Appendix D: Computer Latency and Recording
When playing guitar through a computer, there’s a slight delay that occurs between the
time you play a note, and when you hear it come out of the speakers. This is called
latency
, and occurs because even the most powerful processor can only do so many
millions of calculations per second. You want the best possible “feel” when playing Dark
Fire, so let’s investigate how to obtain the lowest possible latency.
Minimizing Latency
The faster the processor, the lower the potential latency. Multicore processors can help
tremendously in reducing latency.
Use an audio protocol designed for low latency. Steinberg devised the first low-latency
protocol for sound cards, based on their ASIO (Advanced Streaming Input Output)
drivers. These tied in closely with the CPU, bypassing various layers of both Mac and
Windows operating systems. At that time the Mac used Sound Manager, and Windows
used various protocols that were equally unsuited to musical needs.
Starting with OS X, Apple gave us Core Audio, which was tied in even more closely with
low-level operating system elements. It’s now possible to obtain latencies of around 1.5
to 3 ms with a fast processor and a sound card that supports low-latency drivers like
ASIO on Windows, or Core Audio on the Mac.
Caution:
Windows machines have their own sound protocols, such as MME and
DirectSound. When selecting the desired audio interface type using a DAW like Ableton
Live, these options will often show up along with ASIO. They are not suitable for music
—always use ASIO for the best results. Also, avoid any options like “Emulated ASIO.”
They are not true ASIO drivers.
The bottom line with Windows machines is always choose “Gibson RIP ASIO” for the
lowest latency, and adjust latency to the lowest possible value short of audio problems
under the Console’s “Settings” tab.
Why Direct Monitoring Isn’t Always the Answer
RIP includes a feature called “direct monitoring,” where you can listen directly to your
Dark Fire outputs without having them go through the computer. The faders toward the
left of the Console control these levels. This results in no latency, but the tradeoff is that
you will no longer hear Dark Fire through any of your processors as they require that the
signal go through the computer.
