Master - Slave Computer Question

[Graham S]

I've been using Vienna Ensemble Pro on a mac mini with no second computer, and learned that if no slave computer is used, VEP isn't doing anything beneficial in terms of processing unless the DAW is 32 bit. I'm using Logic 10, so there is no 32 bit mode. I'm wondering if maybe even VEP is causing the computer to process things slower, because the data is going out of the DAW, into the same computer, and then back into itself. When I load up instruments directly in to Logic as opposed to VEP I notice the instruments within Logic responding faster without any delay. Could that be possible?

I do have a macbook pro, and was wondering if using that as a master computer to control the mini as a slave would improve processing to a noticeable extent.

The mac mini is a late 2012 2.3 GHz Intel Quad Core Core i7 with 16 gb of ram, a 480 gb ssd, and a 1tb sshd. The macbook pro is a late 2011 duo core i7 with 4gb of ram, and a basic 5200 rpm hard drive.

Given these specs, would the macbook pro be able to control the mac mini via vienna ensemble pro and significantly make processing more efficient for virtual instruments? The virtual instruments I have are Cinesamples stuff and Omnisphere.

Seeing that the slave computer is the one holding the instruments and the master (macbook) would be the one simply modifying midi data in the daw, will it not be a problem if the master's specs are relatively basic (only 4gb ram, basic hd, etc)?

[Ashe37]

you're probably losing a little (very little) CPU in that configuration, but you're describing latency in VEP. Moving VEP to another computer will add to the latency.

[dsan@mail.com]

Graham, I agree with Ashe37's statements. The second computer scenario will add latency to the equation.

You will notice an improvement is latency if you use the VST's direct in the DAW (even still, latency is unavoidable to some degree). You will also notice a higher CPU usage as a result.

So you are left to consider which trade off suits your needs more.

If you are doing every thing in the box then I feel I would rather introduce an increase in latency and process the vst's from a second computer. Especially given the sample sets you indicate you use.

Obviously, if you are recording live this is an unacceptable solution.

Unfortunately there is no perfect solution. Everything has its own pluses and minuses. You are going to have to compromise to be able to come close to a usable solution.

I am sorry; however, I am unable to respond to your direct questions as I do not have experience with those devices.

I do, however, have a lot of experience in running multiple computers over LAN. There is never an easy way and no matter what you do you will find something is not working the way you would like. But you will find workable solutions if you compromise.

Personally, I would go with that you suggest - one master / one slave - and separate the processing of the VST's to another computer. I would rather have latency and deal with that, than over taxing the CPU.

HTH

Happy Musiking!
dsan