MainStage 2.2.1 - CPU issues with old MacBook

I just downloaded MainStage 2 for my trusty old MacBook - it's 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB... best spec you can make it really.
I use it to run both Ableton Live and Garageband with absolutely no problems... The CPU handles both apps fine, unless I have some stuff running in the background. But most of the time the CPU hovers around 50%.
So I was quite surprised when I downloaded MainStage 2 and started using it... The CPU is pretty constant at about 100%. Sometimes it goes up as far as 150%. And this is when idle! Although I don't have much memory, MainStage is not taking up a huge amount (about 350MB) and I still have some headroom left... So I'm assuming that isn't the issue.
I've looked at other threads and one solution was to up the audio buffer time in the preferences. Mine was already set to 256 samples, but I tried higher and it didn't make any difference. Can anyone help? I bought it for live performance, but considering how dodgy it's looking with the CPU, I'm a little worried about doing so.
Thanks!

Hi Chiccorosso!
I appreciate that I'm "playing with the big boys now" and that my hardware is pretty old... However I was just really confused as to why it was this bad... Garageband handles playing a piano patch with ease, whereas MainStage, set up to do exactly the same task, runs my CPU at full pelt even when no sounds are being played!
I've seen others mention CPU spikes too, where the sound cuts out, which isn't good for a live performance obviously... And these people are on machines with much better specs than mine. Using up 100% CPU for a task such as this does make me wonder whether there is some seriously unoptimised code in MS... Ableton Live is pretty professional and copes way better.
As to your points:
My MacBook's maximum official RAM upgrade is 2GB, so mine is maxed-out in that respect. Apparently it can access up to 2.5GB, but the only way of doing that is by buying 4GB RAM and effectively wasting 1.5GB of it. But I take your point, and perhaps it's worth the money for that extra half a gig. What do you think?
I will try the 0dB limiting as you suggested, but I don't think I was ever playing up to those volume levels. Obviously when I'm not playing anything, there is no sound level at all and yet still the CPU is blazing away around 100%.
What do you mean by little icons in the menu bar? Are you referring to my OS menu bar items? I do have iStat Menus installed which is very handy for noticing these CPU issues but I will disable them all and see if it makes a difference.
I have the two default effects running through the buses (I don't know all the terminology yet because I'm very new to it!). I don't really need both, but I do need at least reverb or it'll defeat the object of me using MS. I'll try cutting back and see what happens.
Thanks

Similar Messages

Hello, Im new to this website. Im having issues with my Macbook. I have the old 2009 model Macbook and it is our schools macbook. The school just upgraded these MacBooks to OSX Mavericks and when i try to open Minecraft it won't let me. It says no jd

Hello, Im new to this website. Im having issues with my Macbook. I have the old 2009 model Macbook and it is our schools macbook. The school just upgraded these MacBooks to OSX Mavericks and when i try to open Minecraft it won't let me. It says no jdk installed. I also try to install Java SE runtime but half way through the Software Update it says cant download software because of network problem but I'm connected to the internet and i can browse stuff just fine. Can any one help with my problems. P.S. I don't know the administrator password or stuff like that. And yes we are allowed to play games and stuff on these laptops but only at home not at school so don't tell me i need to focus on school and not games.

Since you updated the operating system, it is probably Minecraft is missing certain files that ware remove or are not longer comparable with the new version of the OSX. what I recommend, is to check is there is an update for Minecraft and install that. If there is not update available, probably the best thing will be reinstalling Minecraft. Hope this will help you.

Has anyone else been having hard drive issues with 13" MacBook Pro barely a year old?

Has anyone else been having hard drive issues with 13" MacBook Pro barely a year old?

