Some tracks out of sync when multi-track recording

[Peter Widdicombe]

For those doing overdubbing to an existing track, this may not be the solution.

Increasing the buffers will work better when playing back or recording "all at once", as it gives more time to do all processing and buffering correctly. Doing a final export to mp3; or recording as above, will benefit.

However, with adding tracks to existing mixes, this will be a problem; as you will hear things slightly delayed, so NEW tracks being recorded (i.e. vocals, additional lead instruments) may then be delayed by that same buffering. Going through the "auto detect time adjust" should compensate for THAT particular setting, but remember to do that when you change buffering.

For MIDI and .vst's it's more difficult (and guitar if you use DAW for amp simulators) You really need smaller buffers for that, or what you play will have a delay before you hear it; making it almost impossible to play naturally. Too small, though, and you will often hear breaking up of audio.

[Sparkesy]

Hi David - thanks for the reply. That's great news that the buffer size increase has totally fixed the problem for you.

I have increased my buffer size as you advised and I will report back as soon as I do my next band recording session.

Hi Peter - at this stage, I am only doing simultaneous multi-track recordings of my band and (as I gain experience) mixing and editing these down to a decent demo CD. I hear your advice on using smaller buffers at other times.

John

[Sparkesy]

Hi David and gents

Sorry for the delay but I wanted to get a couple more band rehearsal (recording) sessions under my belt before I reported back and we usually only rehearse once a week ! The buffer setting is 8192.

Both rehearsal sessions had the exact same problem: first set out of sync, second and third sets perfect. All I do between sets is stop it recording. When we're ready for the next set, I just hit record again and off she goes. So, I get three separate recordings, one after the other in one project. And, only the first set was wonky in both cases. Which is different to my first recording attempt, where the first set was fine and the next two were wonky.

As you say, you can simply slide the tracks around and align them, but I wasn't expecting to have this problem - just like you weren't. And, can you and me really be the only two guys to ever have this problem ? I don't believe in coincidences !

At our next rehearsal session, I will start it recording for a few seconds, pause it, then re-start. Hopefully, the "wonky-ness" will stay in the first recording !

Any other experiences or permanent solutions to this problem would be greatly appreciated.

John