Latency

[aaronmcoleman]

I don't have bad latency issues when tracking. I'm using a Macbook Pro with 4g of ram, saffire pro 40 (set to zero latency monitoring, and very low latency Firewire driver).

My question is in the preferences under audio->device->request sample size...is this the number i need to change to increase/decrease latency (i.e. 32 for tracking, 512 for mixing)?

If not, what does this request sample size do? basically pretend I'm an idiot and help me learn how switch between tracking and mixing and have the lowest possible latency for tracking and enough power for mixing.

Thanks!

 

[FadingMusic]

You do not need to optimize Sample block size.
A value of 256 should be more than enough on a Macbook Pro.

Audio data will be divided into blocks, this process is called blocking.

The throat of a computer ( data bandwidth ) is only "this" wide, the computer will choke if the files are too big to be swallowed.
Blocking divides large files into little pieces so the computer doesn't choke.

Even though blocking prevents a computer from choking, it produces latency.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Ok, so what things should I change to minimize latency? Is there anything in Reaper, or is it all in my Saffire Pro 40?

Thanks.

 

[moresound]

Is the latency in your monitors or your headphone mix?

 

[FadingMusic]

Clean up your Macbook Pro with Cleanmymac.
Use a external hard drive for audio storage and playback.

Lower the block size buffer, in MAC OSX this should affect the core audio driver.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

I think the latency is in my headphone mix, not sure if it's through the monitors too.

How do I lower the block size buffer in MAC OSX?

Thanks!