Yes, BUT...
... there are many problems that are really easy to eliminate by replacing the Hard drive, including ones that have nothing to do with actual Drive Hardware failure. These include corrupted install of Mac OS X, its EFI partition, clobbered partition tables, or the appearance of Bad Blocks in a critical area.
Any of these problems can sometimes be eliminated by re-initializing the entire drive and writing Zeroes, and re-installing from scratch. The trouble is, this process takes hours to complete, and is not guaranteed to be successful -- you may still need a new drive after all that effort.
I learned from my Plumber that consumers have no appetite for solutions that might work, and detest return visits for any related problems whatsoever. You or your friend may have had your drive replaced, not because it actually failed, but because the situation was troublesome, and the provider thought you would not tolerate anything less than a crisp, complete fix on the first attempt. And based on the cost of technician time, it may have even been cheaper that way.

After Safari 7.06 update, whenever I connect to RSA Juniper Network Connect, my internet connection get disconnected. It was an issue with old Safari versions. It was fixed around 6 months back with one of Safari update. But, now it is broken again.

After Safari 7.06 update, whenever I connect to RSA Juniper Network Connect, my internet connection get disconnected. It was an issue with old Safari versions. It was fixed around 6 months back with one of Safari update. But, now it is broken again.
Anybody experiencing the same problem and any suggestions to fix the issue.

Hi ..
Try this discussion > Can't connect to Juniper VPN

CPU Issues with music production. LOGIC 8

CPU Issues with music production.
Hey guys. I bet this sort of question has been asked so many times, but i really have spent a long time searching google to get an answer. I have had no luck. I found many things on the subject, but nothing about this exact situation.
Okay, I have a Macbook 4.1 which has 2gb of ram, 2.1 GHz Intel core 2 duo processor, and a 111 gb HD with a rpm of 5400.
I have been having major CPU overloads whilst using Logic 8, And it is much worse when using Pro Tools 7.2 M-Powered.
Now, im not that knowledgeable with computer stuff, but I have a plan.
Im about to upgrade my ram to 4gb, and im getting a new hard drive that will be 320 gb and will be 7200 rpm and 16gb cache (whatever that means).
I believe that having a hard drive at 7200 rpm is pretty essential for music programs like these.
Now hopefully this will help me with the CPU, as i have found out I cant upgrade the processor as its soldered on.
Will this machine be able to handle Logic Pro 8 after the mod??
The real question i guess is: Is a "2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo" processor enough to happily run logic 8?
P.S I will not be recording audio. I use the synths etc included.
Thanks in advance guys.

Alexander Farrar wrote:
Okay, I have a Macbook 4.1 which has 2gb of ram, 2.1 GHz Intel core 2 duo processor, and a 111 gb HD with a rpm of 5400.
111Gigs is a small disk
How much free space in your system disk?
when a disk contain files from over than 80% and only about 20% is free the speed of the hard drive goes down... some disk can loose more than 50% of fast addressing speed
Leopard require at least 50GB free space for run without problem!
for better performance up to 1/3 of the disk size should be required...
I have been having major CPU overloads whilst using Logic 8, And it is much worse when using Pro Tools 7.2 M-Powered.
you use Logic with a Digidesign Drivers?
try to disconnect the Digi device and use Internal Audio of your Mac...
maybe only that can solve your issue.
Im about to upgrade my ram to 4gb, and im getting a new hard drive that will be 320 gb and will be 7200 rpm and 16gb cache (whatever that means).
buying a 320GB at 7200?
I suggest you a 500GB at 5400 RPM
the 7200 Hard drive are not so good for stay inside Macbook chassis
the working temperature in a 7200 RPM disk should be cause slower speed than a more cool/fresh 5400 RPM
The temperature rise up if disk is full over than 1/3 of its capabilities...
(this rules are related with Disk performance but can be affected also CPU power in the real time processing because the system run on the same disk)
The hard drive temperature is strictly related with disk speed performance
and logic use a lot of streaming from to disc access for the EXS24 virtual memory and other Instruments and Synths...
*this can be the primary cause of CPU spikes*
I believe that having a hard drive at 7200 rpm is pretty essential for music programs like these.
I suggest a 500GB 5400 RPM!
G

