Latency issues.

[The Wizz]

I have laptop 32GB RAM, 500GB SSD, Windows 10 Intel Core , 3740QM CPU Processor, with Presonus Audio Box USB 96 Audio Interface, but sometimes experience latency issues (crackling sounds) on start up of some DAW's and also when using multi layered instruments.

What are the "drawbacks" if any, with using ASIO4ALL, ASIO, or the Low Latency ASIO as an alternate choice?

What will be my best Audio choice for vArranger2?

Regards.

[BjayG]

Hi 

I don't claim to be a an expert on this - I just plug it all in and use it... 

But the general rule is to always use the ASIO driver that comes with your audio interface.   ASIO4ALL is a very helpful compromise - but it is definately not a substitue for ASIO.   As I understand it - its just a software wrapper over the Windows audio drivers - whereas ASIO drivers are low latency drivers specially written by the manufacturer of the audio interface (who know it best) to get close to the operating system.

If you are experiencing crackling sounds then look at whether you have set the latency too low  (i.e. try setting to a really high number and see if the problem goes away - if it does then reduce it slowly).   If it happens when you put the system under load (i.e. multi instruments) then query whether your CPU is fast enough or whether you have enough memory or whether you are running other unnecesary programs in the background (that you may not know of).  Try switching the network off.

Here is an article about ASIO4ALL: https://www.theaudioblog.org/post/should-i-use-asio4all

Here is an article on optimising your audio interface:  https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/optimising-latency-pc-audio-interface

Here is a tool for measuring your audio latency:  https://www.resplendence.com/latencymon

Here is document on how to totally tune your computer for audio:  https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/glitchfree/

Anyway - I hope it helps - good Luck!!

Barry

[Deane]

I have used Dan's vArranger for nearly 10 years now.  I have always used the Ketron SD sound modules.  The SD1000 is an awesome addition to vArranger.

Deane

[Dan]

Like BjayG said, it is better to use the ASIO driver provided with the audiocard. And also try to see if there is an updated version of it
There are also sometimes some options on the ASIO control panel, but this is very specific to the card
Then, if it's only at startup of the DAW and then it is OK, this mean that the DAW is loading things on the background and this takes some ressources
I will do the same with vArranger. I start faster, but then it will continue to load the samples in the background with a little indicator to see when it is done. So you can start working, but don't expect the system to be 100% perfect during the loading time
When using many instruments together, you need to say if it is with vArranger Synth, or VST instruments, as each VSTi has its own samples loading and management way

[The Wizz]

Dan, Barry.

Thanks for the info, I will continue using the USB 96 ASiO Interface Driver.
Will also to check latency settings as suggested.

Regards.

[BjayG]

Just for info - I note you say you are using the USB 96 driver .  So are you running at 96khz - if so then this will put an an extra unnecesary load on your computer.   44.1khz is more than adequate for normal use.

Barry

[The Wizz]

Barry,

Presonus Audio Box USB96 is the name of my Audio Interface.
It is running at 44.1 khz.

Thanks for the useful articles you referenced in last post.

Cheers.