input latency and CPU load

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 5:39 am

Hi. I'm running Live 2.0 in OS X.

I just bought a MPD 16. I have been experiencing problems with input latency and thinking it was something to do with the MIDI connection.

However, I just noticed that I get the same latency using the mouse to trigger samples as with the MPD. This problem only arises when the CPU load is high, over 50%. I have tried adjusting the input buffer which seems to help but not fix the problem.

Do I need more processing power, and is this the source of my problem? I'm running on a G4 Imac with about 750 megs RAM. Should three or four tracks with several VST plugs each (only one reverb total) push my CPU meter up to 60-70% in the first place? Will I ever achieve my dream of tapping out live drum patterns over effect-drenched loops?

My apologies if this is a redundant post or if the answer is easily found in the Live manual. I did my best to understand those sources first.

Thank you greatly,

Ben

robbmasters · Post by **robbmasters** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 9:20 am

It sounds like it's the *output* latency you need to be looking at...

The input/output refers to the audio, so input is for recording, output for playback.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 12:12 pm

Hmmm....

I think I was decieved by the term input. I don't mean the synchronization of recording input with existing audio.

My problem is that while under CPU load, Live is late in responding to signals telling it to trigger samples, whether they come from a Midi controller, the Mac keyboard or the mouse.

I profess my ignorance, and I have a feeling there's something I can do about this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

robbmasters · Post by **robbmasters** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 12:21 pm

You need to reduce your output latency.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 19, 2004 12:07 pm

Ok. I adjusted my output latency according to the Live manual instructions.

When I'm under 70% CPU load (for example), i get minor latency from keyboard and mouse input, but markedly worse latency from MIDI input. At 20% CPU load there is minimal latency from all inputs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:04 am

i wonder if you're having latency problems because the samples you're triggering are on a slow hard drive? i had this problem on my powerbook (with the internal 5400rpm drive) until i got an external firewire drive.

nutsack · Post by **nutsack** » Mon Jul 05, 2004 11:46 am

surely tho the hard disk light would trigger if that was the case?

kleine · Post by **kleine** » Mon Jul 05, 2004 12:16 pm

Some general notes:

It´s recommend to use the latest versions of Live.
This means:
the Live 1.52 version if you´re a Live 1.x user
the Live 2.12 version if you´re a Live 2.x user and
the Live 3.04 version if you´re a Live 3.x user.

Best,
Ch. Kleine