Total posts : 45366
I started with the “FM” preset on the JB Processor plugin. Then I turned down the compression to 2:1 and disabled the “widening” feature. This sounds ok to me and added just a bit more punch at the 1mi range.
As for running this stuff on the same PC with ZaraRadio, yes, audio processing does take a lot of CPU cycles. However, I am running everything on a P4, 2.66GHz PC. Last year, when I upgraded my main PC, I built the automation PC out of spare parts (and a few new ones).
I find that with ZaraRadio and the audio processing software, the CPU is running about 45%. For comparison, I originally tried Sound Solution, but it ran close to 100% all the time. I have a stripped down WinXP on this PC and no unnecessary software (not even a web browser).
One thing that I did do that made a tremendous difference was to set the priority of both ZaraRadio and VSTHost to “Above Normal”. It is actually VSTHost that needs this more than ZaraRadio, when running both on the same PC. With normal priority, any other activity on the PC will cause the audio to stutter. With “Above Normal”, I can run a second copy of ZaraRadio to edit a playlist, transfer files across the network, run a nightly backup to a second drive, etc. without any audio stutter.
To start these programs on bootup and set the priority, I use a batch file. I found a freeware program called “Process” that sets a program’s priority from the command line. You can find it here: http://www.beyondlogic.org/consulting/processutil/processutil.htm
Make sure that you don’t use “High” or “Realtime” priorities, or you will have a hard time using the computer. With “Above Normal”, you will notice a slight delay when running other programs, but it isn’t objectionable.
I should mention that if anyone wants to try using a similar combination of software, you will also need another free program called ASIO4All. Without this, VSTHost won’t allow using Virtual Audio Cable for input.
