Opinions on viability of this setup for SO/HO

[rsg22]

Greetings all,

I'm looking to upgrade to EW from my current library and am interested in both SO and HO (Gold for both). I've been going through the tutorials and reading up on what I can, but I'd like to get a better idea of what kind of performance I can reasonably expect from my current setup:

- Macbook Pro (2015) 2.2GHz quad-core i7, 16GB RAM, SSD
- WD 1TB external SSD via Thunderbolt II
- Audient iD14 interface
- Digital Performer, Logic Pro X

My machine lies somewhere between EastWest's minimum requirements and recommended system. I realize answers to questions like this are dependent on the size of the template, which instruments are chosen, etc.

My assumptions are:

- SO: Probably get a decent sized template going, full orchestra
- HO: Possibly get a basic/traditional template going using the less-intensive samples (no Powerful System, maybe no Legato?) - not as sure what to expect here...

Looking for confirmation (or rejection) of my assumptions, and any other information on what I should expect running SO & HO on this setup.

I also have a Mac Pro 1.1 that's been retrofitted with better CPU's, 16GB RAM, and SSD's. Definitely long in the tooth, but I could put it back to work as a low/mid-range VEP slave.

[LMW]

Hey,

RAM and CPU look good. Obviously, you will eventually run into latency
issues, which will be noticeable when you hear pops / clicks during playback.
In this case, you can try a few of the suggestions, which I have added at the
bottom.
Drives also look good. Remember to not use the OS drive for the samples - it's
a latency issue due to constant reading / writing from background programs.
The WD 1TB SSD via Thunderbolt II also looks good.

All in all, you have a mid-level computer, which should be easily able to get
you up to 40-60 patches, depending on which patches you're loading.

Remember that you can use a keyswitch patch with your template, but since
a KS includes multiple patches itself, you'll just have to calculate accordingly.

You can checkout my template for 32GB here:
http://soundsonline-forums.com/showt...50363&p=760129

--- --- ---

Misc computer / Play settings - Here are a few things, which
you can do to improve your DAW capabilities:

- Turn off WIFI and BlueTooth
- Unplug your LAN cable (basically, get off the internet)
- Turn off all background programs such as security etc.
Depending on your security settings, these might actually
be scanning the samples prior to them loading / playing.
- Only open your DAW. Check how many programs are
automatically run upon startup.

NOTE: Please remember that the turned off security settings
should be re-enabled prior to connecting to the internet again!

p. 60: The Sample Cache feature allows you to determine how many
of the samples are loaded directly into RAM or are streamed from the drive.
Test out different levels to see if that helps.
p. 58: The Sample Purge feature allows you to remove any not used
samples from the RAM.
http://www.soundsonline-forums.com/d...ser-Manual.pdf

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

[rsg22]

Lorenz -

Thank you - incredibly helpful information. A couple follow-up questions/requests for clarification:

Originally Posted by LMW

...
All in all, you have a mid-level computer, which should be easily able to get
you up to 40-60 patches, depending on which patches you're loading.
...

I'm assuming this is referring to Hollywood Orchestra (not Symphonic Orchestra), and since you posted a link to your 32GB template (thank you) - I'm also assuming this estimate is based on running HO from both the Macbook Pro and and Mac Pro/VEP (load split across two machines)? It's my understanding with Composer Cloud that you can only license on one machine at a time hence my question.

I was also wrong about the specs of my old Mac Pro (which could potentially serve as a VEP slave) - correct specs are 32GB RAM (not 16), 2x quad-core 2.66GHz Xeon, SSD. In which case it would probably make sense to run HO/VEP from this machine and use the Macbook Pro as the DAW host.

Would I be able to get a Symphonic Orchestra full-size template running on the Macbook Pro alone?

Thanks again.

[LMW]

Hey,

I'm assuming this is referring to Hollywood Orchestra (not Symphonic Orchestra)

Ah, right. My template is mainly HO with a bit of SO sprinkled in between
- though I've changed it up a bit, but not much, still HO first and foremost.
SO Wagner Tubas are the best - especially when coarse fully down-pitched.

I'm also assuming this estimate is based on running HO
from both the Macbook Pro and and Mac Pro/VEP

I'd actually estimated the 40-60 tracks for a 16GB RAM PC.
Obviously using any and all methods to optimize the tracks,
as well as not using the totally heavy-weight patches.

The template I linked is only one of mine (duh), and I have another
one, which utilizes 160+ patches on 32GB of RAM. That was one of
my most optimized ones with lite patches and lots of percussion for
an ethnic set-up.
Since I also only use Platinum / Diamond versions, I added a bit more
wiggle-room for the Gold versions, since those aren't so intensive.

It's my understanding with Composer Cloud that you can
only license on one machine at a time hence my question.

That is correct. You can get an additional license at a 50% discount,
if you contact our sales dept. at sales@eastwestsounds.com.

Cheers.