MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid User Manual page 63

ADJUSTING THE AUDIO I/O BUFFER
A buffer is a small amount of computer memory
used to hold data. For audio interfaces like the
UltraLite-mk3, buffers are used for the process of
transferring audio data in and out of the computer.
The size of the buffers determines how much delay
you hear when monitoring live inputs through
your audio software: larger buffers produce more
delay; smaller buffers produce less.
Under Mac OS X, audio I/O buffer size is handled
by the host audio application (not the
UltraLite-mk3 Core Audio driver). Most audio
software applications provide an adjustable audio
buffer setting that lets you control the amount of
delay you'll hear when monitoring live inputs or
processing them with software plug-ins. Below are
a few examples.
Figure 10-2: This diagram shows the signal flow when using CueMix FX no-latency monitoring. Notice that this method does not process the
live input with plug-ins in your audio software. Instead, you can apply UltraLite-mk3 effects, such as the reverb, EQ and/or compression.
R E D U C I N G M O N I T O R I N G L A T E N C Y
Figure 10-3: In Digital Performer and AudioDesk, choose Setup
menu> Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver to open
the dialog shown above and access the Buffer Size setting. Refer to
your Digital Performer or AudioDesk manual for information about
the Host Buffer Multiplier setting.
1. Live input (from mic, guitar, etc.)
enters the MOTU interface.
3. Mic signal is mixed with the
main outs, and you can
control the volume (relative
to the rest of the mix) with
the mic's fader in CueMix FX.
2. CueMix FX immediately patches the live
mic signal directly to the main outs (or
other output), completely bypassing the
computer. This signal could be dry, or with
UltraLite-mk3 effects processing, such as
EQ, compression or Classic Reverb.
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