Reference Manual

568 Computer Audio Resources and Strategies
The CPU Load Meter.
The Control Bar’s CPU meter displays how much of the computer’s computational potential is
currently being used. For example, if the displayed percentage is 10 percent, the computer is just
coasting along. If the percentage is 100 percent, the processing is being maxed out — it’s likely
that you will hear gaps, clicks or other audio problems. Note that the CPU meter takes into ac-
count only the load from processing audio, not other tasks the computer performs (e.g., manag-
ing Live’s user interface).
Audio calculations have the highest priority in Live. Therefore, even if the CPU shows a high
percentage of processor usage, the audio stream should remain uninterrupted. However, non-
critical functions (such as screen redraws) might slow down because these tasks are handled
only when the audio processing “lightens up“ a bit.
32.1.1 CPU Load from Multichannel Audio
One source of constant CPU drain is the process of moving data to and from the audio hard-
ware. This drain can be minimized by disabling any inputs and outputs that are not required in a
project. There are two buttons in the Audio Preferences to access the Input and Output Configu-
ration dialogs, which allow activating or deactivating individual ins and outs.
Live does not automatically disable unused channels, because the audio hardware drivers usu-
ally produce an audible “hiccup“ when there is a request for an audio configuration change.
32.1.2 CPU Load from Tracks and Devices
Generally, every track and device being used in Live incurs some amount of CPU load. How-
ever, Live is “smart“ and avoids wasting CPU cycles on tracks and devices that do not contribute
anything useful.
For example, dragging devices into a Live Set that is not running does not significantly increase
the CPU load. The load increases only as you start playing clips or feed audio into the effects.
When there is no incoming audio, the effects are deactivated until they are needed again. (If the