VE Pro Audio Outputs Impact - Total Available vs Used

[DaddyO]

I already posted this in the VI Control forum here.

I'm curious if anyone can comment on the impact in VE Pro Server of audio outputs, specifically the total number of available audio outputs (per Instance settings in Preferences) versus the number of outputs actually used.

If I set my instances with a large number of outputs potentially available for an instance, say 100 or more, but only assign 50 of them to channel outputs, what is the relative impact on processing and performance compared to adjusting my available outputs to more closely match the number used. I have five instances like this.

I've had some good progress so far in working with dedicated stereo outs for each used instrument in my VE Pro Server template. These are then routed to a Studio One VE Pro instrument, matching each Studio One instrument tracks with assignments for MIDI port, channel and outputs in the VE Pro instances in my template.

I have the flexibility to change these assignments or add new instrument tracks as needed. It's a question of how much "padding," unassigned VE Pro outputs, to make room if I do choose to add some instruments to my Studio One project. If I leave plenty of padding, I multiply the number of available outputs. If I leave less, I might have to adjust the available number of outputs in VE Pro to accommodate added instruments.

An arcane question, but I'm curious.

[DaddyO]

I think I made this too complicated. If I boil it down, my question is this:

Do assigned but unused VEP outputs use a significant amount of CPU or RAM?

[Paul]

Hi, 

It depends on how your sequencer handles this. 

E.g., Cubase has to generate the virtual connections for all possible automations for each virtually available channel. 

Best, 
Paul

[DaddyO]

Ah, thanks. So I'll hope my post on VI Control yields some more information for Studio One, which is currently my primary DAW.

[Paul]

Hi DaddyO, 

You could also get in touch with my colleagues at Studio One directly... They should know. 

Best, 
Paul

[DaddyO]

Thanks, Paul, will do