Latency using external controller to control XPand!2

[BLG]

I'm using an Akai MPD218 to control XPand!2 and there seems to be just a few MS of delay between when I hit the pad and hear the sound. This is making it extremely difficult to record drum sounds accurately. I'm using a Focusrite 4i4 as my interface so output is routed there.



Is there anything I can do to minimize (or eliminate) this latency?

[Ben Jenssen]

Reduse buffer size in playback engine. Options menu.

[junkgear]

The latency is most likely coming from your interface Are you using the latest Focusrite software?
Like Ben said, if you are running a high buffer, try reducing it and see if it helps. For just MIDI, you can probably go pretty low.

Tell us a little more about your setup and we can try to get you going.

[BLG]

The latency is most likely coming from your interface Are you using the latest Focusrite software?
Like Ben said, if you are running a high buffer, try reducing it and see if it helps. For just MIDI, you can probably go pretty low.

Tell us a little more about your setup and we can try to get you going.

I just bought the interface about 3 weeks ago and downloaded the software then so I assume it's the latest.



I'm trying to record Guitar, Bass, Drums (MIDI) and vocals.

[BLG]

Originally Posted by Ben Jenssen

Reduse buffer size in playback engine. Options menu.

If you're referring to PT there's nothing in the Options menu for buffer size. I did find buffer in Setup->Hardware. It was at 512 and I changed it to 128 or 64. We'll see if that helps.


Or were you referring to the Focusrite software? (Or the Akai software for that matter)?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by BLG

I did find buffer in Setup->Hardware. It was at 512 and I changed it to 128 or 64.

That's what Ben meant. If the computer will handle the 64 setting, that should feel fine. Another way to hear latency is with certain plugins. Some can add zero latency, but others can add hundreds or even thousands of samples of latency. The way to know what's going on is to hit the VIEW menu and put a check next to Mix Window Shows>Delay Compensation. That will add a row of boxes across the bottom of the MIX window and it will show 3 numbers. The bottom number is the crucial one as it shows the TOTAL latency caused(and compensated for) by plugins. Watch those numbers and keep them near zero while recording. Once you get to doing a mix, you can pile on the plugins and not worry(unless you decide you need to add a part late in the game).