Receptor plugin count

[paddyryan]

I this is a very difficult question to answer but an approximation is all i am looking for. I understand that VIs vary greatly in their processor demands.

I really want to buy a Receptor but no one seems to be able to answer my question: Assuming I have max RAM, "how many VI's can I expect to have loaded and playable at any one time". Currently using my Mac Powerbook 1.65ghz I can only use B4 and Kontakt, and only at the lowest buffer setting of 256 (within DP) before I run out of processor (this is for my live rig). 256 is barely acceptable in terms of latency for live playing.
I want to be able to load Absynth, Pro 53, FM8, Akoustic Piano, and some effects as well, and have them all playable at the same time, at hopefully a lower buffer setting (128).

Can someone give me an idea of what they have loaded for their live rig, and what audio buffer size their Uniwire host software is set at?

[c3boy]

I don't worry about the CPU side, only memory, as I use snapshots, which mute unwanted vst's per song for instance. I have had 16bit Scarbee Rhodes, B4, GPO, minimonsta. Elektrik Piano, Kick Ass Brass loaded on a snap shot using 2GB of Ram, then muting to taste. Had about 25% mem left, that includes Scarbee VKFX and Classic Reverb, and using built in effects on the other plugs like minimonsta, KAB

Buffer 128, works great for my needs

[thesoundsmith]

As yourealize, this is VERY much inpluenced by which plugs you are running, aomw re way more CPU and/or RAM-hungry than others. I run:

Colossus - Steinway piano, acoustic bass, GM finger bass
B4 II
Mr Ray 2.2 - 3 instantiations
FM7
MinimogueVA
Plugsound Free
Trilogy
sfz
each channel has an EQ18, I have a verb plug-forget which, on an aux and the KJ Limiter on the master. Buffer 128, sending all midi data direct to plugs, all presets receptorized. DFD is turned on for all NI player plugs, I forget the settings but it was one of the factory selections.

This gives me a live realtime capability eith 2 manuals (Axiom 61 and Prokeys 88sx):
Acoustic piano - 88 notes or xposed/split with acoustic bass - lower manual
Rhodes - 7 versions, alone or with finger bass or Jaco fretless - lower manual
Clav - either manual
Hammond - two manuals, full control over upper drawbars, Leslie, percussion etc.
DX7 (FM7) 8 presets with some real-time control
MinimogueVA - 8 presets with some real-time control
Soundfont libraries of my own selection - 8 presets, including a great trumpet/tenor Blue Note horn section.

his is truly maxxed, RAM at about 53-55% but spiking to 100% (but without dropouts) when the Colossus Steinway is played.

This is a gigging setup, so I have Uniwire and Appletalk turned off; I leave the Ethernet connection enabled because I usually work from my network KVM, only need to plug in the RJ45 for full editing access.

And I am very happy with the rig for this purpose; I get nothing but rave comments from audiences and other musicians.