Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Jump to content

Fix latency recording Helix USB out in PC


pressthe6
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hey all. In way over my head with Helix but since when was gear purchases practical?

I'm going USB into PC using Audacity to record/mix. Monitoring through computer speakers or headphones. I understand the latency caused by the computer processing the info. I don't think I have the option (or knowledge) to monitor direct from my stock sound card which I hear does the trick. Trying to record a track while listening to other tracks is impossible due to the delay in hearing what I'm playing.

 

Questions are: are all DAWs the same in this manner? No need to drop cash on a retail one?

Or any other workarounds are welcome. The only thing I've come up with listening to my Helix speaker and computer playback at the same time. Definitely won't work for vocals!

 

Thanks all. Take care.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make sure Audacity is configured to use the Helix ASIO driver, not the default ASIO4ALL. Then connect your monitors/headphones to the Helix outputs and turn your software monitoring off.

 

For recording vocals you will want to use headphones for monitoring. Otherwise the mic will pick up the backing tracks from the monitors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your audio interface, good software, and tested drivers are what allows the low latency to "listen" to tracks while you record another without pops or crackles or a complete crash. Using a decent host software can help as long as you have the machine to run it. Cubase 9, Logic X, Sonar (for PC), and even Pro Tools are worth the software ticket price.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I record with Audacity thru the Helix. I monitor with headphones from the Helix and can record multiple tracks of guitar and mic with no discernible latency. I am hardly an expert with Audacity but it is working for me. My Interface Preferences show I am using MME as the Host with the Playback and Recording Devices set to Line 6. 

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Audacity barely has ASIO support, if you want to call it that, as it doesn't come in the default install. Unless that has changed recently.

 

I would recommend a different DAW if you plan on doing any more than dabbling. "Reaper" if you are short on currency would be a better option. DAWs like "FL Studio," "Ableton," or "Studio One" if you have the currency would be even better.

 

You would direct monitor through the Helix, and use it as your soundcard. This is what I do with FL Studio.

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Aduacity does not support ASIO out of the box. You can check their wiki on how to compile it to support ASIO.

 

I'll 2nd Lachdanan0121's Reaper recommendation. Demo is free, and dirt cheap for the power you get. They also have great documentation and forum.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks again for all the advice. It really did come down to just changing my listening option in my DAW. It never dawned on me that using the Helix's PA speaker was an option. I guess I thought that running the sound into the computer and then back to the PA speaker would cause more latency, not eliminate it. And I'm messing around with Reaper and love it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...