Rendering Services FAQ

  1. Inside CAD
  2. Facilties
  3. CAD Tech
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Rendering Services FAQ

CAD uses Muster from Virtual Vertex for renderfarm management.  The Muster Console is the application used to submit and manage renderfarm jobs.  The Muster Console is installed on all CAD Windows lab computers.  You can also install the Console on your personal computer; the downloads are available below.  We are currently using Muster server version 9.0.14, but newer versions of the console _may_ work (YMMV).  You’ll first need to connect to the RIT VPN before launching the Muster Console from off campus. The address of the Muster server is CAD-renderfarm.rit.edu.

To use the Muster Console on your personal computer, use the following downloads:
Windows: https://www.vvertex.com/downloads/v9/Muster9.0.14.11632.x64.win.msi
macOS: https://www.vvertex.com/downloads/v9/Muster9.0.14-11632-x64-mac.pkg
Linux: https://www.vvertex.com/downloads/v9/Muster9.0.14.11632.x64.linux.tar.gz

For a more in-depth guide to getting started, please visit this page:
https://helpdesk.cad.rit.edu/kb/articles/getting-started-with-muster-console

There are a few easy steps to make sure your job renders properly on the renderfarm.

  1. Your Maya scene file and all referenced assets must be on the CAD Rendershare
    ( WINDOWS:  \\CAD-files.rit.edu\rendershare or  MAC:  smb://CAD-files.rit.edu/rendershare

    1. A common cause of render problems is missing textures or assets.  Make sure everything is on the Rendershare.
  2. The path to your Maya scene file and project directory MUST begin with W:\, ex: W:\abc1234\mayaproject\scenes\coolscene.mb
    1. Jobs submitted with a R:\ path will not work.  Ever.  This is the most common rendering problem seen on the farm.
  3. Pick the right render engine (template) for your job
    1. We recommend using Maya Arnold
    2. Only use Redshift or Cinema4D if you are already working with those types of files.
    3. Unless you are really comfortable with command-line rendering, use “Maya Mr” instead of “Mental Ray”.
  4. Point the Muster Console to the renderfarm server at CAD-renderfarm.rit.edu.  
    1. Login with the username/password render/renderme.
  5. If your render doesn’t come out like you had expected, check the render logs for errors/clues.
    1. Browse to \\CAD-files.rit.edu\musterlogs from one of our lab computers to see detailed logs of all render jobs from the last few days.

Render Wranglers monitor the render farm and look out for broken or misconfigured jobs.

Here’s a brief video tutorial of how to submit a job: