System Setup Question - Mac All In One or PC Hybrid?

Cubase
1

Hi, so I currently have an M1 Max (32GB RAM) running Cubase and an Intel i7 12700k (128GB RAM) running VEP (Vienna Ensemble Pro), connected via 10G ethernet. This system works well and has been very solid for me since about 2021 when I bought it. However I can’t really dip below 512buffer setting.

I’m curious what people think about switching over to a new Mac Studio M5 Max with 128GB of ram and running Cubase and VEP on one computer? I would still want to use VEP for many reasons, but am curious about peoples experience with two medium performance computers vs one high performance computer.

Thanks!

2

What audio interface are you using?

3

I have a MOTU 1248. Without VEP connected I can go down lower, but with it connected I get CPU spikes and Cubase/VEP crashes.

4

Unless you want to record a live performance, I wouldn’t worry about buffer size. Mine is set to 512, as well.

5

That’s a bit odd, as Vienna would allow a more even load distribution among cores. Have you explored all possibilities (the buffers inside Vienna)? My setup is 4 generations older and, with no Vienna, I’m working with 128 buffer using orchestral libraries in kontakt 8.

Your pc is highly capable, I would explore ongoing problems and solve them, rather than splurge on a Mac (or other pc).

6

With that said, I do play all my parts in realtime, so a low latency is a must. I’m still using a pci interface allowing me glitch free low latency - amazing how some tech did get older so well, and some new tech just couldn’t keep up!…

If you step input them, or otherwise program them, the 512 buffer is of no consequence.

7

So I do have a very large template. About 12 group channels that each have two reverbs and a delay by default. So about 36 FX sends, plus all the returns from Vienna. Maybe about 50 stereo returns.

I don’t mind 512 for myself, but I do notice an improvement in my playingwhen I drop by buffer size. And I have to go down to 256 when I record other musicians.

Unfortunately when I do, it’s only a matter of time before Vienna drops a connection, and Cubase crashes.

I would love to solve this with my current hardware and not have to upgrade.