Multiple Issues with my Macbook Pro

Jan 2011- Received my Macbook Pro 15 inch (late 2011 version)
Feb 2011- Overheating issue, laptop started running very slowly without any applications open
Feb 2011- Sent it to Apple US, test was run, no issue found by Apple, they re-installed the OS, piece returned back, seemed to be running normally
Early 2012- Major battery issue, battery would suddenly drop down from 90% to 25% in 5 minutes with hardly any applications open
From late 2012 to present- When the laptop is put to sleep (with screen closed) and is opened after half an hour or longer, the mouse cursor remains stuck on the screen after waking it up. The only way to continue using the laptop is to restart it so that the mouse starts moving again. Every time the laptop is woken up after sleep mode, the speed of all running applications comes down noticeably.
Mid 2013- Replaced the Battery for Rs. 8000/- After using it just for two years
Late 2013- Laptop fan runs at a high speed even though there are no applications open on the system, suspected Temperature sensor issue, Activity monitor shows a particular kernel that is taking up a huge amount of CPU load.
I have only faced issues with my macbook pro and it still doesn't end,Is there any way I can ask for an out of warranty replacement or atleast if there is a permanent solution at an affordable cost? Apple as a brand has set a benchmark , it is only fitting that as loyal apple customers we expect products to exceed expectations in terms of performance and longeivity and not pose as a problem at every turn.There isn't any sense in going on spending on a laptop that costs a bomb already!!!

While you were on the warranty or if you still have it, you should check out the Apple Store. When you had noticed these problems earlier, you should have immediatly reacted upon them, rather than waiting.

Hey guys ive got issues with my macbook pro that i bought not a year ago, and for the last week its just randomly restarting especially when im watching a video or using finalcut pro x can someone help me?

hey guys ive got issues with my macbook pro that i bought not a year ago, and for the last week its just randomly restarting especially when im watching a video or using finalcut pro x can someone help me?

What do you mean "Leave them my laptop again"? do you mean you have had it worked on before? for the same problem or a different one?
You need to take it in to Apple ASAP. No matter how long they have it, you want it fixed and fixed correctly.
top_cheese_1 wrote:
i bought it june 2012.. still on the warranty. i just didnt wanted to leave them my laptop again, but ok if you think thats what i should do..

Having issues with my MacBook. Even when the internet is disconnected, apps are still closing and opening on their own. I sometimes do not have control over my cursor.....any suggestions?

Having issues with my MacBook. Even when the internet is disconnected, apps are still closing and opening on their own. I sometimes do not have control over my cursor.....any suggestions?

There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not be apply in your case.
1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.
2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.
3. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.
4. Reset the System Management Controller.
5. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.
6. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.
7. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced.
8. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.
9. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.
10. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.
11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

My youtube videos are only running for a few seconds, then stop. Is this an issue with my macbook?

My youtube videos are only running for a few seconds, then stop. Is this an issue with my macbook?

Go step by step and test.
1. System Preferences > Other/ Flash Player > Advanced > Delete All
     Press the "Delete All" button
     Install Adobe Flash Player.
    http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
    http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/?PID=7105813
    Follow the prompts.
    Quit Safari.
    Restart computer. Relaunch Safari.
2. Enable Plug-ins
    Safari > Preferences > Security
    Internet Plug-ins > "Allow plug-ins"
    Enable it.
    Press " Manage Website Settings" button for more options.
3. Check whether you are currently in YouTube HTML 5 trial.
     http://www.youtube.com/html5
    At the bottom left of the page uncheck the box beside
   "You are currently in the HTML5 trial".
4. Reset Safari.
    Click Safari in the menu bar.
    From the drop down select "Reset Safari".
    Click "Reset".
5. Turn off Extensions, if any.
    Safari > Preferences > Extensions
     Now try YouTube.
Best.

Having trouble with kernal_task, fan, overheating, and lag issues with my Macbook Pro. What should I do?

