Ableton Forum

I am having a major issue with CPU overload using Ableton. The problem started in Ableton 9 and has persisted/worsened in version 10. To explain:

1. I’m working on an existing project (that was actually started in Ableton 8 and has progressed with me through 9 and 10)
2. When I open the project it works fine for approx 10-15 minutes THEN the CPU appears to jump around everywhere. Major glitches in playback before becoming virtually unplayable (it almost sounds like the track is running in slow-mo)
3. When I close and re-open Live the same problem persists, until I close down the laptop for a few hours and come back to it

This now happens EVERY TIME I work on this project in Live. I am using a top of the range 2017 MacBook Pro with the following specs:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
Processor: 3.3 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory: 16 GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3
Graphics: intel Iris Graphics 550 1536 MB

So there is no reason the laptop should be at fault.

I have tried doing all the CPU saving tricks (freezing/flattening tracks, group bus tracks for effects etc) and nothing is working!

Any Help Appreciated!!!

Regards, Rich

If you started this project in 8, you should have been done with it ages ago....

As it sounds like you have been with Ableton for a while then you probably have tried all the usual trouble shooting tricks (changing the buffer has no effect right?)

It is possible that it could be your OS. One of my friends recently had major issues with live after booting his new MB from a time machine backup. Strangely it was only live that gave him issues.

Are you using an audio interface? It might not be supported for your current OS.

I would suggest contacting support and maybe changing the title of your post so that more knowledgeable Mac users can chime in.

ricoeliso wrote: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
Processor: 3.3 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory: 16 GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3
Graphics: intel Iris Graphics 550 1536 MB

That's a duocore machine. Baseline really is quadcore these days, unless you use only external instruments. Maybe you do? Could you please describe what you have in your tracks in more detail?

Audio buffer settings?

If you're using the same settings and setup in L8/9/10 and are experiencing issues with L10 only, then you'd probably better off getting in touch with [email protected].
First I'd try thrashing Live's preferences, and check the 3rd party plugins in your set.

if you're using pirated plugins/vsts, that may be the issue.

I agree with stromkraft.

Also, I don't know what kind of project you are doing. Is it a song? A set for like live performance? There are many variables.

If it were for instance an installation, in that case it might be best off to stick to the version of Live it was initially created on as it is unlikely to take advantage of new features.

If it is an ongoing work it is probably okay. But if you continually add and add and add new content you ought to also be aware that there are eventually limits where you'll need to compromise on flexibility and start bouncing things down to streamline the set.

Ableton has become a joke and so unreliable since Live 10

tomf wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:14 am

Ableton has become a joke and so unreliable since Live 10

Can you elaborate?
I know many people, including myself, that think that Live is better and more reliable than ever.