Track with low buffers, mix with high buffers. Large buffers allow for more processing power but larger latency issues when recording. During the mix though, latency isn't an issue so crank up your buffers.

Buffer size translates to how many milliseconds delay there is between transferring audio to your computer, processing it, and sending it back out to your interface headphone jack.

Buffer size is primarily dependent upon the latency of your computer hardware and the data transfer process. If you have not purchased a computer then you want to make sure that the one you get has sufficiently low latency to start out with. If you already own the computer then there are some things you can do to optimize most computers but some motherboards inherently are better than others. One good tool and one decent website:

http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

One of my laptops can easily run at a buffer of 128 and can be pushed lower in certain situations. This one isn't even really tweaked properly. One runs at 512 or 768 depending on track count/sampling rate and one just plain likes 1024. I only would overdub on the first computer. I use TI 1394a and 1394b as the transfer protocol.

Some older computer mobos were just no good for audio but I think generally the situation has improved. A purpose built computer will always be the absolute best.

Thanks, cool tools, but I use a mac lol.

"Track with low buffers, mix with high buffers."

Where do buffers come in in the mixing process? I use a buffer of 256, I record myself and don't like to hear what I'm recording as I'm recording it, just the backing tracks. Would you recommend that I use a higher one?

Good link John. The software supports what audio technicians have been saying for years.

Do not have Internet applications, modems, network devices, anything that wants Internet access should not be running on a system that is trying to handle large packets of data, like video / audio.

And that is the short list! It also does not matter at what level of the game you are at either. These things hog computer resources faster then Elvis eatin' a naner sandwich!

So for those that come along, and DO use a Windows based system, see how they fit in your world.

And those that use Macs, the same thing applies.

Thanks

Guitarfreak wrote: Where do buffers come in in the mixing process? I use a buffer of 256, I record myself and don't like to hear what I'm recording as I'm recording it, just the backing tracks. Would you recommend that I use a higher one?

Changing the buffer size won't affect hearing or not hearing yourself singing over the top-only the delay. That will have to be set up in your monitoring options. I'm only familiar with ProTools and Adobe Audition so I'm not sure I can help you with your settings. I'd check the manual or the online help.