User`s guide
REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY
87
computer (for a bit of reverb) and mix that
processed signal on the main outs with dry vocals
from CueMix DSP.
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO I/O BUFFER
A buffer is a small amount of computer memory
used to hold data. For audio interfaces like the
896HD, 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.
Adjusting buffer settings under Mac OS X
Under Mac OS X, audio I/O buffer size is handled
by the host audio application (not the 896HD
CoreAudio 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 11-3: 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 immedi-
ately 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 11-2: 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.