Processor Core/Thread question with Synchron Piano/VSL CFX

[David B.]

I ordered a new Mac Mini that should be here maybe this week. It has an i5 3.0GHz turbo boost to 4.1GHz 6 core/6thread processor. 16GB Ram.

Since it has 6 cores and 6 threads (no hyper-threading) what should I set my VSL CFX Streaming and Loading Threads to in the Synchron Piano software?

I want to run it with the least amount of buffer size as possible 64 or lower. 

This subject seems to be a mystery and I have not found a definitive answer yet. Does Synchron Piano/VSL CFX utilize multiple cores? Should the streaming threads match the processor cores/threads? Thanks for the help. 

God Bless,

David

[Paul]

Hi David, 

Just checked with our developers, and here's their explanation:

As you have correctly stated: your system has a limited number of concurrent tasks it can run efficiently. Synchron Player on its own can not know about any other threads occupying your system. If you have some other software running that uses a substantial number of threads (i.e. another sampler like “Kontakt”)  and you run into performance issues, it _could_ be that Synchron Player/Pianos is competing over threads. In that case it’s wise to reduce the number of used threads in Synchron Player/Pianos. 

So it's really a a setting that only needs to be tweaked when you're running into trouble.

I also wish it was simpler, but it's a dynamic topic and also depends a lot on your setup/workflow. 

Hope that helps a bit. 

Best, 
Paul

[David B.]

Are you saying to just keep the defult setting (I think it's 4 threads) and only change it if I run into problems?

Isn't there any more data on how the loading/streaming threads interact with the processor? 

God Bless,

David

[Paul]

Hi David, 

Yes, you should be fine with the default setting.

I'm afraid that's all I got from our developers. 

Can you give me an example of a description of thread interaction from other software, for my orientation?

Best, 
Paul

[David B.]

@Another User said:

Can you give me an example of a description of thread interaction from other software, for my orientation?

I'm running my VSL CFX with Mainstage (no other instruments). No other programs open except what Mojave runs in the backgroung. Thanks for the help.

God Bless,

David

[David B.]

I've been running the VSL CFX on my new Mac mini and it's been running great. It does everything I need it to do.

Since I have extra hard drive space I deceided to try the Garritan CFX lite. It sounds good, but to my ears, it's not in the same league as the VSL CFX. The VSL CFX seems to have more depth, richness, dynamic expression, and a more authentic acoustic piano feel. I really feel like I'm sitting behind a CFX Concert Grand Piano. 

I can't wait until you guys offer somthing else (maybe VSL Steinway 👍).

God Bless,

David