CPU spikes and stutters

[theviewer1985]

Hi guys

I notice a few topics about this, but nothing that has answered it for me as yet.

My ableton has started CPU spiking. Once i have the basics of my tune laid out (Which will include several VSTs. Fair amount of FX and some master channel Fx) it seems to float around 42% CPU. This is great. But as the track plays it will suddenly spike to between 90% and 110% and the music will glitch for a second or two. This happens about 3 times a minute.

The CPU reading via task manager never really goes above 30%.

It used to be fine although granted I have swapped my soundcard since then into a "M Audio Fast track" .... but in between the swap i was using my on board soundcard. So there isn't any definitive transition so i can't point my finger straight to that!

I have my audio set up to use ASIO4ALL which has 512 buffering. My pc has 4gig of ram. Quad core. My samples are all coming from an external hard drive via USB.

I know all the standard CPU tricks. Closing programs down and setting up FX as sends etc

Think i covered it all
Thanks guys

[shinysideup]

Chances are, the spiking is occurring at the same places each time,
so take note of the exact point in time that the spike(s) occur.
This will tell you where to start looking in your tracks for the bottleneck.
Disable filters/effects one by one, then re-audition the song...
...you'll probably find it quickly.

[wehkah]

Try this:

- disable onboard soundcard
- disable coreparking (if you use a Intel I5/7)
- remove Asio4All - its crap 4 sho
- dont use the fasttrack with a usb hub

cheers
T

[shinysideup]

I'm using the fastrack USB and I have massive automation and clips flying through it without any choking.

[theviewer1985]

Thanks shinysideup, i didnt actually think of taking note exactly at what times the spike occurs. This might help me trial and error the route cause in the future



Wehkah: I have disabled the onboard sound already. I dont have core parking and i dont use a USB hub..... BUT i am very interested in what your saying about not using Asio4all?

To my knowledge (and trust me, my knowledge of asio and soundcards is MINIMAL) if the soundcard doesnt have its own Asio driver then downloading the asio4all is an absolute must?



Since posting this I'm actually selling the fast track and getting a "presonus audio box" instead. I hope that fixes my problems

[Thomas Galle]

Having the same Problem and went to Tech Support with this issue.

It started 2 weeks ago, close to the date of theviewer1985 entry.

CPU in Ableton shows more than 100 and the "sound" for sure is gone ... Windows CPU load shows not more than 30%

The funny thing is, I definetely did't change something with my Soft- or Hardware.
I tried the Factory Reset, changed the Soundcards, removed USB devices. No change.
Tried the Windows 7 hotfix with the USB issue, not dedicated for that computer.

Everything was working fine and smooth. It just happened without any change ...

Will keep you guys posted if Tech Support comes around with an solution.

@ theviewer1985 what kind of window version do you use??


Cheers

Thomas

[wehkah]

To my knowledge (and trust me, my knowledge of asio and soundcards is MINIMAL) if the soundcard doesnt have its own Asio driver then downloading the asio4all is an absolute must?

Using a Onboard Sound with Asio4All is definatly no option, maybe for an absolute beginner who not have clue about needed gear / software. Plz post your setup a bit more detailed (PC config, Software/Plugins, how many tracks and so on...). Try to disable wlan/ethernet, a well know source for cpu spikes & audio glitches.

peace
T

[Thomas Galle]

Ok Folks,

my problem is solved ...

And of course, it was NOT an Ableton problem!

Just found out that my CPU ventilator was loose and the CPU heated up.

In that case, Big Thanks to the Ableton Tech Support for being that patient.
Thats what I call a service, especially in Germany

Best regards,

Thomas

[wehkah]

wow, sounds tricky. i will keep it in mind.

[pencilrocket]

To my knowledge (and trust me, my knowledge of asio and soundcards is MINIMAL) if the soundcard doesnt have its own Asio driver then downloading the asio4all is an absolute must?

Using a Onboard Sound with Asio4All is definatly no option, maybe for an absolute beginner who not have clue about needed gear / software. Plz post your setup a bit more detailed (PC config, Software/Plugins, how many tracks and so on...). Try to disable wlan/ethernet, a well know source for cpu spikes & audio glitches.

peace
T

You are totally noob.

[theviewer1985]

Firstly thanks everyone for your input. I have been away for few days but just got back

Ok Thomas i use Windows 7. (not that you need any more info from me cus your fixed up now). Out of interest how did you find out your CPU was at fault? Was there some kind of system diagnostics that pin point issues?


I seem to have cured my spikes (i think)and I cant say what i did because i have done so much. Changed my soundcard to prosonus and closed a LOAD of programs. I now seem to have latency issues. But will open a new thread about that