Studio GT
Owner’s Manual
11
DIRECT MONITORING AND LATENCY
Using the Direct Monitor
The Studio GT has a simple, yet sophisticated direct monitor system, which provides zero
latency monitoring.
What is Latency? What is Zero Latency, and why do I need it?
Latency is the delay time between recording and playback that all computer DAW’s,
including yours, have when recording and monitoring simultaneously. Simply stated,
when recording, the DAW needs to recognize the input signal, then crunch a bunch of
numbers and then send the signal through to the output. Depending on several factors
like the speed of your computer, the amount of tracks you’ve recorded, and whether or
not you’re using the DAW’s effects, this can take several milliseconds. A delay of even a
few milliseconds can sometimes make it hard for a musician to play on time. To solve this
problem, the Studio GT lets you monitor the inputs directly through the speakers, or on
headphones, without making the round-trip in and out of the DAW. As a result, you hear
the inputs with no latency.
The Studio GT's Direct Monitor system has two modes of operation, Mono and Stereo,
and an Input/CPU balance control. Adjustments to the STEREO/MONO switch and MIX
control do not affect what is being recorded by your DAW.
MONO Mode
When the MONO mode is selected, you hear the two mono input signals. For example
guitar and mic, directly from the Studio GT’s input circuitry, with the input signals in
mixed mono. This way you hear both of the input signals, with no delay, in both sides
of the monitors or headphones. Since the direct monitor affects only the input signals,
you’ll still hear the playback of the DAW in stereo.
STEREO Mode
When you switch the Direct Monitor to STEREO, you’ll hear the inputs while maintaining
the stereo image. This is perfect for recording a keyboard or drum machine. This way
you’ll hear the input signals, with no delay, and with their proper left / right image in the
monitors or headphones. Since the direct monitor affects only the input signals, you’ll
still hear the playback of the DAW in stereo.
MIX Control
The MIX knob controls the source of the audio sent to the speakers, fading between the
input signal at the front panel inputs and the output signal from your computer. When
the knob is turned fully counter-clockwise, only the input signals are heard through
the speakers. When the knob is turned fully clockwise, only the output signal from the
computer is heard through the speakers or headphones.