Hi. Relatively new user here:
 
Quick questions:
 
1. Why do my recorded tracks sound, only in certain sections, VERY out of sync? I have 2 tracks and track 2 is VERY out of sync at times with track 1 (not due to a playing issue). The pitch is the same as when I recorded it and I know I didn't nudge the track anywhere because only at times is it way out of sync (again, more than just sloppy playing).
 
Is it latency or monitoring or some type of setting? I'm using an M-Audio M-Track interface and have a good PC with 16GB RAM and plenty of HD space. Any ideas on where I should look/do my research?
 
2. Even though I only had 2 tracks, when recording the 2nd track there was intermittent distortion, which was recorded with the track which seemed to come from the software or interface (not any external processor, etc.). I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but where should I look to try to resolve this, i.e. where should I begin my research? 

Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been asked 10 million times.
 
Thanks.
LL

sounds like latency to me. do you have the drivers installed for your M-Audio M-Track interface ?
you might have to use WDM with the M-Track, if not then make sure they are set to ASIO in driver settings. if its still bad, try adjusting your latency.

This could be an offset issue with the M audio drivers. I'm not a fan of M audio and tossed mine out years ago and one of the things it was guilty of was pour offset performance. 
 
Test your offset with a loop back test. 
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Lets-all-TEST-our-Interface-driver-for-offset-m3178396.aspx
 
 

Hi. Thanks so much for the ASIO driver settings. I re-recorded the 2nd track and now it's good, timing-wise. I still have some kind of infrequent but intermittent distortion. I will research adjusting my latency. I'm sure that topic is covered thoroughly throughout this forum.
 
Again, thank you for the help.

LL 

You may want to check your "Preferences->Driver Settings" to make sure your Playback and Recording TIming Masters are set to the correct interface.
 
Glen