DAE playback buffer explanation?

[Aluminum Jockey]

Hi,

Stupid newbie question that was not resolved after searching quite a bit on the forum. Could someone please explain to me the purpose of adjusting the DAE playback buffer when using an Mbox w/ LE? Level 2? level 4? Why adjust this and what does it do?

thanks in advance for the input:)

AJ

[sndgeek]

"The DAE Playback Buffer Size determines the amount of memory (RAM) DAE uses to manage disk buffers, which affects system performance.

•Lower DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can improve playback and recording intitaion speed. However, a lower setting can make it difficult for slower hard drives to play or record tracks reliably.
•Higher DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can allow for a higher density of edits in a session. However, a higher setting can cause a time lag to occur before playback or recording begins. It can also cause a time lag to occur when you are editing during playback."

Page 23, "Getting Started with MBox"

I always leave my buffer at 8. As long as you've got the RAM, use it.

[Aluminum Jockey]

Sndgeek:

Thanks, Sndgeek:)

That cleared things up a bit. In your experience, do you find that increasing the buffer has any adverse side-effects?

[sndgeek]

If you're running a complex session (lots of edits, high track count, multi-track recording) it may take a second or two for playback to start. It's never really bothered me, tho.