Preset Cpu Limits - Fractal Audio AX8 Owner's Manual

PRESET CPU LIMITS

Each block you place in a preset contributes to the total CPU load. You can check the current load
at any time by pressing SETUP, opening the UTILITY menu (#3), and switching to the STATUS
page. A thermometer-like meter on the right side of the screen shows CPU % usage (and provides
a specific numeric readout above). Load is also displayed in the upper right corner of AX8-Edit.
As the load increases, certain functions can become slower, but priority is given to the audio
quality whenever possible. There are safeguards to prevent you from pushing the AX8 too far.
First, you are stopped from inserting any block which might cause an overload by the message
"INSUFFICIENT CPU". The AX8 assumes that a block will be used to its limits when making this
determination.
If you are prevented from inserting an effect, you can make changes to reduce the current CPU
load and try again. You might remove an effect that is less important. Adjusting certain parameters
can also help. Here are a few of the common block parameters whose settings have a measurable
effect on CPU usage:
ƒ Amp:
OUTPUT COMP
ƒ Cab: , stereo uses more CPU.
MODE
ƒ Reverb:
QUALITY
ƒ Compressor: Set
ƒ Phaser: (Lower = less CPU).
STAGES
ƒ Filter: and
ORDER
ƒ Multi-Delay:
TYPE
ƒ Modifiers also affect CPU usage.
AUTOMATIC BLOCK DISABLING
As a second safeguard, the AX8 may disable one or
more blocks if load gets too high due to changes after
a block has been inserted. Changing Reverb to HIGH
QUALITY, for example, increases CPU utilization. If the
preset can't handle this, you will see an error message.
When this happens, you'll need to take steps to get
back below the limit. The most likely solution will be
to change back whatever setting you had just made, but it is also possible to remove or edit other
blocks to address the issue. Disabled blocks blink on the Footswitch Page and grid, and show
DISABLED (upper left) in the Edit Menu. Be warned that "living on the edge" is not recommended.
The AX8 uses slightly more CPU when it is processing audio, so give yourself a margin to prevent
unwanted block bypass at inopportune moments. A recommended safe target is about 80%.
CPU & USB
The AX8 dedicates a small percentage of CPU resources to USB processing. Large presets may run
fine while USB is disconnected, but a USB connection may push them over the limit. In this case,
try to reduce CPU load or avoid using these presets while USB is connected.
(Set to "0.00" for the least CPU usage).
and (Lower = less CPU). Spring type uses the least CPU.
ECHO DENSITY
to one of the "PEDAL" options to use less CPU.
TYPE
(Lower = less CPU).
Q
(Different types have different requirements).
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5 creAtInG PreSetS