Optimizing/Stabilizing A Windows Digital Audio Workstation Computer (DAW)

INTRODUCTION

This blog post is about how to stabilize a Windows based DAW.  Computer problems can be a huge roadblock to creating music.  This post will walk through how to do DPC latency testing, ram testing, processor testing, temperature testing, set buffer levels, select the right driver system and how to optimize the operating system for audio.  If you’re not comfortable making adjustments to your computer, you should have a professional do it.

DPC LATENCY CHECKERS

DPC Latency Checker will let you know if your computer can handle real time data streams without dropouts and other problems.  A quick Google search will lead you to where you can download this free program.

You should open this program and let it run for a while.  If there are any red spikes, then you will have to dive deeper to find out what is causing them.  Wireless internet cards and other USB devices are often the problem, so you may want to try disconnecting usb devices, one by one, until you find out which one is causing the spikes, and then unplug it.  Device driver problems can also cause spikes.  You can disable unnecessary devices in device manager to try to find out what is causing the problem.  You should be able to observe the difference when you’ve disconnected the problem device.  Once you think you have it fixed, you can reset it and let it run while you work.  If you have problems, look to see if there are any spikes.

MEMTEST 86

Memtest 86 will let you find out if you have a problem with your RAM.   You can download the test at http://www.memtest86.com/ and follow the instructions there.  If you have a RAM problem, it can be easily replaced.

PRIME NUMBER TEST

If you have a problem with your computer’s processor, you might get some weird BSOD errors.  This is generally a difficult problem to diagnose, and it may appear like a driver problem at first.  You can find out if you’re having processor problems by running a program called Prime95, which challenges your processor to make complex mathematical calculations, and then checks them to make sure it doesn’t make an error.  If there is a problem with your processor, it should show up with this test.

TEMPERATURE TESTS

To test if you’re having a problem with your computer overheating, you can use hardware monitor.  Searching Google for hmonitor will get you there.  It can tell you where your computer is overheating.  You may have to look up your motherboard’s manual on the Internet to find out what the zones are that Hardware Monitor is reporting on.  Sometimes this problem can be solved by installing additional cooling fans in your computer.

SETTING BUFFERS

If you have an audio interface, there are usually two levels of adjustable buffers.  You can adjust the buffer sizes of the hardware unit itself, and the buffer sizes of the program you’re using.  If you’re tracking, you will want to adjust these levels as low as possible without there being dropouts and other problems.  When tracking on this particular MOTU, I usually set it to 192, and if I start getting problems, I’ll move it up to 256.  If I’m working in Reason, I set the buffer levels the lowest they can go without getting dropouts in my music.  If I start noticing problems, I will go in and set the buffer a little higher.  There is something similar to this in most every audio program, so you should always find out where it is that the buffer levels are set.

TWEAKING THE OPERATING SYSTEM

It’s almost always best to turn off the operating system’s visual themes, disable the networking adapter, and set your CPU priority for background services.  It doesn’t look so great, but you’ll have fewer problems.

If you have a firewire card, you probably will want to make sure to go to your network connections and disable the 1394 Connection. 1394 is another name for firewire, and you can have problems with your computer trying to network with your audio interface.

Also, if you’re having a problem with programs starting up when you boot up your computer, or services starting that you would prefer not to start.  You can edit these preferences by going to Run and typing in msconfig.  A utility will open that will allow you to change your startup options.

DRIVER SYSTEMS

Most programs give you a choice of whether to use ASIO or WDM driver systems.  The choice between these two driver systems can change the sound quality, latency, stability and input options.  ASIO is often the best for tracking, but it varies widely.  I personally have some MIDI input devices that I wouldn’t be able to use if WDM were the only option on my MOTU.  For me, ASIO gives a much lower latency.  I also find that playback under WDM seems more accurate.  So keep in mind that driver systems can make a huge difference.

SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY / COMBOFIX / ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS / FIREWALLS

If you’re having problems with malicious software like viruses, adware, spyware and rootkits there are a few tools out there to help you.  We’re sure you’ve already heard of the most popular Antivirus and Firewall programs.  We’re just going to recommend a few outstanding programs.   AVG Antivirus has a free version of their virus scan software available.  Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is great for getting rid of all kinds of nasties and is also free.  Another good one is SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition.  Spybot Search and Destroy is another free program that can help you get rid of adware and spyware programs.  Just make sure to update it each time you use it.  Combo Fix is a free program that can help you get rid of rootkits, which are similar to viruses.  Hijack This is one of the best programs out there for spyware/malware removal, but you have to be very careful and knowledgeable to use it.

AVG Antivirus:  http://free.avg.com/
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware:  http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition:  http://www.superantispyware.com/
Spybot Search and Destroy:   http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html
Combo Fix:  http://www.combofix.org/download.php
Hijack This (professionals only):  http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

Outside Links

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun07/articles/pcmusician_0607.htm
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul07/articles/pcmusician_0707.htm

Stonebridge Mastering takes no responsibilities whatsoever due to information you may use from this post.  These ideas represent the opinions of Stonebridge Mastering only and do not constitute advice.  This information is provided with the express warning that it only be used at your own risk.  Also, if you do not know what you’re doing, you should not attempt to modify your computer’s settings.  With that said, our opinion is that this is some of the best and most complete information out there.

Check out our mastering studio, Stonebridge Mastering, for your  CD Mastering/Audio Mastering/Audio Mixing needs.