Ableton Forum

I am using Live to record and loop my electronic drumkit in a live situation.

I arm a few tracks and use a Roland SPD-20 and midi note numbers to start ,stop and launch recorded loops on the fly.

Here's the problem: I can only get a few tracks with minimal effects going and then my G4 Tibook gets really bogged down...The sliders and "knobs" aren't working in "realtime" they get sluggish...a beat behind. IF I DARE add in a reverb Im likely to freeze ALL controls although the loops DO keep playing...but NO control.

Here's my rig: 667Mhz G4Tibook/ 1 gig RAM/No other programs except LIVE running/most extensions disabled/all recordings are routed to a RAM disk/Midisport 2X2 routing midi messages in from a Roland SPD 20 and an Evolution MK225C/Digigram VX pocket.

I am thinking that maybe my MAC just simply isnt up to this task, and Im starting to think (URGGH!) PC! Like a Dell Inspiron.

HELP!!! Is my MAC really a whimp or am I overlooking something key performance-wise.

Thanks all,

TK

Oh boy here we go again.

Let the flaming commence!

huh. I know the macs don't get track and plugin counts near the pcs but even my lowly 333mhz g3 powerbook (w/ 320 megs of ram) can muster around 6-8 tracks with some effects before it gets sluggish like you describe. I haven't really tried recording stuff on the fly from the audio inputs... maybe that's more intensive?

-scotty

Are you using OS X or OS 9? IME Live performs a lot better in OS 9, I didn't even bother to unlock my copy on OS X.

and virtual memory...?

Im using OS 9 and virtual memory is OFF.

do you have sufficient RAM allocated to Live? this could be the problem. i can assure you it's something fixable because although our Macs are a bit slower in Live you should be doing ALOT better then that. post some more details.