I've had this problem with my Macbook Pro for the past few months. I am starting to become increasing dissatisfied with this product since it's less than even a year old and going through so many problems. I've taken at least 10 trips to the Apple Genius Bar in the past year.
I've had issues with
1) erratic trackpad
2) wifi connection timeouts
3) kernal_task taking up 300% of my CPU, my fan become crazy and just having my laptop lag to the point where I can't even use it.
I sent in my laptop for repairs last week again and they replaced my logic board and some other things. I recieved my laptop back yesterday, but I'm finding the same exact problem is happening again this morning. I still have warranty and set up another appointment for a few days... but the amount of trips I've taken is really starting to irritate me and my problem still isn't solved. What should I do? Is there another way to solve this or should I just keep going back to Genius Bar...
I regret buying this laptop. =\ It was so expensive but yet has so many problems. I've never had to deal with anything this cumbersome with my past few laptops.

If you've taken it back for the same problems over and over again, I suggest that you start asking for a replacement. Ensure that you've backed everything up to an ext HD and removed your personal data and information. IIRC, repeating problems warrant a replacement.

Issues with this MacBook, including a new random shutting off.

I received a MacBook as a present in late 2008. It served me well until in April 2010, I spilt water on it and it died. I then bought a new one in August of 2010, but I didn't purchase it in the store, I used a friend's discount at Apple and it was shipped to my house days later. From the first day I started having issues with it. I have to constantly be saving my word documents because word freezes all the time & I'm constantly have to force-quit and restart word. This Mac also seems more glitchy than my old one, which is Ironic considering it's the new model. In addition, I had tons of issues with iMovie and uploading to YouTube. It would spend 2 hours trying to upload in HD, then when it was "finished" and error report would pop up.
And for the latest and greatest issue, It has recently started randomly shutting down. I've been able to cope with the previous bugs but this one scares me. It will randomly shut down (WITH FULL BATTERY) and wont boot up again for a while. I was so sure I'd lost it this morning but luckily it came back up. I also have been getting the grey-screen and pop up that says "please restart your device" and whence I do, the computer asks me, do you want to report this to Apple? And I always do because I want to know whats going on. Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions??
Also, to my regret, I didn't by the Apple Care with this computer because I spend 4 months saving up for this one and didn't have enough to by the warranty with it... So I'm at a loss for what to do. PLEASE help.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
It sounds like a lemon. Take it in to a store and tell them your experience and financial constraint. We are just end users here, and can't say how they might respond. In the future remember take care of issues in first two weeks or less, and check the store return policy when you buy.

Wifi, power and cooling issues with my MacBook Pro.

I've had my MacBook Pro for about 2 years and I've been really pleased with its performance from work I've thrown at it. I initially got this MacBook Pro refurbished from the Mac store and it has a Apple Care protection plan. Although this past year I've noticed several issues that are probably hardware related. First, my MacBook's WiFi does not receive WiFi signals from the great distances it used to anymore. The times I can pick up WiFi are within like 5 yards from my wireless router. Second, I'm having an issue with the power. This past week, it seems my Macbook Pro does not run off the battery anymore. It only powers on when connected into the power supply. If I unplug the power supply, my Macbook turns off. It does not revert to the battery which is strange. Third, cooling seems to be a problem. The Macbook Pro is getting very hot. It burns my lap when it is holding there. The cooling problem has lasted since I got my Macbook back in January of 2007. I thought it was normal since I would load the CPU with some graphics intensive games. Now the Macbook Pro gets hot to doing some less CPU intensive tasks like surfing the web or word processing. I have noticed, a decrease in performance, longer boot times, loading of web browsers, and word processing applications. Would this be the best time to consider taking my Macbook Pro and for repair with apple care? I'd like to trouble shoot these issues to know exactly why these problems are happening. I have a feeling it could be due to the Macbook Pro getting hot. As for cooling I go by the manual and place it on a table or hard surface, or my lap. I pretty much want to know what is wrog and how to prevent issues like this in the future.
Thanks.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
It sounds like you have several issues:
I don't know why your MBP can only receive wireless signals from 5 feet away. Unless possibly the antenna has worked loose. But I'm just guessing.
Regarding the power, is your battery still good? Have you tried resetting the SMC?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411?viewlocale=en_US
Regarding the heat issue, have you tried running the extended version of the Apple Hardware Test? If you check your fans with iStatPro, are both running at an appropriate speed for the heat?
Also, have you checked in Activity Monitor for any out of control processes which might be running in the background and hogging the CPU?
A good place to start would be with the AHT. Since you have Applecare, you should also have a Tech Tool Deluxe disc, and you can run that too. Should anything turn up in the form of an error code, that would indicate a hardware problem. Write down the code and call Apple to arrange for repair.
If you have access to an Apple Store, you could also just take your Mac in for evaluation.
Good luck!

