Specifications

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Computer Performance and Audio Channels
The number of audio channels you get from your system depends on a number of
factors. These factors are all related to the amount of data that has to be transferred
within the system. When you record, data is collected by the audio card and trans-
ferred via the computer’s processor to the hard disk. When you play back, this proc-
ess is reversed. On the way there are a number of bottlenecks to pass, which we will
try to outline on the following pages. Please also refer to the Read Me files in your
Cubase VST directory which may contain late information on how to optimize your
system.
How do I know how many channels I can get?
There is no easy answer to that question. To find out, record and play back channel
by channel, until Cubase VST informs you that there is not enough capacity to play
back all the Tracks at the same time.
Computer architecture and processor speed
In all audio operations, the computer’s processor is involved, which means that the
processor speed will limit the amount of audio that can be handled at any given mo-
ment.
Processor Type
Cubase VST requires a Pentium processor. However, there are several manufactur-
ers of Pentium “equivalents”. We strongly recommend that you use an Intel proces-
sor. Intel Pentium processors have significantly better processing power when it
comes to handling floating point numbers, than many of the “equivalents”. Cubase
VST (and many other audio applications) relies very heavily on floating point cal-
culations. This means that this difference in design between processors is much
more apparent in VST than when comparing processors when they run for example
a word processor or database program.
Processor Cache
A 2nd level processor cache is strongly recommended, the larger the better. This is
included in many computer models. If in doubt, consult your computer dealer.
Memory (RAM)
Audio work requires a lot of RAM! In fact, the amount of available RAM is in di-
rect relation to the number of audio channels. You have a large amount of control
over how Cubase VST handles the available memory, as described on the following
pages.