Operation Manual

OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE
338
Optimizing your computer system
In this manual we do not have the possibility to give you detailed procedures for optimizing your computer for maxi-
mum power. This is a subject that we could write complete books on. However, there are a couple of very useful
things to check and adjust.
About using Multi-core processors
If you’re using a multi-core processor, such as a dual-core, quad-core or octa-core, Reason will take full advantage of
this in a very sophisticated way. Similarly, if your computer has several single-core or multi-core processors, Reason
will use the full capacity of these to vastly enhance the performance.
If your computer has a multi-core processor, or multiple processors, Reason automatically detects this and automat-
ically enables the “Use MultiCore Audio Rendering” function on the General page in Preferences:
About Hyper Threading Technology (single-core Pentium 4 processors)
Hyper Threading Technology (HTT) is a technology used in older single-core Intel Pentium 4 processors to simulate
dual-core behavior by making one physical CPU appear as two logical processors. However, these two logical pro-
cessors will share FPU (Floating Point Unit). Since Reason depends heavily on the FPU to calculate and generate
sound, there will be problems if Hyper Threading is active.
Reason automatically disables Hyper Threading and uses only one logical processor per CPU. However, another pro-
gram running on the computer could still be scheduled to use the other logical processor and steal resources (FPU,
memory bandwidth) from Reason.
! If you’re using a Pentium 4 processor computer, we recommend that you disable the Hyper Threading function
if you’re experiencing problems.
About hard drives
Most state-of-the-art hard drives will work perfectly together with Reason. Generally, the faster hard drive(s) you use,
the better. Most hard drives of today runs at 5.400 rpm or faster, which is sufficient for use with Reason.
General optimization tips
Finally, we’d like to share a couple of other general optimization tips:
• Quit other programs that are running at the same time as Reason.
• Remove background tasks on your computer.
This might be any background utilities you have installed as well as networking, background internet activities etc.
• Under Windows, make sure you use the latest and most efficient ASIO driver for your audio card.
• Only work on one Reason Song document at a time.
Songs that are open in the background do consume some processing power, even though they’re not playing.
• Lower the sample rate setting in the Preferences dialog.
While this also might reduce sound quality, it is a very quick and convenient way to try to play a song that your
computer otherwise can’t handle.