Latency Latency Latency!

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harrycoin
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:39 pm

Latency Latency Latency!

Post by harrycoin »

Hi. I just got my Mandala 2.9... so far I'm really disappointed. I am running VB on a BRAND NEW Window's laptop (Windows 8), and there's still enough lag to prevent me from playing this thing live. Have any other Windows users experienced this problem? I'm a Windows guy, so I would be a bit out of my element if I had to purchase a MacBook just to run the VB software and play the Mandala with live drums. Has anybody done this successfully (Windows laptop), and if so, HOW??? Please help!
launch54321
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2011 8:24 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by launch54321 »

You can't use built-in WIndows audio drivers (directsound, mme, etc.) for any pro audio application. They are way too slow. Read the setup section of the manual regarding ASIO4ALL as a driver so your WIndows machine can handle it: http://synesthesiacorp.com/downloads. ASIO4ALL eliminates latency, and it's free.

Using any 3rd party audio interface would do it too.
harrycoin
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:39 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by harrycoin »

Thanks for the tip! I saw the bit about ASIO drivers -- but the way the instructions are written, it really wasn't clear that these drivers are preferred or latency-free. To me it sounded more like, "If you have audio that doesn't work, try these ASIO drivers."

Anyway I returned the brand-new Windows laptop, and probably today will be getting a Macbook Pro.

So we'll see how that goes...

From all the research I've done, it looks like most of the "pros" who use Mandala drums live have it powered by a Mac. Probably a reason for that.
launch54321
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2011 8:24 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by launch54321 »

Under 'Getting Started (Windows)' in the manual it says:

"IF YOU ARE NOT USING AN EXTERNAL AUDIO INTERFACE
For best results and lowest latency please download and install the free audio driver called ASIO4ALL"

It works great. Latency with ASIO4ALL is as low as when using an expensive audio interface with Windows.

CoreAudio on a Mac is low latency also.
harrycoin
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:39 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by harrycoin »

Yeah, you're right.
harrycoin
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:39 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by harrycoin »

Anyway I returned the Windows laptop and got a pre-owned Macbook Pro for about $300 less than the Windows machine. Works -- no fuss no muss.
launch54321
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2011 8:24 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by launch54321 »

Nice!
harrycoin
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:39 pm

Re: Latency Latency Latency!

Post by harrycoin »

Here are some early experiments, getting comfortable with the workings of Mandala drum and integration with my hybrid electronic/acoustic setup:

http://youtu.be/FOXHygRrWkY (song seeds I)
http://youtu.be/Fq9jQYvUt44 (song seeds II)
http://youtu.be/-O6l0vYmyKY (song seeds III)
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