Tag: Logic Pro

  • Case Study: Fixing Logic Pro CPU Overload Errors When Streaming with OBS

    Case Study: Fixing Logic Pro CPU Overload Errors When Streaming with OBS

    Paul Andrews
    By Paul Andrews, Founder

    The Challenge

    My client, a budding content creator, wanted to build a live reaction channel for Twitch and YouTube. He invested in tools like a Native Instruments Maschine controller to use as a live soundboard for sound effects and audio clips, running alongside OBS on his 2012 iMac. We had already successfully configured the complex audio and video routing to get his browser, webcam, and microphone feeds into OBS. However, running his Maschine sound library within Logic Pro alongside OBS proved too demanding. Whenever he started interacting with the stream—like switching videos or loading new browser tabs—his Mac would grind to a halt. Logic Pro flashed a “System Overload” error, leading to stuttering audio and a frozen stream.

    The Amazing Audio Solution

    The problem was a fundamental conflict of resources: his older iMac simply didn’t have the CPU headroom to run two resource-intensive applications simultaneously. A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Logic Pro acts like a complete, broadcast-ready television studio, which was overkill just to host a single sampler. The background processes and audio engine were consuming CPU cycles desperately needed by OBS to encode the video.

    Instead of upgrading the hardware, we needed a simple, lightweight application to host the Native Instruments Maschine plugin. We swapped Logic Pro for a free micro-host utility called Hosting AU, dramatically reducing the background processing load. Here is how we implemented the stable workflow:

    • Install the Micro-Host: We downloaded and installed Hosting AU, a bare-bones utility that scans the Mac for all available Audio Unit plugins and acts solely to pass audio through them.
    • Load the Soundboard: Inside Hosting AU, we loaded a single instance of the Maschine 2 plugin and opened his previously created soundboard project.
    • Configure the Audio Output: In the preferences, we set the audio output to the Blackhole Virtual Audio Driver, utilizing the exact same routing we used before to ensure OBS could receive the audio.

    The Result

    The result was immediate and profound. The Mac’s CPU usage dropped significantly, allowing the client to run his OBS stream, play multiple videos, and trigger sounds from his Maschine controller with no errors, stutters, or system overloads. By choosing a single-purpose micro-host instead of a monolithic DAW, we solved what seemed to be a hardware limitation and saved the client from spending thousands on a new computer.

    This article was originally published as a field case study on our sister site, Audio Support, and has been adapted for Amazing Audio.

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  • Case Study: Ongoing Tech Support & Workflow Optimisation for Mike Batt

    Case Study: Ongoing Tech Support & Workflow Optimization for Mike Batt

    Paul Andrews
    By Paul Andrews, Founder

    The Challenge

    It’s truly rewarding to build long-term relationships with clients, helping them navigate the ever-evolving world of music technology. One such ongoing relationship has been with the incredibly talented Mike Batt, a renowned English musician, producer, composer, and the creative force behind the legendary icons of British culture, The Wombles.

    My work with Mike began in mid-2020 when the pandemic necessitated a shift from commercial recording facilities to working from home. He found my services through a recommendation from his musician son, Luke. At the time, Mike was working on an ambitious multimedia project called Croix Noire and needed reliable remote technical support to maintain his creative workflow. Years later, in 2025, his needs evolved as he embarked on a YouTube series called Diary of a Symphony, requiring a streamlined OBS live streaming setup.

    The Amazing Audio Solution

    By connecting via remote desktop, I was able to act as an on-call technical engineer for both his Logic Pro production needs and his new live streaming ventures. We tackled his challenges in several phases:

    • Optimizing the Logic Pro Workflow: During the production of Croix Noire, we conducted numerous remote sessions to streamline his DAW workflow. This included managing orchestral sample libraries, importing MIDI files created in Finale into Logic, handling complex audio formats, and mastering Logic’s automation features.
    • Building the OBS Broadcast Environment: For his Diary of a Symphony YouTube series, I remotely guided Mike through the technical aspects of Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). We configured intuitive scenes, creating a direct face-to-camera shot and an overlaid desktop shot so he could visually demonstrate his workflow to his audience.
    • Simplifying Audio Routing: During the OBS setup, we initially experimented with complex routing from his studio piano, Logic Pro, and microphone. However, we realized managing multiple volume levels would interfere with his creative flow. Instead, we designed a simple “one-button solution,” utilizing his high-quality webcam microphone to capture the room’s sound, freeing him from technical distractions.

    The Result & Ongoing Support

    Through our remote sessions, Mike was able to complete his work on Croix Noire efficiently and with minimal technical fuss. The streamlined OBS setup also enabled him to confidently share his creative process on YouTube without getting bogged down by complicated routing.

    Beyond specific projects, I continue to provide Mike with remote support as needed. Whether it’s troubleshooting disconnected studio equipment, resolving misbehaving plugins in Logic, or solving unexpected audio glitches, I offer a reliable safety net. This ensures that professional composers like Mike have the quiet confidence to focus purely on creating incredible music.

    This article was originally published as a field case study on our sister site, Audio Support, and has been adapted for Amazing Audio.

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