Steve, as you said, this is not even beginning to strain the computer resources shown.

There are tons of things, such as DPC Latency, wireless networking, bad cables etc. but since you mention the combination of adding a VST causes the trouble, I'm first thinking drivers.

What are you using for the audio driver in BIAB? ASIO, MME or WAS? What is your audio output device?
Can you snap a picture of the Options, Preferences, MIDI Driver screen, and then also click the button for Audio Settings and get a pic of that?

Can you record a snippet so we can hear the noise?

Another possibility: in Preferences, RealTracks, there is a checkbox for This Song Has Problems. Try that.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.