So if your setup requires a good connection, then make sure it is just that. Reason users usually need to be internet enabled to get started, for example, or Cloud-based services such as Loopcloud and Roland’s Cloud will need almost constant connectivity. To network, or not to network?ĭoes your music-production system ‘need’ the internet? Some music applications really do need a good working online relationship.
Laptop producers will probably already be optimising what is connected for mobile reasons, but everyone should disconnect what is not being used – back-up drives, that USB mic you once used and especially USB hubs, if you can avoid them. But do consider what you have connected in this way as computers – particularly PCs – can be a little too ‘interested’ in constantly checking what’s there all the time. So many devices in your signal chain and controller worlds can be USB compatible that it’s easy to have your Mac or PC sitting at the centre of a world of USB connectivity. Reduce to increase, it really does work! USB, or not to B Also, simply cutting down your unused plug-ins will often make your DAW load quicker (not to mention cutting down the time it takes for you to peruse your options when composing a song). Clearing hard-drive space makes your system work more efficiently (and gives you more room to expand your options later, although this goes against the decluttering ethos in the first place!). With music production, this is possibly the most vital and rewarding piece of advice going. In just about every set of tips you’ll read about music production – in fact, life in general – there will be one about decluttering.
But developers do update for good reason – often to keep their apps optimised for your system – so try and keep abreast of the latest tweaks. If you’re worried about updating specific applications, then check forums for other users’ experiences – it might be that a particular update doesn’t suit your OS (which is also worth keeping up-to-date, of course).
However, broadly speaking, updating apps and PC drivers is a good thing to regularly check and do. You might well be happy with your current system and terrified to update anything in case your music production boat is rocked – and we feel your pain.