Evil Latency

[12Kevin]

In a basic PC DAW, where does latency really get you? I'm a typical one-man act here in my garage studio. I've been trying demos of several new multitracking programs. Including most of the products mentioned on this BBS.

My test is simple: to lay down 3 or 4 tracks, one at a time. I've noticed a real difference in the various programs in how accurately they will let me sing and play in sync with previous tracks. A couple seem to place my overdub slightly behind the previous track, as if I'm lagging. But one seems to place it slightly forward, as if I'm singing into the future!?

Anyone got a clue as to critical software settings, or where else such problems come from?

Kev

 

[Massive Master]

It depends somewhat on the software - If you let us know which programs you're using along with your interface / sound card, we might be able to be more specific...

 

[manning1]

kevin. when you get latency problems with many different multitrack recording programs....it normally means there are issues with the way your
set up. some programs however have in built compensation schemes.
as MM said....list your confign IN FULL. it could be something simple.

 

[12Kevin]

Setup with latency issues

Athalon 2600+
WinXP
Audigy 2ZS

So far my old Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 seems to work fine. So it's not just the budget sound card.

But, for example these two tend to cause overdubs to lag:
MultitrackStudio (I like the simplicity and the fine set of effects)
Power Tracks (a little to cartoonish for me)
Sonoar 4 demo (seems a bit much for my needs)

And in ProTools Free, It seems to place overdubs a bit ahead of the previous tracks.

I've fiddled with sampling rates, cache, and other settings, but haven't sorted it out yet.

Thanks, yet again!
Kev

 

[manning1]

with respect kevin i think you will find it IS the audigy sound card.
there have been lots of issues with them.
every sb card i ever used i had problems with ....particularly latency.
if you try a PROPER pro soundcard you should find your latency will clear up
unless there are config issues with your system..
just get one to try that you can return.
also PLEASE LIST WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR PCI SLOTS.
any network cards, fancy gamer cards or tv tuner cards ?
this is important. also your amount of memory.
in powertracks by the way , if your trying version 9 you can use the "classic view" like i use and turn off the fancy view. mtstudio.com is a fine program.
but not as much in the midi area imho as ptpa. but if you dont need a ton of midi features , then its a good program for you. for example i couldnt find a quick way to do drum tracks in it.
i forgot to mention. you have a v good computer. just a question of sorting out the right sound solution. are you using 2 hard drives ?
if not - i recommend you consider it.

 

[Massive Master]

Off topic -

Evil Latency is sort of a cool name for a band though, eh?

 

[manning1]

MM. that made my day ! you should use that one on a album.
i'm rolling around laughing.
you might get rich !
kudos to you !

 

[12Kevin]

Thanks, but no need for respect regarding SB cards (see axe grind below). Choosing a new sound card is the next question. Suggest away!

AGP graphics card:
ATI all-in-wonder 9200 (I do some occasional lo-fi video instruction programs).
PCIs:
D-Link wireless lan card. (connects me to the cable internet in the house 80 feet away).
The poor Audigy
USB 2 adapter with printer and scanner attached.

I don't game. It's my habit to disable every unecessary hardware and software function and process before recording.

Axe grinding: I must say, I've done four CDs with the SBs and CWPA 9 (again, no latency/sync problems with that config) all of which paid off very well. I'm kinda like Edison: "All an inventor (or producer) needs is imagination and a pile of junk." Which explains my gear and the pop music scene in general. My point was to have fun, make money and prove to my tweaky friends that if they are serious about making music and/or money, gear isn't the primary issue.

Making money with cast-off computers, cheap gear, and free software has been a fun hobby. But I've decided to move up a rung or two.

Thanks again.
Kev