos daniel

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Re: Help with performance

Are you using ASIO or windows audio exclusive mode?

Reply by AlexTecladista

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Re: Help with performance

Thanks EVilDragon, yeah, I forgot to set the power profile to performance. That did it!

Now I have Performance Index >100, no cracks and no fluctuations and I even reduced the buffer a bit. Sounds beautiful.

Yeah, I use ASIO drivers.

Thanks all.

Reply by joannchr

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Re: Help with performance

AlexTecladista wrote:

Hi all,

I have a new laptop, which should be powerful enough to run Pianoteq at full blast!!

I still don't understand what Sample Rate and Buffer I should choose. With the params I selected it sounds gorgeous, but I am still experiencing some cracks.

I am an intermediate player and play mostly rock, so nothing too complex.

I want to insert an image but I don't know how to, so these are my settings:

Windows 10
Intel Core i5-8250U @ 1.6 GHz

Sample Rate = 88200 Hz
Buffer = 726 samples (8.7 ms)

Internal sample rate = 44100 Hz

Performance Index shows: 52..106.


Also, I get the warning: large fluctuations. What does it mean?


Thanks in advance

. Sample rate is way too high and this is the likely cause of the issue , given the specs of the processor I would recommend 44.1 KHz which is CD quality . In studio recording , you need more ( 96 or 292) but this is for the purpose of mixing , the final product (CD) is always produced at 44.1 KHz sample rate 16 bits . So set your sample rate at 44.1 and try to lower your buffer size to 128 to optimise sound latency. If it works fine at 128 , then you are all set , as the performance price to go below is a bit worthless in case of piano playing ( human ear is struggling to detect latency below 10ms ) . If 128 creates cracks , then increase to 256 , and worst case 512.  Make sure no other programs are running , disable wifi and Bluetooth, desactivate antivirus when you play , optimise power savings and then you should be fine .

Last edited by joannchr (11-01-2023 13:58)

Reply by Zaskar

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Re: Help with performance

@joannchr
Since his post is from may 2018, he should be good by now I guess.

"Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."

Reply by joannchr

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Re: Help with performance

Zaskar wrote:

@joannchr
Since his post is from may 2018, he should be good by now I guess.

oh !! You are right , must have appeared when I was searching for a topic . Well , at least the answer might help other people too , as a lot of people are confused with the various parameters and the vendor advertising very often add to confusion as they try to sell you more features or technical capacities than one will ever need .