Help needed for Guitar Tracks Pro 4 please

 
Hello there Ian, welcome to the forum.
 
The delay you're experiencing is called 'latency'. It's basically the time it takes for your guitar signal to be converted into digital, processing (if any), and then converted back into analogue for your speakers.
 
Usually, the most important factor in causing long and unacceptable latency times is having the signal processed at some stage inside your computer. For the signal processing to be effected by a VST plug-in in GTPro4 so you can hear it, you have to turn on Input Echo (often referred to as Input Monitoring) in the track the VST has been placed in.
 
If you're not sure, the Input Echo button looks like this:  
 
If you have this turned on, then you will probably notice a significant decrease in your latency if you turn it off. The only downside to this is that you will no longer be able to hear whatever effect/s the VST plug-in is adding. However - and this is quite an important thing to remember - whether you record with Input Echo on or off, GTPro4 will only record the unprocessed 'dry' guitar signal anyway. After recording, you will hear the processing again as the dry signal flows through the VST plug-in/s in the effects bin, and the effect will be included when you eventually mix down your project. On the plus side, this method means you are not permanently tied in to whatever effects the VST is providing - so you can, at any time, alter the VST's parameters, turn it off, or even delete it and replace it with others.
 
Another way to reduce latency (whether you wish to record while listening to effects with Input Echo switched on or not) is to select the most efficient driver mode for your soundcard/interface and recording software combination - in your case, your UA-1G and GTPro4.
 
In most cases, the default option (and incidentally usually the worst option) that GTPro4 will use when the Wave Profiler initially runs are the standard 32bit MME drivers. These drivers maybe fine for playback, but for high speed conversions when recording and playing back they really aren't very good at all.
 
Far better options are available in GTPro4, namely WDM/KS drivers and ASIO drivers.
 
Some system configurations will run better with ASIO rather that WDM, and some will run better with WDM rather than ASIO. What is certain though, is that either will run faster and more efficiently than MME drivers.
 
You'll need to perform a few experiments with your set-up to try and decide which drivers give you the lowest latency.
 
To change from any other driver mode to WDM/KS:

• Select Options > Audio from GTPro4's menu bar, then click on the Advanced tab
• In the Playback and Recording area, open the Driver Mode drop-down list
• Click on WDM/KS and then OK
• You will be prompted that the Wave Profile needs to run - click on Apply/Yes
• You will have to close and restart GTPro4 to effect the changes
• Now you can try to gradually lower the latency:
  • Select Options > Audio and this time, click on the General tab
  • In the Mixing Latency area, drag the Buffer Size slider in small increments to the left (toward Fast, away from Safe). Each time, play and record your guitar - you should notice the echo becoming shorter each time.
  • Keep repeating this process until eventually your project 'freezes' or a drop-out occurs - this is the point at which your UA-1G can no longer process the signal in time to keep up with the project. Drag the slider slightly back to the right and you will have found the ideal buffer setting for the driver in use.

 
To change from any other driver mode to ASIO:

• Select Options > Audio from GTPro4's menu bar, then click on the Advanced tab
• In the Playback and Recording area, open the Driver Mode drop-down list
• Click on ASIO and then OK
• This time, the Wave Profiler prompt will not appear - just click on Apply/Yes
• You will have to close and restart GTPro4 to effect the changes
• Now you can try to gradually lower the latency:
  • Select Options > Audio and this time, click on the General tab
  • In the Mixing Latency area, you'll notice that the Buffer Size slider doesn't work, or is greyed out. This is because in ASIO driver mode, the settings are made directly inside your soundcard or interface. To access the controls, click on the ASIO Panel button
  • In the window that opens, drag the Buffer Size slider in small increments to the left (toward Fast, away from Safe). Each time, play and record your guitar - you should notice the echo becoming shorter each time.
  • Keep repeating this process until eventually your project 'freezes' or a drop-out occurs - this is the point at which your UA-1G can no longer process the signal in time to keep up with the project. Drag the slider slightly back to the right and you will have found the ideal buffer setting for the driver in use.

 
It's important to note that in both scenarios, the lowest latency settings you can achieve will be when Input Echo is turned off.
 
When you've finished recording all your parts and you begin mixing your project, don't forget that you can always increase the latency buffer across towards Safe to prevent any drop-outs occuring, especially if you start loading more VST plug-ins into your project.
 
Hopefully that will greatly improve the latency you are experiencing Ian, just shoot back if you need any more assistance.
 
 
Steve
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Yes, that's the ideal scenario Ian - letting the UA-1G take on the duties of handling all the audio conversions will definitely bring down the latency. It's drivers will have been written specifically for this task, unlike those of the soundcard in your computer.
 
I've just checked the specs for the UA-1G and I can't see any mention of a built in amplifier, just headphone/digital and twin RCA outputs. Ideally, you should get yourself a pair of dedicated active (i.e. powered by a built-in amplifier) audio monitor speakers. They will be designed to deliver a 'flat' and uncoloured sound, which is really helpful when mixing your projects.
 
