V-‐Machine Operating Manual
Page 16 of 66
SM Pro Audio
sounds whilst keeping the CPU and latency performance under control. The more you load into
a single preset the more likely you are to reach the CPU performance ceiling.
Check the vertical CPU status indicator on the right hand side of the LCD display to see just how
much CPU power is being used at any one time.
6.2
Managing resources
6.2.1
CPU considerations
The V-‐Machines firmware is purpose built for high performance operation and optimized to
ensure most CPU cycles are dedicated to processing audio. However, just like any standard
computer, there is a performance ceiling where the processor will have reached its maximum
performance capability.
The performance ceiling of the V-‐Machine with regard to CPU power is dependant on many
factors. It is only by using the V-‐Machine you will learn to appreciate how to obtain the best
possible performance results. The main thing to remember at all times is that any active
feature/function consumes CPU calculation power.
6.2.2
Optimising presets
Some of the following tips are worth considering to help make the best use of the V-‐Machine’s
CPU:
•
Be mindful that all Gain adjustment calculations consume CPU cycles. As such, if you
can set mixer faders to zero dB efficiencies can be made. It can be useful to keep the
master fader at zero dB and adjust the channel volumes accordingly to reduce gain
calculations.
•
Adjust each Presets Audio Buffer Parameter to achieve the best balance of performance
latency and CPU usage. The Audio Buffer Parameter setting can be configured on a per
Preset basis. See
section 11.4
VFX Buffer Parameter for more information.
•
Setting Pan settings hard left, hard right, or absolute centre in the Mixer reduces the
quantity of stereo field calculations demanded of the CPU.
•
Select a mono input if appropriate. There is no need to process a stereo input signal for
a mono source such as an electric or bass guitar.
•
If you only want to run a single plugin in a particular Preset, it is advisable to load the
plugin into Plugin Slot A in channel 1 of the Mixer. The V-‐Machine recognises this state
and passes audio directly though the Mixer enabling efficiencies.
•
Utilize FX sends rather than inserting a dedicated effect plugin on each channel. This
way you can share the effect resource between multiple channels.
•
Setting an audio channels FX send parameter to set to zero will not use any CPU
resources. As such, if a plugin is using very small amounts of a particular shared effect in
the FX bus it may be advisable to switch it off entirely!
•
Switch off plugins that you can hardly hear. They are using up precious resources!
