Conserving CPU with Effects

[GrizzlyAK]

I've got a 5.1 session in Au CS6 for a movie soundtrack with a lot of effects. I've done the usual of putting effects on tracks whenever possible (vs clips), and saving reverb for busses, but I've run up against my limit, and am getting artifacts now during playback. I know this won't affect render, but I wanted to know how to limit CPU time for effects that are on a track but where there is no audio file - if that's possible. For example, if I Power On the Track Effects Rack when there is no audio file, is there CPU usage for those effects? Would I benefit by Powering Off that Rack even when there are no audio files (data) being run through that Rack? Are there other methods, such as Mute? I'm just trying to determine how I might minimize CPU usage for effects that are on a track that aren't actually being used. It  would require a lot of automation, but worth it if I can continue to listen to my mix live without bouncing tracks.

Thanks,

Shane

[Bob Howes]

Yes, you can pre render all your effects.  There's a little box with a lightning bolt symbol at the bottom of each effects rack which turns on the pre render.  This doesn't stop you from going back and making changes but it does take the pressure off your CPU.

[GrizzlyAK]

Thanks Bob. I know about that but, unfortunately, (at least on CS6), that is not an option on Buss Tracks, just regular tracks. I find that odd, too, given that one normally puts heavy effects, like Reverb, on busses, where a pre-render option would be best applied.

[Bob Howes]

Ah, sorry, forgot about that.  Most of my workflow involves effects on individual tracks and only using buses to streamline the mixing.

I agree it would be useful....a feature request is likely in order.