In the meantime, you could hook up the UA-1G to a hi-fi amplifier + speakers using the two RCA outputs, or use headphones connected to the stereo headphone jack output. You should also be able to use your computer speakers, if they are powered (i.e. have a built in amplifier). Just disconnect them from your compter and, depending on their input options, connect them direct to the UA-1G.
 
In fact, you might as well set up the UA-1G to permanentlty handle all your PC's audio. That way, you won't have to keep swapping between the UA-1G and your PC's built-in soundcard every time you want to use GTPro4.
 
 
 
 

SteveStrummerUK


 
Yes, that's the ideal scenario Ian - letting the UA-1G take on the duties of handling all the audio conversions will definitely bring down the latency. It's drivers will have been written specifically for this task, unlike those of the soundcard in your computer.
 
I've just checked the specs for the UA-1G and I can't see any mention of a built in amplifier, just headphone/digital and twin RCA outputs. Ideally, you should get yourself a pair of dedicated active (i.e. powered by a built-in amplifier) audio monitor speakers. They will be designed to deliver a 'flat' and uncoloured sound, which is really helpful when mixing your projects.
 
In the meantime, you could hook up the UA-1G to a hi-fi amplifier + speakers using the two RCA outputs, or use headphones connected to the stereo headphone jack output. You should also be able to use your computer speakers, if they are powered (i.e. have a built in amplifier). Just disconnect them from your compter and, depending on their input options, connect them direct to the UA-1G.
 
In fact, you might as well set up the UA-1G to permanentlty handle all your PC's audio. That way, you won't have to keep swapping between the UA-1G and your PC's built-in soundcard every time you want to use GTPro4.
 
 
 
 

Ok, I've got the RCA leads, run the output via an adaptor which goes straight into the 2.1 speakers. Works a treat! Now all I have to do is figure out how to use Guitar Rig 3 in Guitar Pro and I'll be able to proceed.

I also have Guitar Rig 3 LE which was installed from the Roland Duo-Capture interface CD. I did as you suggested, and searched too, but the PC can't find the .dll file for it, which is strange. I searched both the GTP4 and the Duo-Capture CD, and it's not there either. The GTPro4 box definitely says it has Guitar Rig LE included in the package too, which is also odd. I can't believe there's a conflict between the two, because it's the same software.
 
Both packs are brand new and only arrived a couple of weeks ago. Puzzled!

Steve, Guitar rig is definitely listed for install on the GTP4 installation CD, but didn't install, along with some of the other effects as listed. I tried to install just Guitar rig on it's own, but that didn't work either. I've just done a complete uninstall of the Duo-Capture & Sonar X1 LE that came with it, and reinstalled GTP4 but won't be able to try it until later. I wonder if it is as you say, installing to a different location though.

I tried to find GR3 again through GTP4 after the reinstall, but no dice.
 
Searching through Windows Explorer, showed Program Files, and Program files (x86). In the Program Files (x86) I found the Cakewalk files. Opening that showed audio creator, cakewalk, shared DXI, MIDI plugins etc, plus the VST plugins folder. Opening it up shows Boost 11, Guitar Rig, and Studio Instruments. However on double clicking, there's nothing in the Guitar Rig folder, although the other two have there respective .dll files inside.
 
Previously I had tried to install only the GRig from the GTP4 CD. That gave me a shortcut on the desktop for GRig3. Opening it shows the software in the background, and a window showing demo, buy or activate. go to go to work, more later!

 
Now that is strange Ian.
 
I may have to admit defeat on this one, I've never known anything like that to happen.
 
I'd suggest you contact Cakewalk Tech Support and see what they make of it. You can phone or e-mail them.
 
If you're in the US, the number is toll-free: (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm EST): 888.CAKEWALK or 617.423.9004 - if you're based elsewhere, the call won't be free, and may last quite a while.
 
If you want to e-mail them, there's a form on this page: http://www.cakewalk.com/About/csr.asp
 
In either case, give them as much information as you can, maybe even mention this thread.
 
Good luck with it anyway, let us know how you get on.

 
Just one other thing comes to mind Ian.
 
Have you updated GTPro4 to the latest version: Guitar Tracks Pro 4.0.5?
 
The download, and all the relevant information, can be found on THIS PAGE

 
Let us know how you get on with that Ian.
 
By the way, if you're interested in using other Standalone/VST amp modellers, check out some of the info I put in THIS THREAD - IK Multimedia have a free download of their Ampltitube 3 software available and, in my honest opinion, it's much better that Guitar Rig 3 LE (or GRig 4 LE for that matter). And you can also purchase additional amps/effects/cabinets to expand the free set-up at pretty reasonable prices.
 
 

Got a reply from Cakewalk Tech telling me to do exactly what I've been doing for the last three weeks. Just about to reply to them, when all of a sudden, GTP4 decides to recognise GRig 3 on yet another VST scan! Spooky!

Anyway, thanks for your assistance Steve, much appreciated. No doubt Christmas will not be quite so boring as usual for me this year!
 
I may well invest in Amplitude in due course.

Just downloading Amplitube now, I'll see what happens with that. Time is my enemy at the moment, but like I say, Christmas is coming and this should stop me getting bored!
 
Thanks again, Steve. Cakewalk should be paying you for your support!