Appendix; What Is Latency?; How Low Can You Go? - Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ Operation Manual

11 Appendix

11.1 What is Latency?

As with any digital device (including hardware signal processors) that converts audio to data
and back again, a computer adds a certain amount of delay ("latency") when processing
audio signals. Fortunately, with today's computers and low-latency sound card drivers, this
delay can be so small that you cannot hear it (as example: 3 milliseconds is about the
same delay caused by fingers snapping one meter away from your ears).
However, typical computers are generally not set up for low latency; attempting to play in
real time with the AUDIO 2 DJ will probably prove unsatisfying due to the delay.
Any computer-based audio system has some delay between the audio input and output.
It is easy to understand that this latency has be kept to a minimum in order to make DJ
applications playable. Even the most powerful computer can only do a certain number of
calculations per second; generating and processing sounds demands a lot from a com-
puter. On the other hand, it is important to minimize any computer-based delays in order
to achieve a playing experience without annoying delays in sound playback.
Fortunately, three main factors make delays virtually insignificant, assuming you have a
suitable computer setup.
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Today's multi-gigahertz computers allow for very low latencies.
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The AUDIO 2 DJ includes drivers optimized for low latency.

11.2 How low can you go?

1.5 ms of latency approaches the theoretical minimum, because it will always take some
time to process information in a computer. However, note that ultra-low latency settings
(or higher sampling rates) make your computer work harder, which can affect the perfor-
mance. So, here are some tips on living with latency.
AUDIO 2 DJ – 45