Lag from Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller

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plachnor
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2013/10/13 18:54:21 (permalink)

Lag from Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller

My guess is that many except me know this answer.  I have Music Creator 6 and just love it.  I used Cakewalk in the 1990's and this seems the modern version of that.  But if I plug in my Alesis Q40 Keyboard Controller to my computer via a simple USB plug, I get big lag in Music Creator 6 if I use the computer midi sounds and computer speaker.  By that I mean the incoming keyboard sound is well after the rest of the song I just heard went by.  Out of sync - and it drives me mad.  I can get it to work and work well if instead I use the midi out and go to an external midi to audio converter, a Roland SD35 unit that is dated, but I still love it.  And so I am up and operating fine ... except I would love to be able to just use the computer midi sounds and speaker for small stuff - something less complicated - but that is where the keyboard sounds are delayed.  I have a Windows 7 64 bit Windows PC machine, that should be fast.  Here is what I have tried:
  • I tried adjusting the delay settings on Music Creator 6, but of course I may not have done that right or been in the wrong area
  • I tried using a different software midi to audio converter table by downloading some free ones.  I had heard that the Microsoft GS table free with Windows has been in delays.  But the downloaded ones did not seem to solve the problem.  I activate them via coolsoft virtual midi syth which also downlioads free.  No fix
  • I downloaded Asio4All which seems to load but says it cannot take over my audio.  That could be since I only have audio on my mother board and no separate audio board.
  • Perhaps buying a separate audio board might fix the above issues, but of course I worry that then again it might not
Any help would be appreciated.  And yes, I do have an alternate path since if I just use midi out, but still use the USB direct in for my Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller, there is no discernible delay at all and all works fine.  It is just that I would like an alternate path to get it to work using less equipment.  THANKS!!
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ASIO4ALL

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    Guitarhacker
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    Re: Lag from Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller 2013/10/14 19:13:10 (permalink)
    The lag...or latency, is not related to the computer, it's processor, its OS, or it's speed.
     
    Latency is a function of the sound card, the driver, and settings.
     
    First, be sure the buffers for midi and audio are big enough.... increase their size and try it again.
     
    If that doesn't work, very likely the issue is the sound card and it's driver. Factory cards are notorious for latency when using soft synths. Sometimes using ASIO4ALL will work but often not well enough. In my case, not at all.
     
    The best solution is a dedicated audio interface connected by USB and running real ASIO drivers. That investment generally solves the issues with latency.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
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    plachnor
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    Re: Lag from Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller 2013/10/15 02:06:34 (permalink)
    Thanks so much for the information.  If you get a chance - might you recommend a brand or unit that is not too costly?  Many thanks!
    By the way, I was impressed with your music.
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re: Lag from Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller 2013/10/15 09:12:28 (permalink)
    I use a Focusrite. However, M-Audio, Presonus, Roland, and others are pretty decent. Be sure it has the correct number of inputs and outputs you want.... the lower cost interfaces have 2 inputs. Be sure it uses real or what I call "Native ASIO Drivers" and not the MME or ASIO4ALL kind of drivers. Be sure it has phantom power for a nice condenser mic as well.
     
    The main thing is do your research before you lay down the money. And don't be afraid to spend the money to get a decent interface. This piece of gear is the heart of your system.... so don't cut corners. A good interface makes the recording process smooth, painless, and transparent.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #4
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