USB Interface Recording Question

[treebeard]

WRT - Recording to PC via DAW using USB interface.

If you record a number of tracks individually to PC via a USB interface do you always need to resync each track to the initial reference due to latency or is there some way to keep the tracks in sync as you record??

For Example: Is this the sequence??
Track1 = a reference track, say a drum beat

Track 2 = Bass. I lay down a bass track via USB to DAW.
Then I have to Sync Bass to drum. ie shave some off the beginning of the bass track.

Track 3 = Rhythm Gtr.
Sync Rhythm.

Track 4 = Vox
Sync Vox
etc...

[Jody1985]

I run into this all the time.

I use reaper and a mic.

If I put a backing track in track 1, and then record my guitar in track 2, usually when I play it back it's out of time, I have to drag the guitar recording back to the left about ... 3mm as I look at it, maybe a 10th of your average on screen segment, then it will be in time.

USB however. The Mustang plugs straight in and the ASIO opens in reaper. This however IS in time.

I believe when its wrong that means that it's out of phase? No idea how to fix that. But its a fairly common issue by the sounds of it. I think most DAWs have a 'nudge' function dont they? To move it straight into the right place?

[schnuffi]

Aaron. not with mine nor I guess with most of the decent interfaces. using ASIO drivers (easily selected from your DAW). you record direct into a track in the DAW and its automatically in synch with the other tracks, no farting about required. maybe if your pc is well dated it may struggle but my old desktop copes and its around 7 years old. my experience is with reaper and audacity but i cant see it being different with other DAWs.

Most also have a montoring control so you can turn off any speakers connected when you record using a mic. just flick it back and you can hear the recording back through the speakers.....not that that was what you asked, lol.

[treebeard]

So you listen to the DAW track you're playing to straight off the PC speakers/headphones or does it come back via the USB interface and you monitor it there??

[Jody1985]

Originally Posted by treebeard

So you listen to the DAW track you're playing to straight off the PC speakers/headphones or does it come back via the USB interface and you monitor it there??

Speakers man.

[schnuffi]

Originally Posted by treebeard

So you listen to the DAW track you're playing to straight off the PC speakers/headphones or does it come back via the USB interface and you monitor it there??

i have my headphone plugged into my interface. in reaper you have an option to "monitor" what you are recording. Click that and you hear your voice/guitar through the mic as well as the other tracks. Mikedem may be able to tell you the technicalities, maybe there is a slight latency but its not detectable.

I use the interface as a pc soundcard. its better than the internal one i have in my laptop and pc. I watch and listen to YT & Vb vids, internet radio etc all through headphones or speakers connected to the interface. The only thing to look out for is that (in win 7 at least) you have to make the interface your default sound device in windows, if not it can get a bit confused. When you unplug the usb interface windows will automatically output through windows normal method.

[treebeard]

Got it. Thanks guys.

[MikeGarveyBlues]

Not with mine (Cakewalk UA25-EX).

The Asio drivers are good for that device and my recording PC is powerful enough to handle a lot of tracks (Although the music mags would slate it!).

Yeah... Good USB interface and a decent specced machine and you shouldn't have any issues. No need for firewire unless you want to record more than 4 instruments / mic inputs at once.

[Jody1985]

Am I wrong, but I was under the impression it isnt a PC performance thing, but something to do with whatever inputs being out of phase with whatever other inputs?

[Jody1985]

Originally Posted by LordSauceness

Jody is correct