How are you applying effects to tracks?

I used to get really high cpu loads when I first started because I was loading a new instance of reverb or delay into the INSERTS on each track, rather than creating a few FX channels and using the SENDS from the tracks.

You mean essentially busing? That actually saves cpu load? Thats interesting. Man I never wouldve thought that. I wouldve figured buses would eat up more cpu. Also doesnt this limit your automation a little? Not that I really car about automation all that much. If anything Id do performance. But correct me if/where (which is very likely Im sure) I'm wrong.

Thanks for the help AwedOne! I'm def. going to try this out very very soon. I've been using buses but rarely ever for individual tracks. Just submixes.

Oh wait, I think I get what youre saying now. Basically you're creating a bus with a reverb, then sending that one reverb to multiple tracks right? Okay now I get it haha. Yeah that would def save a lot of cpu.

haha I just had a "could've had a v8" moment.

Kinda...
You create a bus with reverb on it and you send the multiple tracks to one reverb, versus one reverb to multiple tracks.
You can also do this with compression on similar instruments - think of the "bus send" on each channel as the input level on the comp.
Also - the UAD cards are great. However, you can't load them down with your own plugs. You have to use theirs. This shouldn't be a problem though since the UAD card is just shy of a miraculous product.

Print your tracks and remove plugins/VI before mixing.

Cucco! Helpful as always! Yeah I think I may be getting that UAD card in the future. Actually I've got the larger PCI slot, so its all a debate of getting the older UAD solo, or waiting for a new computer to get a UAD card. Of course if I go Imac, then I dont know what I'd get...

BRH! Thank you! Thats a great idea. I always convert my VI to audio before mixing, but you say to print out everything? Forgive me for my ignorance but I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Do you mean freezing the tracks? I probably should have mentioned I'm using Logic Pro. If that helps haha.

Thanks guys! I can see this subforum is going to be very popular... haha

I mean "bounce" or re-record your tracks to another track, or render it so you aren't using so many VIs and plugins. This would free up your processing power.. but of course you will have to make a decision about what the sound will be.. as you will not be able to adjust it again without going back. Make sure to shift it a bit to make up for any delay from processing.

Oooo yeah... risky business. I could prolly do that for a lot of EQ, light compression, filtering and maybe some reverb. Outside of that I dont think I could bounce tracks with more on it. I'd be too afraid it wouldnt work, or I'd have something just slightly off and then have to redo a bunch of stuff. But hey getting rid of all that would no doubt save a boat load of CPU power. Good idea! I was talking to Al Schmitt about a month ago and he told me he very seldom uses any compression. If anything he just uses limiters. But he told me to actually do natural compression by going the route of the ole dinos like him and bouncing tracks live performance and using your ears and a fader. I dont think I would ever get to the point he's at... which is basically almost no processing what-so-ever. But I think once the holiday break kicks in I'm going to have to heed his advice and try that out. Does any of you guys do that?