I’ve been fighting the crackles for a long while. It doesn’t happen constantly, but even the occasional crackle noise is disconcerting. I have gone through Windows optimization references (the one offered from Gig Performer and others), but with no noticeable effect.
I’m currently using a Lenovo Slim 7i, i7-12 core, 16GB, 1TB and have never owned anything other than a Windows PC. But now I’m considering purchasing a MacBook Pro just to see if that problem will disappear. Another reason I’m considering the purchase of a MacBook is perhaps it wouldn’t require all the optimization hoopla Windows seems to need.
I’m looking at a refurbished 2018 MacBook Pro with 32GB Ram, a 1TB SSD, and a Core i9. Apple laptops are very expensive which why I would choose a refurbished product in doing this experiment.
Three reasons for considering a Mac experiment:
Crackles
Windows optimization headache
Once Gig Performer froze during a gig. I have reasons to think this was entirely a Windows issue.
Three reasons not to:
It will take a lot of time to reinstall everything.
Maybe I just need a heftier PC
The cost
Just looking for feedback before I make a move. Thanks in advance!
For what it’s worth, that’s exactly what I use for my live performance system. The one thing you will want to check is the health of the SSD — the more they are used, the shorter their lifespan. The amount of WRITING is particularly important.
That said, you say nothing about your Windows environment, what plugins you are running, what audio interface you’re using. You may be using one or two plugins that are just too CPU cycle heavy. Also, better audio interfaces tend to have much better drivers, which also makes a big difference.
That is interesting that you’re using that system. Thanks for the suggestions.
More details:
I haven’t check my SSD health - good idea, I’ll do that.
Perhaps, I need to look into my VST usage closer, but I’ve glanced at CPU usage during crackles and haven’t noticed much going on and, although I do have a number of VSTs, it generally happens while using Pianoteq so I’ve not thought the issue would be with intensive CPU usage.
I use Windows 11 - optimized the best I can. A docking station is plugged into my laptop which handles my keyboard, a second monitor, an Akai LPD8, and a Focusrite 2i2 (3rd gen - I have a 4th gen, but haven’t used it there yet).
So, it seems there are still things I could look into, but it is frustrating to come up empty all the time and still have an increasing list of things to keep checking. I guess I’m just looking to be done with issues and move on with the fun GP stuff and playing.
@BigWaveDave
I used high end Windows laptops for nearly a decade and could never fully shake the “Rice Krispie” syndrome.
Last year I switched to Mac and haven’t had a single sound issue since. It is also an easier environment to work in. No drivers to worry about, no registry tweaks, no install issues. Everything just freaking works!
Plus your current gig file will transfer over to Mac with ease.
What is your audio interface? In many cases a computer is not the culprit, but a USB hub, cables, or an audio interface.
I’d first try with a different interface.
As for PC vs Mac, if you are willing to invest some time in troubleshooting, optimizing, and plan to use simple setups, you can use a PC.
If you don’t want to think that much about computers, want better routing options (everything is multi-client), and some other features (such as AVB) but at a higher cost, Mac is the way.
I use both, but I must say that a Mac provides you with really easy routing and generally, piece of mind.
Before you buy a new computer, I would suggest you try Throttlestop with Frank1119’s suggested settings.
It stopped the crackling in one of my Lenovo Thinkpad P 16 (Gen 2). I suspect I was not able to use nearly the full amount of CPU the laptop was capable of. Hence crackling.
“Easy” and “Peace of mind”
Those were was the biggest factors for me.
Switching to Mac, for me at least, was a straight out of the box solution.
The fewer “Butt Clench” moments the better and for that I’m thankful!
I appreciate your insight. I am more and more tempted to give Mac a try. I have no experience with Mac’s OS, so again, thanks for the feedback.
Semi rant/ramble:
I guess there’s not enough market for it, but it’s too bad Windows can’t be more easily tailored to work in environments similar to GP’s needs. I used to work in a lab that used Windows PCs for controlling scientific instruments and Windows was a painful fit.
I’ve read that Microsoft makes a lean version of Windows (Windows LTSC) for use with ATMs, kiosks, medical equipment, etc. So, they recognize a need and a market for a stable version of their OS for special critical usage, but it’s not really available to the average consumer. One size/version doesn’t fit all and software is never perfect. (I’ve seen blue screens of death on gas pump screens, for example. )
Yes, too bad that there is no a “Music Center” edition.
Also, Microsoft seems to be more interested in gaming than music. They could definitely do something like built-in MIDI virtual device feature or possibility to aggregate devices.
Best you can do is disable everything you don’t need, starting with devices (Bluetooth, etc.), services (gaming, Hyper-V,…), adjust power options, review scheduled tasks, etc.
Since 2021 Apple is using internal technology for their computers. New OS runs completely only on those chips named Apple Silicon. M1, M2, M3, M4 and lately M5. I turned to Macs with an M1 and it was a winning choice. Now I am with an M4 and extremely happy.
I don’t like Apple policy on file formats and “user protection”, but their music OS extensions named Core Audio are the perfect tools for musicians.
I have a used, perfectly managed MacBookPro with M1 to sell if you are interested…
An initial issue with Apple Silicon chips (M series) was that plugins had to be built for that CPU architecture. You could still run these plugins, but you had to also run Gig Performer under a special environment called Rosetta.
Nowadays, this is not an issue – actively developed plugins are definitely built for these new chips.
Unless you use very old plugins (discontinued, etc.) I think that a better choice may be pursuing M-series. I have an M2 chip and it works great.
I’m using 2018 Intel Macbook Pro laptops for live performance (one died recently due to memory failure and I replace it with another refurbished machine of same vintage in excellent condition for $400)
If you’re in a position to dedicate machines for live performance, this is a very inexpensive way to do it and unless you have some absurdly high CPU usage plugins, you won’t have a problem.
What is wrong with them? You’re not prevented from using other formats, right?
