Configuration of a Windows audio workstation

PC configuration for audio applications

If you want to keep your computer as powerful as possible, you have many options. On the one hand, you can have an audio workstation configured by a special dealer, or on the other hand, you can make some changes in the software or regestry settings, which significantly improve the performance when mixing and mastering or other music programs.

Data Backup

Before we get to the topic of "optimizing the configuration settings," we should first of all deal with the topic of data backup. In the course of this article, we had to completely reinstall our computer ourselves and were glad that we had already taken precautions regarding data backup. We would now like to address these precautions first.

How do I best secure my data?

In order to cover the data backup effectively and as reliably as possible. we recommend using 3 external hard drives (eg USB). You need one hard drive for archiving your music projects or audio projects. The second disk carries a so-called "Real-time backup“ Here we have chosen the program Genie Timeline Professional  decided. This program backs up your data in real time on request. The third hard drive is used to back up your music programs, Windows programs, purchased software, license keys, activation codes or other private files such as photos or videos. This way your audio files remain completely untouched by the rest. In addition, we recommend that you use the Genie Timeline program and a USB stick to create an emergency recovery data carrier.

What should be secured?

To ensure a good backup, we recommend securing the following points:

• Audio projects and their files
• Outlook
• License keys and serial numbers
• External software for music or programs (no more download after reinstallation)
• Project templates, channel settings, audio interface settings
• Passwords for websites, accounts, etc.

With a "real-time backup program" you have already saved these settings and can restore them again as you wish. However, it is recommended that you save the above points again on an external hard drive. In this case, two is really better than one.

How to optimize your PC for audio applications

Keep drivers up to date

Drivers and especially the audio drivers are often forgotten and should always be updated. Not only the drivers of the audio hardware, but also the chipset drivers and service packs of Windows. If you do not want to update this manually, you can use one of the numerous programs. These search your PC for all available drivers and determine in a database whether a current driver is available.

Optimize graphics card for audio applications

Since all drivers are up to date, we can look for pre-defined "audio profiles" in the graphics card's properties, or, depending on the manufacturer, we can deactivate unnecessary functions. It is difficult to give precise instructions for this, as the settings vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You have to work through each step. But once you have found the right properties, you will be rewarded with a significant increase in the performance of your audio PC.

Latency and buffer settings

If there are cracks or dropouts during recording, mixing your songs, or mastering, one of the reasons for this may be the latency or the so-called ASIO buffer size. In general, you should keep an eye on the VST performance display and increase the latency if necessary. An update of your audio driver is often enough. Basically, audio interfaces that are connected via a PCI or PCIe bus interface have a lower latency than USB or Firewire interfaces.

Your plugins that you use for audio processing also create latency. This can turn out to be considerable in individual cases and in total. Centrance offers here, after registration, a free plug-in that measures the latency with an accuracy of up to 0,5 ms! So if you want to know exactly which of your plugins makes the box jerk, you should definitely use it.

Deactivate Cortana:

• First open the start menu and enter there regedit
• Right-click on the appropriate tile and select "Execute as administrator".
• Go to the Pfard " HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Windows Search ”.
• You will find the entry there "Allow Cortana". If you do not have the appropriate folder, you can create it yourself.
• Click this with a Doubleand then set the value to 0 and confirm it with "OK".
• After one restartCortana search is deactivated on your PC.

Adjust UAC setting:

• Go to the search box and tap msconfig a
• Click on the tab UAC
• Move the controller all the way down (never notify)

Optimize performance:

• Go to the control panel and select the power options
• Click on Custom settings and put on all the dots highest performance
• Click on Power plan settings and put on the dots Never

Deactivate firewall and virus protection software: (if possible)

• Deactivate under the tab system and safety the firewall
• Deactivate your virus protection software

Setting your processor performance:

• Right click on it Desktop and then on Features
• Click the tab on the left Advanced system settings
• In the area Performance you will find the button Settings
• Deactivate ALL in the first tab Visual effects
• Set up the processor scheduling in the second tab Background services

Deactivate the Windows sound:

• Go to the tab in the system settings Hardware and sounds
• Click on Sounds
• Choose in Sound scheme the point No sounds and apply these settings.

Services and system start

We go to the Windows symbol again and enter “msconfig” in the search. There we click on the Services and System Startup tab. Experienced PC users can deactivate the unnecessary services and programs that load in the background when the system starts in order to free up more resources.

indexing

When the computer is not in use, Windows automatically switches to indexing mode and makes files available for Windows search. To do this, click on the Control Panel and enter "indexing" in the search. In this settings menu, you can exclude certain locations and files from indexing.

Deactivate Aero Peek

To do this, go with the mouse on the Windows symbol and click the right mouse button. Then go to Properties and turn off Aero Peek. Aero Peek is only used for desktop previews and can safely be switched off.

Regulate fan speed

Another method for conserving resources and optimizing your audio workstation is through fans. These ensure that your hard drives and processors don't overheat. The program SpeedFan.

SpeedFan takes over the fan regulation independently - if you are familiar with the subject, you can of course also make manual settings. On the one hand, this brings you more performance, and on the other hand, it ensures that your computer runs smoothly.

This blog post was created in collaboration with Michael Schumacher.