“I have a PodPro connected digitally to a Mac Digi 001 system. Usually it works great, but I have to move my RAM buffer up as the session grows larger in order to allow all the tracks and plug-ins to run. So when I go to overdub my lead guitar tracks I have a horrible latency problem to deal with. I’m generally just tracking 1-2 tracks at a time, and usually just with myself or a couple friends, but it’s still a problem, what can I do?”
Today’s answer is provided by Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Matt Mylroie, who happens to have the exact same setup.
There are a number of things that can be done in order to maximize your computer’s performance. Obviously, having a very fast computer with lots of RAM and a fast, dedicated audio drive are all critical for maximum performance with minimal latency. You may want to search other Tech Tips for articles on allocation of RAM, buffer settings, etc. Some users prefer to disable most of their plug-ins while doing overdubs, which greatly helps. Aside from that there is a very simple way for you to correct your specific problem that many of my clients are using. We carry a variety of headphone amps, including the HM6 from Oz Audio. This headphone amp can drive up to 6 pair of headphones, and is relatively inexpensive. More importantly, it has a very cool feature that can solve your problem. If you don’t already have a headphone distribution system, you should talk with your Sales Engineer about this one. In addition to having a main stereo input (where you would connect the output of your Digi 001), it has 4 “inject” inputs that allow up to 4 mono signals to be independently added to the main mix. Each person (up to 6) has a volume setting for the main mix, and can also create their own custom mix by adding signals from the 4 “injects”. Each person can also control an effects send and return to add external effects to the signal. By taking the analog mono output of the POD Pro and going into one of the inject inputs, you can mix the guitar as loud as you need, with no latency directly into your headphones. Then, just remove the guitar from the main mix in pro tools (routing it to an unused output or bus is one easy way). This fix will also work with many other similar guitar, bass, keyboard and even vocal processors. A small mixer could also accomplish this, although you may be paying for a lot of other features that you don’t need. Give your Sales Engineer a call today and they will be sure to find the solution that is best for your specific needs.