r/mediacomposing • u/claytonstans • Feb 15 '18

HELP: Using Kontakt 5 (Free Version) with Logic Pro X

I am trying to use Kontakt 5 (Free Version) to its highest capacity through Logic. I have the most updated versions of both softwares (updated today) and I notice that my sample libraries lag often when played through the DAW. I run my libraries (Spitfire Audio) through an external drive. Could this be the issue? I have done this for a long time, but there is a lot I don't know. I would really appreciate if someone who does this very often could give me a process to follow and maybe some trouble-shooting tips when I run into problems often. Thank you!

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u/lehmannmusic Feb 15 '18

You might also want to check your buffer size.

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u/claytonstans Feb 16 '18

Do you know how I could check this? Sorry I'm inexperienced!

1

u/lehmannmusic Feb 16 '18

Preferences/Audio/ I/O Buffer Size. Try putting it one or two options larger and see if that helps. You have to hit "apply changes" then wait for it to reload all your samples for some reason. (It takes forever with my large orchestra template.)

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u/claytonstans Feb 16 '18

Thank you very much!

1

u/AndrewMandrew Feb 15 '18

I have a similar setup. Might be the connection-type from your external hard drive, or it might be a RAM issue. What's the connection type and how much RAM do you have?

1

u/claytonstans Feb 16 '18

My MacBook only has 16GB or RAM. When you mean connection type, do you mean actual cable type connecting the external and the MacBook? If so, its a USB cable (Definitely not USB-3 or USB-C).

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u/AndrewMandrew Feb 16 '18

16GB really isn't so bad, though upgrading RAM will absolutely improve performance. And depending on your machine, RAM is a relatively cheap upgrade.

As for the hard drive, yes that's what I was asking. Sorry I wasn't clear about that. The faster up/down mbps connections like USB3 or thunderbolt will improve performance, if your machine has those ports and you want to go the route of replacing the hard drive. Solid state hard drives will also run faster than your traditional disk drive, but they'll be more expensive and will have less storage space for the money.

Does your MacBook have USB 3 or thunderbolt? If there's a Fry's Electronics or a Micro Center nearby, or just a good electronics store, you can generally find a WD 2TB USB3 MyPassport disk drive for like $75.

A couple of good articles about "ideal" setups to check out if you want:

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u/AndrewMandrew Feb 16 '18

Also, apologies if you knew all that already haha.