Short, Super Newbie Question: What should my Buffer size be when Recording and Mixing?

[tmaworks]

Sorry about this -What are you guys using when recording and mixing?

Thanks.

[pough]

I think that it depends on the device you're using, the audio device type, and your CPU. I'm using 256 samples. You'll probably want it to be as low as possible without causing any issues.

[tmaworks]

I think that it depends on the device you're using, the audio device type, and your CPU. I'm using 256 samples. You'll probably want it to be as low as possible without causing any issues.

Okay, right. I think that's what I was using before...

When you select your interface, the buffer size that the drivers dictate should pop up automatically, correct? I think I went through and changed it from 256 to 1024... But, I am using this setup just to mix on, so I guess that's fine... I AM getting some crackling/ sputtering sounds coming through the monitors, though, which I'm not too happy about -Could this be from the buffer rate not being in line with something in the tracks??

I'm so sorry -I've been recording forever and I never bothered to really get this part right... And, with starting to use these new DAWS, I'm a bit like a deer in the headlights...

I like how Waveform presents it all to you right at the homepage before you even start a project -Very helpful. Brilliant move....

Thanks for the time.

[Watchful]

If you're experiencing crackling and sputtering while recording, odds are high your buffer size is too low. Go up 2 more settings over what you have and see if it improves. If not, try 2 more. If so, stay put. You can fine tune it this way without taxing your computer too much.

[tmaworks]

If you're experiencing crackling and sputtering while recording, odds are high your buffer size is too low. Go up 2 more settings over what you have and see if it improves. If not, try 2 more. If so, stay put. You can fine tune it this way without taxing your computer too much.

This is a great idea. Thank you!

-The crackling/ popping is only during playback -when I'm mixing... There are no crackles or pops in the tracks themselves or during tracking. Definitely something to do with playback... Buffers??

[Dark Lane]

I'd also recommend reading the relevent part of the Waveform User Guide (accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel). There's a very good description of how to choose the optimum buffer size.

[Peter Widdicombe]

On PLAYBACK larger numbers are OK - but if too large and you're recording, then you may find the timing is off - and annoying to use - like you play on a MIDI keyboard and it responds a second later !

[Watchful]

If crackling is on playback but NOT caused by a corrupt recording (in other words, the crackling didn't record as part of the take but is independent of them), check your CPU meter in the upper right of the Waveform window.

Crackling can occur if Waveform is struggling to keep up with your project. Try rendering finished tracks, and look into freezing tracks to lower your CPU overhead.

This happens to me, but I've narrowed it down to a misbehaving plugin I use often. By avoiding a particular preset, the problem goes away. But it will always reveal itself in a red or yellow CPU meter.

[tmaworks]

I'd also recommend reading the relevent part of the Waveform User Guide (accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel). There's a very good description of how to choose the optimum buffer size.

Oh, great! Never thought of that! Thank you for mentioning! -Where is that user guide?

[tmaworks]

If crackling is on playback but NOT caused by a corrupt recording (in other words, the crackling didn't record as part of the take but is independent of them), check your CPU meter in the upper right of the Waveform window.

Crackling can occur if Waveform is struggling to keep up with your project. Try rendering finished tracks, and look into freezing tracks to lower your CPU overhead.

This happens to me, but I've narrowed it down to a misbehaving plugin I use often. By avoiding a particular preset, the problem goes away. But it will always reveal itself in a red or yellow CPU meter.

Oookay -Never thought to look into that! It happens in Reaper for me, as well... And it happens even on very light project -Like, even if I have ONE track going it happens... I noticed it did change as I changed the buffer size, though. Can't remember if it got worse when i went up or down, but the crackling sound is definitely linked to the buffer size at least partially...

[pough]

accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel

Where is that user guide?

accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel

[tmaworks]

accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel

Where is that user guide?

accessable from the Help button on the Control Panel

Right!

Thanks!

[dysjoint]

Just checking the basics here, you're not clipping the master are you. Just from what you described the issue is only on playback? So if you're going over 0db while tracking or processing inside a daw that's fine, you won't heart any issue but once you record or render every peak over 0db gets chopped off and will sound horrible when played back.
What are your file settings for recording, 44.1/24 bit?

[Watchful]

Good point!

[tmaworks]

Just checking the basics here, you're not clipping the master are you. Just from what you described the issue is only on playback? So if you're going over 0db while tracking or processing inside a daw that's fine, you won't heart any issue but once you record or render every peak over 0db gets chopped off and will sound horrible when played back.
What are your file settings for recording, 44.1/24 bit?

You know what -I'm glad you asked...

Sometimes, I do clip the master when I'm mixing (if you can call it that... lol!!), but I've noticed that the "clicking or popping" sounds isn't in relation to that -It happens totally at random and it's more like a random click or glitch sound or pop, rather than a distortion. I experimented with switching the buffer size of my interface on playback (I use two different interfaces -One in the basement with the drums for recording and one upstairs in my mixing room) and it does get better or worse depending on what size I'm on... I HAVE been going back and forth between 44.1 and 48 (went to 48 when I saw a Dan Worrall video on how 48 is better for certain plugins... Whatever...) and I think I may have messed stuff up with all that... I really need to make sure my buffer size and bit rate and all of that are in line... I was using Reaper for the longest and for some Reason, things were really confusing for me in there and it kept on resetting my 44.1 and 48k... That program is super confusing FOR ME... ALSO -This project I'm working on (this may be important??):

I recorded the scratch tracks of guitars and vocals and bass in Audacity in 96 and 48k (later changed to 48 when I discovered how much 96 was making my system lag). I then flew these tracks into Reaper (and Waveform -I'm been going back and forth testing the two programs to see my preference. I started on Reaper months ago when I was looking for something to use in addition to Audacity for heavy multi-tracking. As you may know, Audacity can only handle recording two tracks simultaneously. Otherwise, I'd probably still be using audacity, mainly...lol!!) so I could record a multi-mic'd drum kit. SO, my point is -I know, for sure, that Reaper was doing some conversion. But, the sound is still happening in Waveform, so.. Bottom line: it's a mess... Haha! -And, I DEFINITELY need to make sure I'm on track with all my buffer sizes and bits and all that being in line in both programs.

I don't even know what all the numbers are that I need to have "jiving" with each other -You've got, sample rate, bit depth, buffer size... Latency something or other?? I'm a songwriter, man... How am I supposed to keep track of all this "stuff"... Haha?? I know, I"m terrible!