Media Encoder uses all the CPU when Encoding on Mac OS Catalina. Can I change priority?

[timbo2000]

I used to be able to leave Media Encoder running in the background whilst continuing working in After Effects or Premiere Pro. Now media encoder takes over the entire CPU and I can't even use a browser or edit a document if it is encoding. 

I am presuming this is something to do with CPU priority. I have tried using the 'renice' command in terminal but it has no impact.

I have a feeling it is a fault in Mac OS rather than Media Encoder as the whole ecosystem has changed with Catalina. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

Using version 14.8 build 31

Thank you. Tim

[davidarbor]

I can't speak to using your browser in conjunction with AME, but there's a checkbox in the Premiere preferences that can at least pause AME encoding while playing back in Premiere. 

Premiere Pro > Preferences > Playback > Pause Media Encoder queue during playback