Setting the Latency on NI’s KONTAKT 3

All computer-based digital device or audio software adds a certain amount of latency (or delay) between the time a note is pressed on a MIDI or USB keyboard and the time it is heard. Faster computers equal less latency. Native Instruments new KONTAKT 3 powers up asking you to configure your specific system. One of the values you must select is the latency. We recommend setting the latency to the highest comfortable value. 256 samples/buffer is very responsive yet gives the computer some breathing space, particularly if you’re playing lots of notes. Some musicians will find 512 samples to be acceptable, but anything beyond this will likely be too noticeable. In milliseconds, 1.5ms approaches the theoretical minimum. Two to 3ms should work for most applications. A little time spent adjusting this value now will assure your music-making won’t end up bogging down.