Denormaization Issues and the Pentium 4

[Bagungie]

Guys,

I am currently running a 1 Ghz PIII with the Creative Live Platinum Sound Card, and I'm aware that my system is getting more and more closer to its 'Use By' date.

It has crossed my mind whether I should consider an AMD processor based PC for my next upgrade, instead of having to contend with the 'denormalization problems' associated with the P4 and Tracktion.

I have heard this problem on my friend's P4 laptop, (which sounded like someone was taking to his system with a chainsaw), where he had to 'quit out' of Tracktion and reload again to continue.

Jules is most likely the best person to reply to this thread if he can, however, I will appreciate any feedback in the topic, and answers to the following questions:

* Does anyone know what causes this on the P4?
* Is it specific only to Tracktion, or are other DAW's effected?
* What workarounds (if any), are being implemented for Version 2?

[l0ss]

This is probably not too helpful, as I'm not entirely sure what 'denormalization' is, but I've head this issue with the P4s discussed elsewhere on other DAWs. Mind you, I know a lot of people using P4 systems for audio work, and have herad few complaints directly. Like I said, not too helpful.

[original flipper]

HI

Flip over to the "Is it worth getting a Carilon pc" thread as De-Normalisation is being covered there.

Flipper.

[Flexinoodles]

Having great fun here with an AMD64

[glurgle]

denormalization has nothing to do with the host application and everything to do with poorly coded plugins (and an admittedly low threshold on the processor itself). It's not Tracktion specific.

I'm a P4 user, and I only have one or two plugins that denormal, and I can work around those. However, my next system (If I ever scrape together enough $$) is going to be an AMD. At most levels AMD has a way better price/performance ratio.

[Sicklecell666]

Doesn't Digital Fish phones make a plug that negates denormaling? I mean it's a hassle to load it up every time you have a denormal issue, but I know it's made instruments run better, like that string modeler from Algo Music among others..

[theshaggyfreak]

http://www.digitalfishphones.com/

yes, they do.

[glurgle]

tracktion also has this feature built in (add low-level noise to avoid denormalisation). The problem is that a plugin will often generate denormals whether it's being fed low-level noise or not, it's really just up to the programmers to stop it from happening.