I am trying to record vocals and monitor through SONAR X1 by using the "Input Echo" on so that I can monitor vocals with reverb as well.

However, I've noticed that I cannot lower my latency as much as I'd want. For example, when I put my lantency slider to 1msec, the actual roundtrip latency is 11.6msec. When I slide it to 2msec (what I prefer) turnaroudn latency is 16.4 msec, which creates noticeable delay.

Why is there such a big difference in my audio device's latency setting and the actual latency? Is there any way I can lower it?

It could be the reverb. Most add a lot of latency some don't. If you need the reverb for monitoring find one that uses less latency. Pantheon is good in this regard. 

John


It could be the reverb. Most add a lot of latency some don't. If you need the reverb for monitoring find one that uses less latency. Pantheon is good in this regard. 

You're right, it was the reverb. Interesting. I was using a third party revierb, but switching to the Sonitus reverb helped a lot. Thanks!

If you're using a convolution reverb, that is often the culprit.  Seeing as you run X1 Producer, then Perfect Space will always do it.
 
I wholeheartedly agree with John's recommendation of Lexicon's Panthion Reverb.  I'll often use it for tracking, and maybe replace it at mixing stage.  Having said that, I use it less now that I've moved to X2, and use Breverb instead.  It seems very low latency, but sounds GREAT.
 
Also any "look ahead" plug ins, such as PC Concrete Limiter, or the LP64 plugs, will increase latency.  Save them for mixing.
 
If I have any of those plugins on other tracks I disable them, or freeze them, and only use Pantheon or Breverb on the vocal track.  I do always put the PCL2A on vocal when tracking, because it sounds so good, helps the singer deliver a better performance, and seems to introduce little or no latency.
 
Just beware of convolution reverbs and look-ahead plugins (or freeze them), and you'll be fine.  Your machine is monster enough to handle everything else.

Great advice. how does one recognize a convolution reverb other than the listed ones above?

M_Glenn_M


Great advice. how does one recognize a convolution reverb other than the listed ones above?

If it's a convolution reverb, there'll be lots of talk of Impulse Responses, and so on.  If there are just parameters for early reflections, etc., it's an alogrithmic reverb.
 
That's a gross oversimplification, but it's after two in the morning, and I must away to bed.
 
If you're not sure, take out the reverb and see if latency improves., or ask on here if that reverb is or not.

be careful when using dimension and rapture as well, because they can have <effects> sections in the sfz element files which specify a convolution reverb and ir sample, so those ones can be a bit "hidden" mostly because the dp and rapture patches are largely undocumented.