External Preamp with Mbo 2 causing latency.

[PoPimp3069]

Hey all...
I recently purchased a mid-grade preamp, an ART Digital MPA II. I'm going into the preamp with with an xlr cable, then I take a TRS cable and run that into the Mbox2 on the Line (TRS) input. I get a good signal when I arm pro tools to record, sounds clean and warm. However, when I begin recording the vocals don't line up with the music. There's a nasty latency of about a 1/2 a second. It's not the mix knob on the front of the Mbox, I know how to use the mix knob so I've already ruled that out. Are there any steps that I'm missing or irregular signal flow?


Thanks in advance


Broc

[Keybeeetsss]

Probably the buffer size...

[daeron80]

Besides bringing your Hardware Buffer down to a workable size (the smaller the better for tracking, then you can put it back up for mixing if needed), why not go digital out of the ART? S/PDIF.

[albee1952]

Yes, I would also use the SPDIF port and record at 128(or 64 if you can select it) buffer. Keep in mind that the SPDIF port bypasses the MIX knob so you would simply set that full right.

[PoPimp3069]

Are there any other solutions besides what has been listed here?

[Keybeeetsss]

U hav an Mbox man; there isn't much else to be done...I mean all these are great suggestions...

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by PoPimp3069

Are there any other solutions besides what has been listed here?

Those ARE the solutions. Latency is a part of digital recording. ProTools has a selectable buffer size so you can manage the buffer size depending on your needs. It's best to use as low a buffer as possible for tracking, and you'll get better performance by raising the buffer for mixing. Also, you'll get a cleaner signal using a SPDIF cable. I have the same preamp as you and I doubt that it's causing your problem. Like Key said, if you record with a high buffer setting you're going to get delays. Only other way to go about it is to manually move the tracks so that they're in synch.

[daeron80]

"Is there someone else up there we can talk to?"
"No! Now go away before I taunt you a second time."

[albee1952]

You DO know about using the MIX knob to balance the incoming audio against the old tracks and muting the track you are recording to.....right?

[netnoggin]

Originally Posted by daeron80

"Is there someone else up there we can talk to?"
"No! Now go away before I taunt you a second time."

LOL, silly english caniggets...