User Manual

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY
47
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO I/O BUFFER
A buffer is a small amount of computer memory
used to hold data. For audio interfaces like the
8pre, buffers are used for the process of
transferring audio data in and out of the computer.
The size of the buffers determines how much delay
you hear when monitoring live inputs through
your audio software: larger buffers produce more
delay; smaller buffers produce less.
Under Mac OS X, audio I/O buffer size is handled
by the host audio application (not the 8pre Core
Audio driver). Most audio software applications
provide an adjustable audio buffer setting that lets
you control the amount of delay you’ll hear when
monitoring live inputs or processing them with
software plug-ins. Below are a few examples.
Figure 10-3: In Digital Performer and AudioDesk, choose Setup
menu> Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver to open
the dialog shown above and access the Buffer Size setting. Refer to
your Digital Performer or AudioDesk manual for information about
the Host Buffer Multiplier setting.
2. CueMix™ DSP immediately
patches the live mic signal directly
to the main outs (or other output),
completely bypassing the computer
(dry, with no effects processing).
3. Mic signal is mixed with the
main outs, and you can control
the volume (relative to the rest
of the mix) with the mic’s fader
in CueMix Console.
Figure 10-2: This diagram shows the signal flow when using CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring. Notice that this method does not allow you
to process the live input with plug-ins in your audio software while it is being monitored. You can, however, add effects later — after recording
the live input as a disk track. CueMix™ DSP lets you hear what you are recording with no delay and no computer-based effects.
1. Live input (from mic, guitar, etc.)
enters the MOTU interface.
!8pre Manual/Mac Page 47 Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:52 PM