Hi @Locutus !
RBPi has limitations, as it’s an ARM processor (RISC) and doesn’t have the performance of an Intel/AMD processor (CISC).
To be more specific:
-
Linuxsampler (SFZ) is quite CPU-eager. The version currently included
in Zynthian is limited to 21 voices, that is not too much. You could
increase this limit, but at risk of getting XRUNs. -
FluidSynth (SF2) is a better choice for achiving high polyphony.
Default limit for FluidSynth is set to 256 and i never had problems.
I’m pretty sure that 50 voice polyphony is perfectly OK with FluidSynth. -
Regarding the Virtual Analogue Synth, it depends a lot of the
synth-engine and the specific presets you use. Zynthian include a bunch
of them:-
ZynAddSubFX => quite CPU eager and very dependent of specific
presets, as it uses a complex combined-model for synthesis. -
Helm => I don’t know too much about it, but it sounds really
cool and have a lot of options -
Triceratops => It seems quite light and sound is good.
-
synthv1 => It’s a 2 oscillator old-school VAS, very light, but
powerful, and include a full set of FX and filters. -
NoizeMa3r => I never got problems with it. Sound is quite thick and
it’s plenty of options, like Helm. -
etc.
-
Anyway, i can’t tell you if it will be enough for you. Probably no, if
you expect the same power of a desktop or laptop computer
Kind Regards,