Sonar Producer X3e on Windows 8.1 running on Dell Inspiron 3537 using Realtek High Definition.
 
I'm wanting to do something as simple as a karoake setup. I have one track for the audio(USB microphone) and a second track that I drag the MP3 track to. I want to do this with my headphone on so I can hear myself along with the music.
 
When I turn on the Echo on the Audio track, I can hear myself real-time, yet my voice is a smidge behind. I've lowered the latency buffer ALL the way to the left, etc, etc. It drives me nuts to be a tad behind.
 
Any tips on how to get the Mic audio to play out in Real Time? I tried ASIO...no bueno..too much static.
 
I'm open for software tips and even some hardware suggestions in order to accomplish this.
 
Thanks for your help!
 
Glenn,
Dallas, TX

You may get pretty significant latency from having your wi-fi adapter enabled while running Sonar.
 
Lots of laptop folks disable their wi-fi adapters just prior to running Sonar, and enable them when through with Sonar.
 
Also, I have never had great luck using on-board sound with Sonar, have you considered picking up a dedicated audio interface?
 
 
Bob Bone
 

Get something like this. Note you won't be able to use a USB mic but then they aren't much good anyway..
 
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4
 
This one comes with mic and headphones:
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-studio
 
Ta

Thanks, Guys...that definitely points me in the right direction. SO many of these audio interfaces out there. Learning alot here! :)
 
Appreciate the assist.

+1 to an audio interface with dedicated ASIO drivers. Onboard audio (I.e. Realtek) will cause you more harm than good. Focusrite is a great brand.

A dedicated audio interface will probably mean losing the USB microphone. The will definitely be the case if there are any plans to use the microphone and monitor through the interface in ASIO mode at the same time.

Be aware that that Focusrite interface posted above doesn't contain any midi ports, which only matters if you needed to plug in any actual midi cables (like to some legacy external gear).
 
Most newer stuff connects through USB to the computer, so it will likely not be an issue - just trying to make sure you get all the info :)
 
That interface is a good one - great quality and reasonable cost, and it will really make a huge difference in the performance and in the sound quality.
 
That interface has 2 mic inputs, so if you pick up even a standard stage mic it will likely give you as good or better sound than the current USB mic you have been using.  (I don't believe those USB mics have much oomph - from what I can recall when I have seen them in the past).
 
I TRULY hope you get it all worked out, and that you quickly get to where what's in your head and in your heart can be expressed through Sonar into stuff other folks can hear and appreciate.  :)
 
This forum has a bunch of really helpful folks, and as long as you don't make too much fun of some of them driving on the wrong side of the street or typing with an accent, they will put a lot of work into helping you get stuff figured out.
 
Bob Bone
 

Yeah, I'm not attached to the USB microphone. It came with a RockBand game some time ago, but pulls up as a Logitech USB microphone. I've tried a couple of others and the latency issue persists. From what I've read across web boards, the on-board sound card isn't going to give me what I'm needing, so the FocusRite looks to be the way to go. 
 
This Focusrite 2i4 bundle on Amazon looks to be the direction to go...
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW90Z8A/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2JP8H9SSVETMS
 

CakeAlexS
Note you won't be able to use a USB mic but then they aren't much good anyway..
 

The reason they have a bad rep is because the original ones were inexpensive and designed for things like Skype and podcasting with laptops, but that's changing. Audio-Technica and MXL make some high-quality USB mics. I take the AT2020 when I travel and also like the MXL USB.007; they're as good as non-USB mics in the same price range. 
 
The Samson Meteor is really inexpensive and I used to carry it around with me to do narration for videos. But I found out it was also an excellent way to start a conversation with TSA agents...shiny, cylindrical metal things seem to fascinate them. 
 
But back to the original topic. Agreed you need an external audio interface with ASIO drivers. I don't recommend ASIO4ALL, it's a valiant attempt to make Windows do something it doesn't want to do.
 
Very few USB mics have ASIO drivers, they're generally class-compliant and use MME drivers so latency is an issue.

I would probably try Voicemeeter before ASIO4ALL were I needing to connect a USB microphone to a DAW in ASIO mode. Fortunately, I have not been in this situation.