Alesis 7-51-0214-b User Manual

Using the Control Panel

3. Adjust latency by changing the buffer size

“Latency” refers to the amount of time it takes for audio to get

into and out of the computer. In the best of all possible worlds,

there would be no such thing as latency—we would hear audio the

moment it was created. However, computers have limited

processing power, and they can “choke”—cutting off recording or

crashing programs—if they are asked to handle too much data all

at once.

To minimize this risk, audio can be stored in a buffer for a certain

amount of time. This buffering helps smooth out the stream of

data that the computer needs to handle. In the end, all of the

audio is sorted out and played correctly, but with a delay.

Here are the basic considerations to consider when adjusting

buffer sizes:

Lower buffer size = less latency but higher risk of audio

problems

Higher buffer size = more latency but lower risk of audio

problems

Very high buffer size = possible system instability

For most systems, there is a “sweet spot” where latency is not too

high and system performance is stable. Experiment with raising or

lowering buffer sizes to hit this sweet spot.

As you begin adding plug-in EQ, compression, and so forth to

your project, your computer will need to work harder. Consider

increasing your buffer size at this time.

4. Choose a Buffer Mode

Three different modes allow you to customize the way that your

computer organizes and uses buffers.

If you use your computer for all sorts of applications besides

music (Word Processing, email, etc.), choose “Norma”l

Buffer Mode.

If your computer is relatively new and is used almost

exclusively for music applications and has very few other

processes running, choose “Fast” mode.

Choose “High Performance” mode if you have an extremely

well specified computer, use few background tasks, and are

not shuttling very large amounts of data through the Firewire

bus.

Experiment with each of these settings in your first few weeks

using the IO14/26. Depending upon your computer

configuration and the types of audio projects you do, you may find

that one setting clearly outperforms the others.

Many people use two latency
settings—a lower one when
recording tracks and a higher
one when mixing.

To counteract the delays you
hear when you are
monitoring incoming audio
through the computer and
your latency settings are
high, turn off your DAW’s
input monitoring feature.
Use the included Alesis
Hardware Direct Monitoring
application instead.