Latency problems

[richard burton]

I will soon have to replace my trusty old XP computer with something up-to-date, as Microsoft are stopping support for XP next April.

I do a lot of PSG recording on the computer, with no latency problems whatsoever, but on my wife's laptop (Windows 7) there is a half second time lag that, try as I might, I can't eliminate.

I've googled the problem, and found loads of musicians in the same boat, but no answers.

I don't know if Windows 8 will be any better, all I know is that, after next April, I shall be unable to record on my computer (unless I permanently disconnect XP from the internet).

Ideas, solutions, anyone?

[Richard Sinkler]

If the new computer has issues, use the old one for just recording like you mentioned. You can hook the new one to the internet.

[Jack Stoner]

Latency is the bane of most every Recording engineer.

I get (reliably) about 6ms of Latency with the two USB interface devices I have. A Roland Octa-Capture (my main unit) and an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R.

Previously I had a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, which was firewire connected and 12Ms was the best I could do with that unit for reliable recording. I liked the Saffire Pro 40 but it crapped out and service estimate was less than $50 from what I bought it new for so I dumped it.

PC sound cards are notorious for latency.

Best suggestion is to get a USB connected device and not use the PC sound card for recording. The Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is a popular interface unit (Focusrite is a UK company).

Don't be afraid of Windows 8.1. I have a dual boot system with both Windows 7 64 bit and Windows 8.1 64 bit. My DAW software, Sonar X3 64 bit Producer Version, runs equally well on both Win 7 and Win 8. All of my interface hardware works on both OS'.

[Earnest Bovine]

.. on my wife's laptop (Windows 7) there is a half second time lag that, try as I might, I can't eliminate.

Which audio interface are you using? Doesn't it let you set the latency?

[Peter Lindsley]

Richard,

Why not install linux along side WinXP on your old PC.

Ubuntu 13.10 or Mint. Modern free & supported software. You wouldl be able to use the linux version of 'Audacity', which I believe you use on WinXP and/or install 'Ardour' A DAW similar to Cubebase. I'm sure you wouldn't find any significant latency issues.

You would be able to select which operating system to run when you boot up.

I've been "A MicroSoft Free Zone" for decades now apart from the need to keep it around for 'Band In A Box'.

If you need to see what you would be up against why not pop over and see it in action. I'm in Whitchurch can't be but 20 miles from you?

atb
Pete

[richard burton]

If I use a usb audio interface (Focusrite 2i2), can I still record onto Audacity by simultaneously listening to the backing track and the steel track that I'm laying down, through the computer speakers (rather than using headphones)

[Jack Stoner]

I don't think you can record to two separate audio sources with Audacity.

[Peter Lindsley]

You should be able to set your recording source independent/separate from you play back device in Audacity Preferences. I've not tried it myself yet but will do so tomorrow & let you know for definite.

atb
Pete

[Peter Lindsley]

OK Richard independent playback/record works. In my case not very well. I seemed to have a low recording level & high noise. My usb recording device is an Edirol UA25. This may be a separate local issue & so you may not have this problem.

However; if your trying to get rid of the latency issue this way then that’s not going to happen although you may be able to record without being thrown off by hearing the Steel behind your actual picking, the recorded track will still have to be shifted to bring it into line with the backing track.

Audacities is the culprit here although you can adjust the amount of latency in the recording tab of the preferences dialogue. You have to tell it by how much
Check this out to find out how http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/latency_test.html

Hope this helps.
atb

Pete

[richard burton]

Thanks Pete
I've put it on the back burner for a while, I've got till April

[richard burton]

I've now got Windows 7, and, after trying once again to cure the latency, finally found the answer in a youtube reply to a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY0zoNP1H3o

[Dave Potter]

No mention of ASIO anywhere here. Odd.

I've never used "Audacity" so can't comment much on it. However, the discussion in this thread makes it sound as if it might not play well with ASIO drivers, and normally doesn't include one.

ASIO drivers are the key to reducing recording latency, as explained in this Wiki. All the most respected recording software employ ASIO drivers.

[Douglas Schuch]

This is an end-run around your question, but I think worth considering - you can buy a Zoom R16 stand-alone digital recorder for $400, or an R8 for $300. This allows you to record up to 8 or 4 tracks respectively, and play back twice that number, with latency of about 1.3 ms (typical for these affordable home units). After recording, you can then dump the files as WAV tracks onto your computer and edit them same as always. 1.3 ms. is equal to being about 4 feet from the sound source - so, unless you stand less than 4 feet from the drummer and the bass amp, you have more latency in your live playing than the Zoom would have, and if that amount concerns you, there are ways to eliminate it. I think these basic stand-alone recorders offer a lot of bang (slide?) for the buck.