Version Comparison: Computer System Audio Optimization

Q: How do I set up my computer to work with Line 6 gear?

• Make sure your Line 6 device is powered by the same power source as the computer (when applicable).
• Be sure that your system exceeds the minimum requirements listed on the product's box.
• Disable “multiple users” on the system, automatic updates, as well as all themes/dashboards.
• Disable the internal sound card
• Turn off all other programs outside of the recording application(s), including anything that may be running in your system tray.
• Turn off all anti-virus software and malware, including products such as ZoneAlarm, Defender, Norton Anti-virus, Firewalls, and pop up blockers
• Be sure the date and time is set correctly on your computer
• Disable all power saving, sleep mode options, wireless devices, and screen savers (especially on laptop computers).
• Remove all Recording applications/playback programs that are not being used from your hard drive.
• Unplug all non-essential USB, Firewire, and PCI connections (i.e. Web cameras, cameras,  printers, scanners, MP3 players).
• Disable disc compression options, system sounds, the indexing service, and your wireless Internet connection.

XP Users

Right click on "My Computer" and select "properties", select "advanced", select "performance settings", "visual effects", and select "adjust for best performance"

Run your system cleanup and disc defragmenter found under Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools.

Control Panel/Line 6 devices > In your Line 6/MIDI devices, select

1. 16 bit audio
2. 512 MB for buffer size
3. Move the Buffer slider to the second tick mark from the left under "extra small"
4. Be sure to select the same settings for bit rate and buffer size in your recording application as well

Windows 7/Vista Users

Go into your computer's control panel and click on the 'Sound' icon.  Select your Line 6 device, then click on the 'Properties' button.  Click on the 'Advanced' tab in the 'Properties' window.  In the 'Default Format' box, try all the different bit and sample rate combinations to see if it fixes any issues you may be having.

Mac Users

Disable any dual operating systems (dual boot, Parallels, etc.)

Run "repair disc permissions" from hard drive

Laptop computers: Try removing the power supply to see if there is better performance.  If so, try a different power supply.

Q: I am getting pops/clicks in my audio stream when I open other programs?

A: There is no quick fix to solve this situation, but some end users have had success by installing a higher quality video card.

Q: I am not able to get my computer to recognize the Line 6 unit?

- plug your Line 6 unit directly into the back of the computer. If you are on a laptop, try multiple USB inputs (as many laptops will route keyboard/mouse functions through a USB port, reducing the bandwidth).

- See the following document on

.

Q: I am experiencing latency, how can I reduce it?

A: The normal way of reducing latency is to reduce the buffer size. Buffer sizes of 512 will allow latency of about 10ms when using 44.1kHz. You usually set buffer sizes to a power of 2, so if you wanted to lower the latency, try 256, 128 or even 64. If you experience too many dropouts, you will need to increase the buffer size again.

Please check the following article on latency at

If you are having difficulty using your Line 6 gear with a computer after following these guidelines, please complete your support profile (log on to your Line 6 account and go to "My Account") and post a question in the Line 6 forums.*