Latency is the short delay between making a sound and hearing it through your computer. A little is normal; too much makes recording feel disconnected, like singing over a slightly late echo. The good news is it’s almost always fixable.
What causes latency
Your computer processes audio in small chunks called the buffer. A bigger buffer is easier on your CPU but adds delay; a smaller buffer lowers delay but works the CPU harder. Drivers, sample rate and plugins all play a part too.
How to reduce it
- Lower your buffer size while recording (try 64-128 samples), raise it again for mixing.
- Use the right driver – ASIO on Windows; macOS handles this natively.
- Use direct monitoring on your interface to hear yourself with zero delay.
- Freeze or disable heavy plugins while tracking.
Direct monitoring is the secret
Most interfaces let you monitor your input directly through the hardware, bypassing the computer entirely – so there’s no perceptible delay no matter your buffer. It’s the simplest fix for recording comfortably.
Buffer size and drivers are set in your DAW and interface – our audio interface setup guide walks through it, and the interface buying guide covers which features matter.
Shop related gear
Low-latency interfaces to keep delay down:
Clean preamps and low-latency USB-C — the sweet spot for most home studios.
