DigiDesign Mbox 2 Pro, Getting Started Manual

Page: 29 / 84

Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System 21
DAE Playback Buffer Size
The DAE Playback Buffer Size determines the
amount of memory DAE allocates for disk buff-
ers. The buffer size is shown in milliseconds,
which indicates the amount of audio buffered
when the system reads from disk.
The optimum DAE Playback Buffer Size for most
disk operations is 1500 msec (Level 2).
• DAE Playback Buffer Size settings lower than
1500 msec (Level 2) may improve playback and
recording initiation speed. However, a lower set-
ting may make it difficult to play or record
tracks reliably with sessions containing a large
number of tracks or a high density of edits, or
with systems that have slower or heavily frag-
mented hard drives.
• DAE Playback Buffer Size settings higher than
1500 msec (Level 2) allow higher track count,
higher density of edits in a session, or the use of
slower hard drives. However, a higher setting
may increase the time lag when starting play-
back or recording, or cause a longer audible time
lag while editing during playback.
To change the DAE Playback Buffer Size:
1
Choose Setup > Playback Engine .
2
From the DAE Playback Buffer pop-up menu,
select a buffer size. Memory requirements for
each setting are shown at the bottom of the
Playback Engine dialog.
3
Click OK.
If Pro Tools needs more system memory for the
DAE Playback Buffer, it will prompt you to re-
start your computer.
Cache Size
The Cache Size determines the amount of mem-
ory DAE allocates to pre-buffer audio for play-
back and looping when using Elastic Audio.
The optimum Cache Size for most sessions is
Normal.
• A Cache Size setting of Minimum reduces the
amount of system memory used for disk opera-
tions and frees up memory for other system
tasks. However, performance when using Elastic
Audio features may decrease.
• A Cache Size of Large improves performance
when using Elastic Audio features, but it also de-
creases the amount of memory available for
other system tasks, such as RTAS processing.
To change the Cache Size:
1
Choose
Setup > Playback Engine
.
2
From the Cache Size pop-up menu, select a
disk cache size.
3
Click OK.
System Memory Allocation
When you start your computer, Pro Tools auto-
matically reserves a portion of system memory
for the DAE Playback Buffer. This reserved mem-
ory is unavailable to other applications, even if
Pro Tools is not running.
Using a larger DAE Playback Buffer Size
leaves less system memory for other tasks.
The default setting of 1500 msec (Level 2) is
recommended unless you are encountering
-9073 (“Disk too slow or fragmented”)
errors.
Using a larger Cache Size leaves less system
memory for other tasks. The default setting
of Normal is recommended unless you are
encountering -9500 (“Cache too small”)
errors.