latency delay when recording electric guitar thru computer input

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Level 1

106 points

latency delay when recording electric guitar thru computer input

When I try and record my guitar which is plugged in with an adaptor straight into my iMac input, I notice a slight delay in Garage Band? I did adjust the settings for shortest latency...Someone told me that it takes longer to process because I have it hooked up with an adapter thru the audio input and that I should get some type usb or firewire interface? any help?

Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jul 1, 2010 11:49 PM

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Answer 1

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Jul 2, 2010 5:23 AM in response to Frank Madonia

There will always be some latency but usually it's so short it is't noticeable. Things like closing other apps, using external hard drives, locking tracks can help.

Using a audio interface will let you monitor your input before going to the computer (dry) so you won't have latency. Monitoring dry means you won't hear the garageband effects while recording. You can monitor the wet signal but you could get latency because you would be basically doing the same thing your are doing now monitoring processed sound. Of course letting a interface do the AD and DA conversion will mean that your computer doesn't need to do that task that may help some.

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Answer 2

Jul 2, 2010 8:15 PM in response to Frank Madonia

I ran direct (like your doing) for a long time - used to rant in these forums how good it sounded and I didn't need an Interface - then I bought one (actually have 3) and found out the difference. Trust me - GET AN INTERFACE and you'll hear the most amazing difference. I just bought a small Line 6 Pod Studio GX-1 for $99 at Guitar Center - already had 2 but wanted to run the Line 6 Pod Farm software and I was just bored actually... It works beautifully - my main Interface cost $500 and this little $99 one sounds every bit as nice - 24-bit/44.1 khz. and it makes everything you do sound great - it actually becomes your sound card. Plug your computer speakers into it and everything you do (movies, games, etc) will sound 100 times better and your Guitar will come to life - like taking a wet blanket off your amp!

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Answer 3

Frank Madonia Author

Level 1

106 points

Jul 7, 2010 7:30 PM in response to Pat-italiano-Valella

Thanks so much for all the info everyone!

Well, the MOST important issue is latency, its got to be RIGHT on with no delay. Because if you are listening to the tracks you've already recorded WITH the guitar track you are trying to record you feel like your trying to "catch up" but it doesn't work.

I agree about buying an interface, I actually have the Digidesign 002 but its from 2003ish and the Apple. I checked the Digidesign site and it said,

"Pro Tools Software versions below 8.0.3(mine is around 6ish) are not compatible with Snow Leopard. Pro Tools 8.0.4 is a free update for Pro Tools 8 owners."

Sooo, in order for my older 002 interface to work with my new iMac, can I buy JUST the Pro Tools 8 software only, and if so, is it worth it? OR, do I just have to spring for a new interface altogether? If it doesn't cost much, it would be nice to get some software to use with my old interface. I didn't realize that the software would go out of date when I paid over $1k for the interface, kinda lame.

any advice? 🙂

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