Hello,
My engineer has the Protools HDX setup and has almost no latency with massive sessions, he probably uses more or the same about of FX plugins as me on a 12 core mac from 2012. I’ve been using a Mbox mini 3 and Scarlet 2i2 for the longest time, but once sessions begin to grow I can’t run sessions lower than 1024 buffer rate without pops. Asio gaurd is worse when engaged.
Specs:
Windows 7 Ultimate
DAW: Cubase 8 (newest update) and Vienna Ensemble Pro 5
CPU: 3930k
RAM: 64gb 1600mz
Motherboard: GA x79 UD5
HD: 10 SATA 3 SSDs for samples, 1 for OS and DAW. Mostly 840 Pros and 850 Evos.
PSU: 1500W
The most intense libraries were in my sata 3 ports, the rest sata 2. However I upgraded to a LSI adapter, now all my SSDs are sata 3 through my PCIe lane, and my OS drive remains in my motherboard SATA bay. That has only helped with load times or drop outs. I have also tried using multiple VE Pros with less instruments.
My question is - How do I get low latency with big sessions? Is there something like the HDX box for Cubase or do I just need an internal RME or UAD soundcard? Maybe I need a slave? I know theoretically a better sound card should only matter while recording, but this is kind of pathetic for my setup. I don’t think upgrading to the newest Chipset will matter, since my Sandy Bridge Enthusiast rig is very good.
One thing I can point out that helped tremendously - I now mix exclusively in VE Pro, disabling all outputs to Cubase except like 10 outputs, so I can modulate certain synths and instruments.
Thanks!