Topic by macsaif

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Topic: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

At the moment I am usin Studiologic SL88 Grand + Dexibell SX7 module but I feel limited little bit with the SX7 module. I have tried the Pianoteq 6 Trial and I think I found my way. I have purchased an M-Audio AIR Hub interface (the reason I have not purchased Focusrite, Stinberg,.... is that I do not need any audio input). The Pianoteq works without any noticable problem in standalone mode (Buffer 64, 48kHz, 96 polyphony but works with more too). I see some CPU overload peaks but no any audible sign of overload. Because I want to substitute my SX7 module by computer and VST´s I have installed the trial version of Cantabile and some additional VST plugins like GSI VB3, Kontakt, etc. With this setup I can substitute my Dexibell module and have much more other possibilities. But.....
It seems that I can not run the Pianoteq under Cantabile with the same specification because the CPU overload is now audible (cracking sound). I have tried tho change the buffer size to 256 and at the moment it seems to work but I need more time to check wether any problems will occur. This problem I have had also in case I have had only Pianoteq VST opened in the Cantabile.
With 256 buffer it worked with more VSTs in layered mode.
My questions are:
1. Is it a normal behaviour that the Pianoteq has lower performance in DAW?
2. Can anybody confirm that there is the same experience with the buffer size under DAW? The 256 is acceptable for me but I have to be sure that it will not cause any problems because in live situation it is not acceptable!
2. Can it be caused by the soundcard?
3. Can it be caused by the Cantabile?

Thank you in advance!
Frank

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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Re: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

Yes, yes, and double yes, says I.  Each is possible.  Each one is a possible answer to your questions.

Check this out: https://forum.modartt.com/viewtopic.php?id=6759 (a reference about problems associated with Pianoteq usage specifically in Cantabile).

Pianoteq users have been encouraged to use Gig Performer instead of Cantabile.  A direct link to the Gig Performer website appears in even a registered user's user area for his receiving a 10% discount off of the software's retail price!

Here's a link to the website: https://gigperformer.com/.

Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.

Reply by macsaif

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Re: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

Yesterday I have tried quickly the Gig Performer. It seems to be better. I think at the beginning I have noticed some cracks but later on it was smooth with buffer 64!
I have compared the noise level of the M-Audio Air Hub with the Dexibell SX7. The Dexibell is super silent, practically unaudible. The Air hub has slightly more noise, it is audible approx. from the half volume. My question is wether it make sense to try another interface. I am considering Steinberg UR22, Focusrite, some Behringer or Motu M2. Do you have any experience which could be better in terms of stability and nouise level?
I am planning to use it in 48kHz 24bit mode.

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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Re: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

Currently I use a legacy Focusrite Saffire PRO DSP interface per my member profile.  It is quiet as long as I've no audio signal going to it  —and is even quiet whenever without a signal I turn its volume knob to its maximum loudness position.

I've no problems at all with it!

Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.

Reply by dklein

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Re: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

I am quite happy with my Steinberg UR-22 mk II...which is now discontinued, I believe.

- David

Reply by macsaif

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Re: Pianoteq + Cantabile + M-Audio AIR HUB

I jave ordered Motu M2,bitvis quite good. No audible noise on the output, till now it seems that it has no any dropouts. Anly thing that the Pianoteq is running with 32bit depth. I do not know wether it is pointlessly overloading the CPU or not. The 24 bit depth should be enough however I can not switch in the MOTO M2 conttol panel to other bith depth than 32. I will test this setup with Cantabile again, if it have stability issues with Pianoteq, I will stay with Gig performer. I ambplanning to run few VSTs only:
Pianoteq Pro or Studio
Vb3 II
Kontakt or Omnisphere
EXPRESSIVE-E UVI
Surge
And maybe some other VA

Not more than 4 at once.