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From the current Blackbox User Guide:
Processor Management Tips
If you have experienced drop outs or crackling sounds with blackbox, you have probably pushed the processor to its limits. Blackbox does not limit what you can do based on anticipated processor load. We have tried to balance the design of the system to optimize what you can do without overdriving the processor while still giving you room to make creative choices. That being said, here are some tips you can use to reduce your processor load and the corresponding chance of encountering sound artifacts:
• Configure your pads to run monophonic whenever possible. On most percussion sounds, you won't hear the difference and this is an easy win.
• Disable the reverb by making sure no pads have FX2 applied on the FX screen. This is an expensive algorithm that can also be done off board. Keep in mind that the reverb will continue to run for 60 seconds after you disable it, so you won't get the benefit for a short while.
• Use mono samples instead of stereo where appropriate. Stereo samples are twice the work to load and play.
• Use 48kHz samples when possible—especially for stuff played at unity pitch. This gives the CPU less work to do.
• Use the pad level filters sparingly.
• Reduce the number of grains used for pads in granular mode.
• For sample, multi-sample and granular pads, use Normal mode (at top of ADSR screen). The High Q mode uses more processor cycles.
If you like crackly sounds, by all means do the opposite of what each of the tips above suggest. Have fun!
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I am imagining a car company saying "If you go over 65MPH in our car the brakes won't work, so, unless you like crashing, don't go more than 65MPH! Have fun!" 65MPH is a perfectly reasonable speed in a world where some stretches of freeway have an 80MPH speed limit.
This section of your user guide would be fine if what you were describing were best practices people weren't following. What you are actually describing though are simply limitations of your product. The "crackly sounds" are the direct result of those limitations. I completely understand that every CPU has limits, but, if you've added features that compromise the sonic integrity of the unit why place the burden on the end user to not use those features? Shouldn't the product just be better?
I like the Blackbox. I see that you try to be responsive on this forum. I can't help but recognize though that as more users come into contact with it the more 1010music is on the defensive about what it doesn't do.
Processor Management Tips
If you have experienced drop outs or crackling sounds with blackbox, you have probably pushed the processor to its limits. Blackbox does not limit what you can do based on anticipated processor load. We have tried to balance the design of the system to optimize what you can do without overdriving the processor while still giving you room to make creative choices. That being said, here are some tips you can use to reduce your processor load and the corresponding chance of encountering sound artifacts:
• Configure your pads to run monophonic whenever possible. On most percussion sounds, you won't hear the difference and this is an easy win.
• Disable the reverb by making sure no pads have FX2 applied on the FX screen. This is an expensive algorithm that can also be done off board. Keep in mind that the reverb will continue to run for 60 seconds after you disable it, so you won't get the benefit for a short while.
• Use mono samples instead of stereo where appropriate. Stereo samples are twice the work to load and play.
• Use 48kHz samples when possible—especially for stuff played at unity pitch. This gives the CPU less work to do.
• Use the pad level filters sparingly.
• Reduce the number of grains used for pads in granular mode.
• For sample, multi-sample and granular pads, use Normal mode (at top of ADSR screen). The High Q mode uses more processor cycles.
If you like crackly sounds, by all means do the opposite of what each of the tips above suggest. Have fun!
-----
I am imagining a car company saying "If you go over 65MPH in our car the brakes won't work, so, unless you like crashing, don't go more than 65MPH! Have fun!" 65MPH is a perfectly reasonable speed in a world where some stretches of freeway have an 80MPH speed limit.
This section of your user guide would be fine if what you were describing were best practices people weren't following. What you are actually describing though are simply limitations of your product. The "crackly sounds" are the direct result of those limitations. I completely understand that every CPU has limits, but, if you've added features that compromise the sonic integrity of the unit why place the burden on the end user to not use those features? Shouldn't the product just be better?
I like the Blackbox. I see that you try to be responsive on this forum. I can't help but recognize though that as more users come into contact with it the more 1010music is on the defensive about what it doesn't do.
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