Your computer cannot load all samples completely into the RAM. Therefore, The Grand loads only the first milliseconds of each sample into the RAM and constantly loads more manageable portions from the hard disk while you play. Because the hard disk has to work harder for every additional note you play, it is a good idea to load as much material as possible into the RAM beforehand. This of course leaves less RAM for other applications. For an optimum performance of your system, you can balance the hard disk versus the RAM usage of The Grand.
To do so, use the Disk vs. RAM slider on the Options page:
If your hard disk is not supplying data fast enough, drag the slider to the right, to increase RAM usage.
If you need more RAM for other applications, drag the slider to the left, to use less RAM and rely more on the hard disk.
The memory display in the upper right of the plug-in panel is updated accordingly, see below.
If you experience no problems with the system performance, leave this setting as it is.
If you keep running into performance problems, no matter which settings you choose, activate the ECO Mode. This will load less velocity layers, see ECO Mode (general controls).