Topic: performance problems rendering midi file

i have a midi file that i recorded a while ago that i would like to render using a recently posted FXP (Qexl's Truth Serum, which sounds very cool).  this midi file makes substantial demands: lots of pedal, high polyphony, bass clusters struck loudly and held for a long time, etc.  (it's kind of an experimental sonic piece.)

for the life of me, i can't figure out how to get Pianoteq to render this file to a flac without getting dreaded red lines in the performance meter.  i've made sure my CPUs are running in performance mode, i've increased the latency to the bottom of the menu, i've tried tweaking the highest allowable polyphony, but i still get cracks.  note that i'm not trying to produce anything in real time, i just want Pianoteq to take its time, do whatever computations it needs to do, and produce output.  if it took 24 hrs to do it i could live with that.  is there something else i can try to get the computation to work?  am i missing something?  or are there hardware limitations that can't be overcome even when running time is not a significant factor? 

my computer is running linux and the CPUs are Intel Core i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz.  it seems to me this should be enough power to do the job.  i often do very demanding computations on this box with no problem.  but i guess i could be underestimating what goes into the model.

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

[Disclaimer: I haven't had this problem, and I don't use Linux. If you get more informed suggestions, ignore mine!]

CPU performance mode and latency settings should have nothing to do with offline rendering.

You're using "Export to audio file" from the File menu on standalone Pianoteq?  You write, "I still get cracks" — meaning it's not just the performance meter showing red lines, you are able to hear defects in the audio file?

Does it seem like it is, in fact, rendering in real time? Does it fail in the same way if you play the MIDI file instead of rendering to an audio file?

Long shots:

If multicore rendering is enabled, try turning it off.
Do you get the same results rendering to WAV or to different bit depths of FLAC?
Do you get the same results running the Windows version under WINE (maybe it's Linux version glitch)?
If you can, try loading it as a virtual instrument in a DAW and doing the offline render through the DAW.

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

thanks for your advice.  i actually never tried to listen to the rendered output.  as soon as i saw the red lines i assumed the output was corrupted and aborted the process, but i guess there could be no problems.  i'll give that a try.

i will also try wav and different bits of flac.  multicore rendering is disabled.  i haven't had much luck with wine but perhaps i could try that.

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

just a followup.  i followed your advice and actually listened to the output.  i didn't hear any problems, even though at times the performance meter was completely destroyed (as in totally red from end to end).

https://i.ibb.co/9vr8dj3/Screenshot-2021-03-20-14-11-58.png

nevertheless there are no glitches in the output.  i guess Pianoteq is just happily rendering the file and is only showing me how foolish it would be to try to listen to this audio in real time.  definitely the process slows way down when things get tough.  when the meter was totally red, it took almost ten seconds to increase 1% in the output progress bar.

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

Excellent to know the render sounds glitch-free budo.

Would love to hear what you do with that FXP, super glad you enjoy it

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

Qexl wrote:

Excellent to know the render sounds glitch-free budo.

Would love to hear what you do with that FXP, super glad you enjoy it

the FXP is really awesome, please keep them coming.  it sounds so much more intense and interesting than a lot of pad sounds.  but it does make certain demands on hardware

here's the track:

https://hearthis.at/budosaurus/titan/

Last edited by budo (25-03-2021 21:22)

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

Wow, thanks Budo - you've made a wonderful exposition - from soft to pushed to max, pitch wheeling, playing with the inherent rhythmic pulsing etc.

Feels like I've entered into your creative world through my own ears, in a weird but excellent fun way

Keep up your interesting creations! Love soundscapes and moods like you do so well. Such a science fiction film soundtrack feel, love it - great memorable moments within.

So super good to hear how Pianoteq with Truth Serum has been inspiring for you!

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

Thanks Budo, I love this track !
And thanks for putting me on the path to this FXP !

Re: performance problems rendering midi file

thank you, Qexl and Gaston, for your kind words and encouragement!