Optimal CPU usage?

[mmprod]

What is the normal range of percent CPU usage for FX and instrument plugins on the market? Let’s say for example a smaller product such as a single reverb or a simple sample instrument.

Is 15-30% acceptable/normal?

[clevername27]

@mmprod Those percentages are often not meaningful in a literal sense. Most plugins won't move the CPU meter at all, but there are many factors in play. Best thing to do is load up a whole bunch of plugin instances in a DAW, and see how it feels. There's tools like Perfetto, as well.

[aaronventure]

It will differ between CPUs.

Export it to a plugin and compare it to your competitor plugin inside of a DAW.

[griffinboy]

@mmprod

On my cpu 5% is the maximum I will allow.

I like to benchmark my plugins on Fabfilter, Waves and Soundtoys.

Some plugins (mastering ones) can take up to 30% on my cpu but this is extremely high and is certainly due to poor optimisation or algorithm design.

[d.healey]

Also important to note that different CPU meters show different things. Some show peak, some show average, some show a mystery. I think HISE's shows the peak.

[mmprod]

@griffinboy is 5% peak or average usage like @d-healey mentioned?

also what does strong/poor optimization entail?

[aaronventure]

@d-healey https://forum.hise.audio//post/11268