I do not fully understand how to optimize my ASIO settings. For instance, my buffer (by default?) is set at 256 ea. the check boxes for enabling write to cache are un checked. what is Triangle dithering?
 
My round trip latency seems to be at 10 ms or so.
 
I am using a E-mu 0404 usb 2.0 on a quad core 64 bit system with 6 gb ram
 
The reason im asking is because i am experiencing latency on a saved project that didn't seem to be there before.
 
I am running a plug in or 2 on about 9 tracks. (reverb, compressors) does that count as having the plug in "open" still even though i have closed the little pop up window? if so then, if i am happy with that setting i need to "freeze" the track?
 
Thanks for any help and or tips in advance!

There are no set ASIo settings or even WDM setting. You just need see what works best for you and your pc. also, if you need low latency, then of course youll need to have them as low as possible and if you dont need low latency, then you can raise them as high as it takes to get your pc and sonar running good.

EAch project will perform differently, so you may need higher settings for bigger projects and smaller settings for smaller projects.

The higher your ASIO buffer, the less your CPU works and the lower your CPU % will be
The lower your ASIo buffer, the more your CPU works and the higher your CPU % will be.

Its a balancing act and you need to find out yourself what works best for you
Cj

Dark

http://www.cakewalk.com/T.s/SONAR/PatchMixDSP.aspx

also there is another page.. have you seen / gone thru both of them?

as mentioned already there is no "set" rule for how to setup asio, in the sense of what synths  / fx vst's etc people use.. if your having issues up the buffers, yer you might get a higher latency, but IMHO anything less than 27-28ms is workable..

You're asking a bunch of different questions there Darkside.
While everything has to through ASIO at some point, it's all the points in between that add to latency. Plugins that are on (green light) effect the track whether you have the editor open or not. That pop up is the editor for the plugin. You can freeze the track plugin or apply it if you're happy with it and save some processing. In your case I'd have to say, if the plugins are all set the same on those 9 tracks, put the plugins in the master or an effects buss. If they are not the same in each track, freeze or apply them. Save a copy of your raw tracks, copies of the plugin settings, remove the plugins, see if it still happens. If it does, look into your interface drivers and settings.
Why do you ask about triangle dithering?  

The ASIO buffer size will stay constant (unless you change it).
If you're experiencing additional latency, it's due to inserting a latent plugin.
Convolution Reverb, Mastering plugins, and FFT Filters are some examples of typically latent plugins.
Insert these anywhere in a project, and Sonar delays all other tracks to maintain sample accurate sync between all tracks.
This is known at automatic PDC (plugin delay compensation).
The workaround is to either remove the latent plugin/s while tracking... or to temporarily disable PDC while tracking (then re-enable when finished).

Darkside024


I do not fully understand how to optimize my ASIO settings. For instance, my buffer (by default?) is set at 256 ea. the check boxes for enabling write to cache are un checked. what is Triangle dithering?
 
My round trip latency seems to be at 10 ms or so.
 
I am using a E-mu 0404 usb 2.0 on a quad core 64 bit system with 6 gb ram
 
The reason im asking is because i am experiencing latency on a saved project that didn't seem to be there before.
 
I am running a plug in or 2 on about 9 tracks. (reverb, compressors) does that count as having the plug in "open" still even though i have closed the little pop up window? if so then, if i am happy with that setting i need to "freeze" the track?
 
Thanks for any help and or tips in advance!

10ms round trip isn't bad. I'm at about 9.2 and it feels natural to me. (well, for a computer interface)

You're right, i am kind of all over the board with these questions. Its just that i when i hear my system boging or hear some delay, or latency, my first instinct is to fiddle with settings.

However i do think freezing the tracks or applying the effects has helped. My processor was getting around 40% ( is that normal for about 9 tracks with a plugin or two?) and has dropped to the 20's after freezing.

But i am still interested what dithering does under options>audio (with ASIO settings) and also what about the check boxes above the buffer settings?

Darkside024


But i am still interested what dithering does under options>audio (with ASIO settings) and also what about the check boxes above the buffer settings?

Did you try the F1 key and getting online help. Sonar has pretty good explanations and help for dialogs.
 
I would deselect any dithering unless exporting audio.
 
Did you do the normal Perfomance settings unchecking visual effects stuff in Windows etc?

My processor was getting around 40% ( is that normal for about 9 tracks with a plugin or two?)

No and your system should not be bogging down at 40% CPU consumption. Your DAW (PC and Sonar) should run smooth with your CPU pegging 90%.
Did I miss the post or paragraph where you said your pc specs?? and the programs running in it?
Cj

I experience pops and clicks when aroud 60 percent cpu usage.  I want to know what you are doing if you run smoothly at ninety percent usage. G