Why does Digital Performer still show that the (host) CPU is still being used alot when instantiating Powercore plugins? What kind of Performance can I expect out of my Power Core?
In order to Digital Performer to send audio to the Powercore card, the audio has to be “prepped”. Also, when audio returns to DP from the Powercore, the same “prepping” needs to happen. This takes a small amount of CPU power from your host processor (your Mac). Every Powercore plugin will require the about same amount of CPU power for this preparation.
What this amounts to is that less power-demanding plugins, like EQ’s and Compressors may actually require more host CPU power than their native (host-based) twins. However plug-ins with higher power demands (like Reverbs) will actually take less CPU power than their native twins.
Here’s an _aribitrary_ comparison * Please note * that your results WILL vary based on the type of compyter you have, processor type and speed, etc. Use this as a guideline, but NOT as exactly what you should expect.
– 10 native EQ’s take 20% CPU power <<>> 10 PowerCore EQ’s take 30% power
– 2 native Reverbs take %60 CPU power <<>> 2 Power Core Reverbs take %5 CPU power
You can see that getting MORE small plugins with the PowerCore simply won’t be the case, but getting more Reverbs with the PowerCore may be possible.
The key is that the PowerCore won’t necesarrily give you MORE Plugins, it will give you BETTER plug-ins.
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