Performance module

 

Note: This feature is not available in SONAR Home Studio.

The Performance module lets you monitor your computer’s performance, including CPU, disk and memory activity.

Figure 246. Performance module sizes.

To show/hide the Performance module

Right-click the Control Bar and select Modules > Performance.

Figure 247. The Performance module.

A. CPU meters (one per core) B. Disk Activity indicator C. Disk Space meter D. Memory Usage meter

The Performance module contains the following controls:

CPU meters. The CPU meters let you monitor your computer’s CPU activity. Right-click the CPU meters to specify the global CPU meter mode:

Audio Processing. Measures SONAR’s audio processing load, which is the time it takes to process a buffer full of audio data as a percentage of the maximum time available to process that data and maintain uninterrupted playback. There is one CPU meter for each core in your computer, up to 32 cores. There is some tolerance built into the meter, so it is possible that it will exceed 100% at times (more so during recording than playback).

System Performance. Displays the global system-wide load across all cores, as reported by the operating system rather than by measuring SONAR’s audio processing load.

Overall App Performance. Displays a single CPU meter for the entire SONAR process CPU utilization across all cores.

Note: The width of the Performance module depends on the number of CPU cores available.

Disk Activity indicator . Measures how much of the available time SONAR is using to perform input/output functions on your hard disk. The size of your setup’s I/O buffer size (listed under File System in Edit > Preferences > Audio - Sync and Caching) determines how much time is allowed to perform disk operations and maintain uninterrupted playback. When SONAR performs disk operations, the Disk Activity indicator changes color from yellow to red to indicate the time SONAR is taking to complete each cycle of disk input/output. A red icon indicates very high data activity.

Disk Space meter. Shows the amount of available space on the drive where your wave data directory is located. The tooltip shows the actual remaining disk space on your audio disk.

Memory Usage (RAM) meter. Shows the total memory (RAM) usage by your computer, not just by SONAR.

Note: If you experience a dropout or your CPU or Disk meters are reading high, there are steps you can take to improve your audio performance. For more information, see Audio dropouts or crashes during playback.

See:

CPU meter/Disk meter/Dropout indicator

Improving audio performance

Getting the most out of your computer

Reduce GUI updates to improve playback performance

Improving recording performance

 

See also:

Tools module

Snap module

Transport module

Loop module

Mix module

ACT module

Screenset module

Mix Recall module

Punch module

Select module

Markers module

Event Inspector module

Sync Module

Custom module