Latency, USB, via computer keyboard?

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Level 4

2,885 points

Latency, USB, via computer keyboard?

I am getting very slight latency when plugging my keyboard (instrument) into the USB port of the keyboard on my Mac. Before I go moving wires around (okay, so I am lazy), I wondered if anyone knows if my connection may be the problem, if there is a better connection that will avoid the latency I am getting?

This is not going through my Firebox interface so I know it is not an interface problem. And, if I connect the keyboard (instrument) in via an audio cable (thought the Firebox) there are no problems. So, it is definitely USB related.

Hey, I noticed HangTime still hangs around here. Hey, HT, long time, no see. I have been away from recording (and the discussion group) for awhile.

Dual 2 GHz G5 1GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 4, 2007 5:55 PM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 4, 2007 6:14 PM in response to Brian Battles

Hey Brian.

One possibility, as I understand USB, every device in the chain has to share the bandwidth. Plugging the controller directly into the computer might help.

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Answer 2

Jan 5, 2007 11:31 AM in response to HangTime

Brian,

Also make sure it is not connected to your computer keyboard. The hub in the keyboard is USB 1.1, not 2.0.

AppleGuy

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Answer 3

Brian Battles Author

Level 4

2,885 points

Jan 9, 2007 5:04 PM in response to Brian Battles

Originally, I did plug into the computer keyboard. The delay is very slight, but noticeable to me. I am going to try the port on the back of my G5. I am going to try the USB port on the front of the computer, which is a more convenient connection for me. I'll report back with my findings so others will have this as a reference.

I didn't know about the keyboard not being a 2.0 USB connection, although I had heard connecting through the keyboard was slower (not good for the iPod). Thanks for that info AppleGuy.

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Answer 4

Brian Battles Author

Level 4

2,885 points

Feb 4, 2007 1:16 PM in response to Brian Battles

Update. I plugged the USB cable directly into the computer. I still hear a very slight delay, enough to not want to record that way. I may try it with Logic Express, but I prefer doing my MIDI work in GB.

As a workaround, I think I'll use an audio line to an audio track to at least get a working track.

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