Issues with my Macbook pro, the current page disappears and it goes back to the desktop. I can't figure out what's wrong.

I have been having problems with my Macbook ever since I had it in for service to replace the battery. The issue is when I am surfing the page disappears and goes back to the desk top, and I have to reload it again. This happens quite often while I am online, and is a definite glitch.
Please help.
Sam Oliverio

String[] message = {
    "One, two, buckle your shoe",
    "One, two, buckle your shoe",
    "Three, four, shut the door",
    "Three, four, shut the door",
    "Five, six, pick up sticks",
    "Five, six, pick up sticks",
    "Seven, eight, lay them straight",
    "Seven, eight, lay them straight",
    "Nine, ten, this is the end",
    "Nine, ten, this is the end"
if(n>0)
    System.out.println(message[n]);
else
    System.exit(0);

Performance issues with unibody Macbook Pro 2009 purchased in October 2009

I have a 3.0Ghz Macbook Pro 15" which came installed with Snow Leopard.
I specified the machine with a 7200rpm 500GB drive although I had heard there were issues with these drives. I have installed Office 2008, CS/3, firefox, chronosync and fusion 3.0.
Since I have had the machine it has got slower and slower. Which surprises me given the configuration and the fact that I have 8GB of RAM. It should be quick.
I notice that it has become even slower since downloading a 'performance update' via software update which I installed when software update told me it was available yesterday, October 28th.
Has anyone else experienced the same problem? I also notice that these machines run very hot. I have read a lot of discussion which says that using Vista under fusion can make the machine run very hot. I have tried quitting fusion to see if the performance is any better and the machine still runs very hot and the performance is still awful.
To say that I am disappointed in such an expensive machine not performing properly is an understatement. I have a MacPro which apart from a graphics card replaced under warranty has never misbehaved itself.
I am not sure what all this 'Apple fanboy' nonsense is about - as far as I can see Apple with the notebook line seem to be releasing products which purport to be very advanced but in reading through the forums there seem to be nothing but problems with them.

Yeah, I was kinda worried since it is new. I thought maybe I could somehow adjust the brightness on the screen to make the bottom and corners brighter. And perhaps it was a software issue that was causing the keyboard to malfunction. And definitely have no clue about the headphone jack noises. And the bent display. Hmmm. I guess I will call AppleCare.

What appears to be a battery or charging issue with my MacBook Pro

I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot this situation... I have one of the earlier models of the MacBook Pro (Silver keyboard) and am having issues with it. It normally sits in my office and is plugged in but I took it on a business trip recently and it started acting oddly. Suddenly it didn't seem to want to hold a charge. When I had it plugged in it showed as "not charging" in the menu bar but was still running properly. It seemed the battery couldn't get past maybe 12% charge. Anyway, once I returned home it wouldn't turn on at all. The light on the mag power adapter is not on but I did see a spark when I plugged it into a socket. The battery button flashes fast for a few seconds when I push it. I'm sort of assuming that it is either the battery or the charger but any thoughts on where to start? If it is the battery shouldn't it still power on when plugged in? I have left it for a full 24 hours "charging" and so far nothing. Any help appreciated!

I'm sure I need one anyway so I'll likely do that regardless... I'm wondering if anyone can confirm that the light on the mag adapter wouldn't be lit up if it's a battery issue so I can rule that out though

MainStage 2.2.1 - CPU issues with old MacBook

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for