Re: Static when playing soft synths. Help!
2015/04/15 19:32:42
(permalink)
Well, I use ASIO drivers set to sample rate 48 K for my audio interface, and when I record, I set the ASIO Buffer Size to 128, and when I mix I go into the UI for the audio interface and change the ASIO Buffer Size up to 2048.
You need a low latency when recording, so that things track properly. On the other hand, you will likely want a really big ASIO Buffer, so that you can load up effects that add a bunch of latency to do their thing (like convoluted reverbs), and changing back and forth as you move from recording to mixing is just the way things are, to work best. :)
If you are experiencing the static and maybe dropouts and crackles and such, check your ASIO Buffer Size, or equivalent parameter - and another couple common things that can cause trouble are:
1. Effects plugins that are really not meant to be used for recording, but are instead meant for use during mixing/mastering. You can easily test this by loading up the problematic project, then hitting the 'E' key on your computer keyboard, which tells Sonar to toggle on/off the bypassing of all effects. If your static issues go away with the effects bypassed, then you likely have at least one plugin that is not meant for recording.
2. If you happen to be using a computer with WiFi, it can really do a number on the latency, and lots and lots of folks have had issues with laptops, because of the WiFi adapters/drivers. IF you have a WiFi adapter, the simple solution to that issue is to right before launching Sonar, turn the WiFi adapter off (might be a switch on the computer to do this, or maybe a function key), or simply disable it in Windows Device Manager, then launch Sonar, and when done with the Sonar session, turn the WiFi back on or enable it in Device Manager.
I hope some of the above helps - IF one of the above is at the root of the static. :)
Bob Bone
Wisdom is a giant accumulation of "DOH!"
Sonar: Platinum (x64), X3 (x64)
Audio Interfaces: AudioBox 1818VSL, Steinberg UR-22
Computers: 1) i7-2600 k, 32 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 Pro x64 & 2) AMD A-10 7850 32 GB RAM Windows 10 Pro x64
Soft Synths: NI Komplete 8 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, many others
MIDI Controllers: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61, Keystation 88es
Settings: 24-Bit, Sample Rate 48k, ASIO Buffer Size 128, Total Round Trip Latency 9.7 ms