Locked buffer number in Audio Options

[Bulls Hit]

My current buffer settings are 2 buffers, 384 bytes each. I get really low latency which is great.

However when running some heavy plugins I start to get pops & clicks, but
when I try to adjust the number of buffers under Options, Audio, the field is locked on 2 buffers and the slider adjustment makes no difference. All I get is a button that says 'Asio Panel'. Pressing that takes me to the M-Audio Delta Control panel, where I can adjust the buffer size, but not the number of buffers. And before I can do that, I have to first of all go back to Cakewalk GT3 and shut it down before the new settings will take effect, which is pretty clunky.

So questions are

1. Should the number of buffers be locked on 2 like this, or have I set something wrong somewhere?
2. Is it better to adjust the buffer size rather than the number of buffers? What I'm trying to do is temporarily increase the number to accommodate these plugins
3. Should I be using ASIO or WDM on my Delta 44? Would the WDM drivers perform any better?

 

[dachay2tnr]

To my understanding, there is no latency control within Sonar when using ASIO drivers. My Delta 1010 works exactly the same way as you described when using ASIO drivers.

If you switch to WDM drivers, you will have control within Sonar.

As to which one is best, the answer is whichever one works better in your system. I think, it is largely dependant on whether your sound card manufacturer has written better ASIO drivers than WDM, or vice-versa.

 

[DEKAmusic]

Using ASIO drivers you will have to increase the buffer size in the soundcard controls and then restart Sonar. This will increase the latency in Sonar so that you can handle more tracks and effects.

 

[moskus]

I think, it is largely dependant on whether your sound card manufacturer has written better ASIO drivers than WDM, or vice-versa.

Yes, and it's a shame. WDM being better than ASIO and all...

But it's typical Microsoft on these matters. They design it perfect, but can't make the industry change. They weren't first, and they can't cope with competition...

 

[Bulls Hit]

Thanks guys, I might experiment with the WDM drivers & see how they go