The following steps can help to optimize Windows performance for audio processes:
- Ensure your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for your desired DAW software. To check this, visit the manufacturer’s website. If any of your components are lower than the requirements, upgrade accordingly.
- If using a laptop, avoid running off of battery power whilst recording as Windows reduces performance in order to save battery life.
- Avoid using USB hubs and opt for direct connections when connecting audio equipment to your computer using the manufacturer's cabling.
- Install any DAW content such as loops, samples, demo content, as well as your recorded project data onto a drive or partition separate from your OS drive.
- Adjust startup items: launch Task Manager, navigate to the Startup tab, and disable any unnecessary programs running the background on startup. Additionally, limiting background processes while recording will improve performance.
- While disabling antivirus altogether can potentially put your system at risk, it would be advantageous to not have it live scan whilst recording. Additionally, it is recommended to add these three folders your antivirus exceptions (or exclusions) list:
C:/Program Files/Merging Technologies
C:/Program Files/Neumann MT 48 Driver
C:/Program Files/Neumann MT 48 Toolkit
For Microsoft Defender, you can add these by going to Settings > Update and Security > Virus and Threat Protection, select "Manage Settings" and then Add or Remove Exclusions.
If you use a third-party antivirus program, you may need to check in its settings options to manage exclusions.
7. Disable automatic updates for both software programs and the operating system. Run Windows updates regularly outside of recording.
8. Adjust Windows power and sleep settings to prevent disruptions and improve performance. Ensure your PC is set to “Never go to sleep” so as to prevent the computer from sleeping while recording or mixing. Ensure all eco- settings are disabled and instead choose a High Performance power plan.
9. From the Windows Device Manager, right click on drivers listed under “USB Serial Bus Controllers”, select Properties, then Power Management, and ensure the computer is not set to turn any essential audio devices off to conserve power [uncheck this option if checked.]
10. Backup audio files regularly, ideally in several locations. If your DAW has an Autosave feature, consider implementing it.
11. Consider eliminating system sounds altogether or disabling the MT 48 from playing system sounds whilst recording to eliminate any distractions.
12. Turn off any unnecessary Notifications alerts from within Settings > Notifications & Actions. It is recommended you leave MT48Agent Notifications ON. For any notifications that are enabled, consider turning off Sounds which can be a distraction while recording. You can also deselect the option to 'Allow notifications to play sounds'
For more information and best practice tips, please visit our interactive MT 48 support guide here: