Reducing Latency, Clicks, and Pops While Recording

Getting started

Dealing with latency, clicks, and pops are common frustrations when recording in any DAW. So in this guide, we will discuss what audio latency is, why latency and also how to improve latency when recording. Follow the sections below to get started.

1. What is latency?
2. How do you fix latency?
   • Check your system specs
   • Optimize your computer
   • Update your audio drivers
   • Adjust buffer size and sample rate
   • Use direct monitoring (if applicable)
3. How to set the buffer size and sample rate in your DAW

What is latency?

Audio latency is the amount of time it takes for your audio or MIDI signal to be sent into your interface or computer, then have the signal sent through analog to digital converters into your DAW, back into your interface, then have it be converted back into analog to your outputs. Simply put, it’s when there’s a delay between your audio or MIDI input and the output of your headphones or speakers. For example, if you’re asking yourself “Why does my microphone have a delay?”, that would be latency. Not only does this affect instruments like guitars and microphones, but latency also affects MIDI controllers, as well.

While each step in the process only takes milliseconds, there are a variety of factors that can increase the amount of time each step takes, thus increasing the amount of latency. The most common reasons why latency occurs are the audio driver(s) and hardware you’re using, and also the buffer size and sample rate. 

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How do you fix latency?

As mentioned above, there are a variety of different factors that contribute to latency when you record. Assuming your computer meets your DAW, virtual instrument, and effects plug-ins meet system requirements, let’s go over some of the ways you can fix latency. 

Check your system specs

While this necessarily doesn’t help you fix latency per se, it most certainly helps you determine what your system can handle, specifically the CPU and the RAM. If your system doesn’t meet at least the minimum specs, the amount of latency can be greatly increased as this directly ties in with your buffer size and sample rate. Learn more about how to find your computer specs.

Optimize your computer

Most computers on the market today aren’t made with audio production in mind, and many DAWs and plug-ins require certain amounts of resources from your computer. These resources include hard drive space, RAM, operating system, and processor. If the resources are being used elsewhere it can affect performance and result in latency when recording. With that in mind, one simple thing to do is to optimize your computer for recording. 

Update audio and MIDI drivers

Out-of-date drivers can also contribute to recording latency, so check your audio or MIDI interface manufacturer’s website to see if they released new audio drivers recently.

Windows audio drivers

If you’re using a USB microphone or audio interface that doesn’t have a dedicated driver, or connecting directly to your computer’s audio input port on a Windows PC, be sure you use the third-party ASIO4ALL driver. While audio software can use standard Microsoft audio drivers (MME, WDM, WASAPI) using an ASIO driver is preferred as it’s specifically made for professional audio software. Check out our article on the differences between audio drivers and also how to install and use ASIO4ALL.

Adjust the buffer size and sample rate

One of the easiest ways to improve latency is to adjust the buffer size and sample rate within your DAW. These two things directly affect how the latency is set and how fast samples are being recorded. If you like math, here’s an equation that will give you a general idea of latency in a typical ASIO configuration. 

Just divide the buffer size by the number of samples per second (sample rate). For example, if you have your buffer size set to 256 and your sample rate at 48 kHz, divide those two and you’ll get 5.3 ms. If you change the settings to 512 and 48 kHz, however, it’ll average out to 10.6 ms.

Use direct monitoring (if applicable)

Some audio interfaces have a direct monitoring switch or blending knob that allows you to hear what you’re recording in real time with no latency. The way it works is that it sums the input signal and routes it directly to your main outputs or headphone outputs. 

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How to set the buffer size and sample rate in your DAW

After you’ve optimized your computer and have the latest audio or MIDI drivers installed, the last thing you’ll want to do is to go into your DAW’s audio settings and update the buffer size and sample rate. A good rule to remember when it comes to buffer size is low for tracking, high for mixing. 

You want a lower buffer size when tracking to ensure minimal delay. But when you’re mixing, you want to raise the buffer size so the computer can process a wider scope of tasks (such as processing a lot of plug-ins). For more information, read our article Which Buffer Size Setting Should I Use in my DAW?

Some interface drivers may include a dedicated control panel where you can adjust its sample rate and buffer size. Depending on the DAW and interface, they may sync, but click on your DAW from the list below to learn how to adjust its buffer size:

Ableton

Below are the steps to adjust your buffer size in Ableton.

Bitwig

Follow the steps below to adjust buffer size in Bitwig.

Cubase

Below is a list of steps to help you adjust buffer size in Cubase.

Digital Performer

Follow the following steps to adjust buffer size in Digital Performer.

FL Studio

To adjust buffer size in FL Studio, follow these steps:

Pro Tools

Adjust buffer size in Pro Tools by following the steps below.

Sonar

Follow these steps to adjust buffer size in Sonar:

Studio One

Adjust buffer size in Studio One by following these steps:

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