CompactFlash speed

[jg_]

I just did some tests with an old RiData 1gb 80X CompactFlash (not the Pro II version -- the older model) versus a SanDisk 1gb Extreme III. In theory, the latter CF has a much faster access time. But in the Fantom XR, both cards take exactly the same time to load the same set of 30 gig of waveforms. My conclusion is that the CF interface in the Fantom is not very speedy, and this is the bottleneck. The conclusion: Don't waste money buying a fast CF card. Buy the cheapest CF card you can find, because even the slowest of today's cards will likely max out the Fantom's data transfer rate. You won't get any faster loading with a faster card.

[dbijoux]

Thanks for testing. I've assumed this would be the case. It's likely slow because of the internal file system cache and erroneous handling of data(i.e. preloading samples while browsing).

You meant 30mb's right? 30 gigs and you'd be loading into next week.

[Nord72]

30 gigs lol...so thats why they give lifetime warranty...it takes a lifetime to load

[jg_]

Right. 30 meg.

The test wasn't done via the File Utility browsing. What I did is turn the Fantom on, and time from when the samples started auto-loading off of the CF into memory until completion.

[Andy Keys]

I've just bought a handful of cheap 1Gb cards, and my experience agrees with yours. It's reminded me why I hardly use any samples with the Fantom X (

Andy

[jg_]

I really wish there was a way to swap out the internal flash with an SSD, and really utilize that speed. I expanded my Fantom to 512+16 meg, but frankly, it takes 50 seconds just to load the 30 meg. I can't even imagine how long it would take to fill up that RAM with samples.

[dbijoux]

I like having the space available for resampling. However, the load times really are a hindrance with multisample instruments and bringing large banks on board. There are lot of things I would like to do, but just don't because of the speed.

That said, I like the idea of having a handful or two of cards around. I should get on it and order some more myself.

In the meantime, I'm considering Battery and would rather Maschine if only my machine were up to snuff.

As for SSD, I heard they are fast reads but ultra-slow when writing. As we've seen here, it's not the speed of the drive rather the bottleneck(whatever that may be) getting the samples into RAM.

[jg_]

I don't find the dedicated VST players very compelling. All they are is expensive rackmount computers (which aren't nearly as expandable hardware-wise) with a pro audio card installed. For about $1000, you can get a rackmount server with a quality motherboard (ie, not the usual junk with low tolerance components), plenty of RAM, a very spacious hard drive, a nice soundcard, and a small touchscreen to control it. It will actually be a more powerful system than the dedicated VST player, and cheaper too. Plus, you can later add an SSD for really fast loads, or more RAM, or a soundcard with new features, or upgrade the OS. It's a lot easier to upgrade a computer than some dedicated bit of musical gear.

[lordelix]

yay im back home for a bit lol!!!! In the midst of recording again and my Fantom X gets to be the star!

"Please bear in mind this is not a slam or flame"
I will say yes the bottle neck you speak of is caused by the interface however lets not jump away from expensive product offerings just yet. I go against the grain just a wee bit and use SD cards instead of CF ... they are just alot easier to find no matter where you are in the world. The reason my main card is the expensive SanDisk Extremem III is because I am constantly on the move and never know where im gonna be or the tempreture, weather conditions, indoor/ outdoor and all that sorta thing. Granted most may not need to deal with such issues but in my case I feel much better knowing that the main SD card I use can handle the harsher elements. Of course I carry several cheap backup cards for failsafe reasons ( which I have never needed! )

I actually use alot of samples on my Fantom and it takes roughly 5 minutes to boot up... but there really is no other synth I would rather have short of an Openlabs Neko. Which leads me into the VST thing. I will be moving on from my good old hardware sythns in the next year or so. I will still keep them and love them but the time has come to make the leap. You really need to check out Open Labs products. They are not rackmount and include a built in 15 inch touchscreen. In the end it all boils down to personal preferences and need for technology. I believe in integrating everything possible to give yourself maximum flexability and inspiration.

[Nord72]

The Tenori-on idea is much more user friendly than a touch screen I think.
Creative musicians following this way IMHO.