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Old 05-05-2021, 09:20 AM   #1
777funk
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Default REaper using 99% CPU and barely playing my project. Where do I find the problem?

I have a LEnovo laptop with separate HDD for the audio files (vs the OS) both are internal. I have it running Reason (ReWired) and Superior Drummer 2.0 for VSTi and some stock Rea Plugins (ReaXComp several instances).

How would I begin to sleuth into what's killing my machine?

This is the first or second major project on the laptop. All else before has been simple remote location tracking.
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Old 05-05-2021, 09:28 AM   #2
domzy
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where are you viewing your CPU usage. in Reaper's performance meter or in Windows?
If the former, then it should be pretty easy to spot if any particular plugins or tracks are causing problems
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Old 05-05-2021, 03:05 PM   #3
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Is your secondary laptop drive ssd or hdd? If it`s HDD how slow is it?

This is unlikely to be related to you 99% cpu usage but might help things along.

Also, it would help if we knew what your cpu is and what ram you have.

Basic minimum checkup - download and run resplendence.com`s latency checker & see what it has to say about your system.
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Old 05-05-2021, 07:05 PM   #4
777funk
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Thanks for the replies. I have an old Lenovo running software from its era.

Lenovo T61 9300 2 magnetic drives
3gb ram

Running XP with:
Reaper 4
Reason 3.0.3
Superior Drummer 2.0
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Old 05-06-2021, 04:06 AM   #5
ivansc
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How slow is it was meant to encourage you to give the cpu SPEED.

I am assuming it is a core 2 2.5, which coupled with XP, only 3gb of ram & possibly 5400 rpm drive(s) means you are on the limit, even using XP. Especially since you cannot access any more ram if you are on 32bit windows.
Like I said, download resplendence.com`s latency checker & see what it comes up with before you go any further.

Also, do you actually have a proper audio/MIDI interface or are you using the built-in sound card?
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Old 05-06-2021, 05:43 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ivansc View Post
I am assuming it is a core 2 2.5, which coupled with XP, only 3gb of ram & possibly 5400 rpm drive(s) means you are on the limit, even using XP.
Couple this with the possibility that the Lenovo still has all of its "stock" software installed, which renders them nearly useless before you even install your applications. Was the unit wiped and pared down to the essentials?

Last edited by MiddleC; 05-06-2021 at 05:56 AM.
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:49 AM   #7
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I find these tweaks to be essential especially on older PCs:

https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/glitchfree/
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Old 05-06-2021, 11:47 AM   #8
777funk
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Thanks for the replies. Will try out the latency checker. No doubt it's got slow factory HDDs.

My work around for my immediate project is to mix the vsti tracks down to a stereo stem and keep on truckin. Maybe this is better anyways as I tend to nit pick a project to death if I don't call something done.

I should have added what interface... I have a few of them and all work about the same:
1. USBPre
2. Lexicon LAmbda
3. Tascam 122

I usually use the USBPre but do occasionally edit things (not record) with the factory laptop soundcard.

Thanks Philbo, Will try the catablile tweaks.
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:53 PM   #9
777funk
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I couldn't get the diagnostic software to run (Win Vista or newer only). But I did a lot of the things in the pdf and it seems to have improved the performance!

Mixing Superior Drummer 2 down to a stereo stem and shutting off the plugin saves me about 15% CPU.

There was one plugin (an SVT clone) that was crashing the system. I will just bounce the bass track through a real pedal and amp miced. PRobably sound better the old fashioned way anyways.

I now have about 50% CPU to spare and the project is near complete (at 80-100 tracks).

I really need to be more efficient with my tracking. This old laptop will help me with that! LOL.
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Old 05-06-2021, 11:12 PM   #10
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Forgot about that! In that case, you can use the old "go-to" latency checker, which DOES work with XP and from memory was a lot easier to understand than resplendence`s offering.

It is called DPCLat & I found it on softpedia.

In newer versions of Windows it always shows as 1000 ms, instead of doing accurate measuring, but in XP it should still work just fine.
Give it a go & see what your system comes up with.
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