Hello all, 
 
I updated Platinum over the weekend.  I try to stay current, and usually apply updates within a week or so.   That said, I have ONE vst, only one - WAVES L316 - that started making the output stutter, after this update.  To be fair - I also applied windows updates prior to the platinum update. 
 
To be clear, I import a stereo mix into a new mastering project.  A single stereo channel.  I add this ONE vst, thats all.  The project stutters.  I can take it out and add any other combination of vst's to the track and experience zero problems.  The vst is 64 bit - I double checked.  
 
Lets see - what else might help...  CPU usage meters are hovering around 2% or so.  Using about 20% of memory.  Disk at 10% or less.  No connection to the internet.  No anti virus running.  I can load a project with 40 tracks,  20 other waves vsts running, with other vst suppliers tools loaded.  NO problem - the system can handle more than my max project.  Core parking off.  I am running with the new MOTU AVB drivers v 1.7.
 
The sky isn't falling - its just odd behavior and I do like to use that L316 a lot as a final pass in what I will loosely call mastering levels.        Any ideas?
 
LL 
 
       

Nevermind

The issue doesn't relate to plug-in recycling, which avoids clutter if you're working with/editing multiple VSTs. The L316 is a multi-maximizer with significant lookahead and will stress out your system more than "typical" plug-ins. What's odd is that you can load up a project with lots of other plug-ins and not have issues. 
 
Try increasing latency another "notch," e.g., if you're using 128 samples, use 256 samples and see if that solves the problem. However, the Windows update aspect may be significant. Windows updates will often "helpfully" re-install devices and drivers you disabled previously. See Week 35's tip in Friday's Tip of the Week and check whether an efficiency-sucking rogue audio driver has been re-installed.

Thank you for the ideas!!
 
I did 'up' the buffer size from 16 to 32 to 64 to 128.  This new 1.7 driver for MOTU AVB is pretty fast, but it is beta.  They added a 'Host Safety Offset' that I do need to learn more about.  I have been having good performance normally, and didn't hear enough 'change' in the stutter to push it further.  So - thank you for 'shaking the tree', I will MOST DEFINITELY try 256 and up.  
 
I will also follow the tip AND look for any re-installed drivers that have been turned back on.  Can't get to it all now, but I will when I get back home.
 
Take care, and with much appreciation...
 
LL  

The combination was the ticket. 
 
Windows was helpful.. Some old settings were re-enabled, so I disabled them.  
 
Went to 256 samples and it worked.  Went down to 128 and played with the new Host Safety Offset setup.  
 
Working better than ever..  I am very happy and thank you Craig.   
 
LL
Deep Red Dirt 

Hey - for future reference, here is a link to a page on the Waves site that lists latency added by each of their plugins, and that one is adding a BUNCH:
 
http://www.waves.com/support/tech-specs/plugin-latency
 
I would consider jacking up my ASIO Buffer Size as needed, until you get to where it will work.  I CERTAINLY would not even think to use that plugin during tracking/recording.
 
Bob Bone
 

Thank you so much Bob,
 
I appreciate the info.  I have learned from so many here, a long while ago that mastering really does require its own project space - it has a different science and art to it all together.   I stay away from adding any tools like this, to any buss.
 
I can say that, learning how to master humbles me at times.  Using a driver in the NHRA - Tim Wilkerson - as a example.  He is the owner, tuner, and driver of the car.  If he smokes the tires, its because of him the tuner.  If he doesn't have the right parts, its because of him the owner.  If he red lights, its because of him the driver.   When I master after I mix,  like Tim,  I says to myself 'you knucklehead - what were you thinking?'. Then as I listen to the master after burning to CD, I says to myself 'you knucklehead, what were you thinking?'.   However, every once in a while I get a change to win one - I hear someone listening to something I helped with.  Well, thats priceless since I win so few  :o)
 
Take care
 
L