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Optimizing
Optimizing Audio Performance
This section gives you some hints and tips on how to get the most out of your
Cubase system, performance-wise. Some of this text refers to hardware properties
and can be used as a guide when upgrading your system. Look for details and
current information on the Cubase web site.
Performance Aspects
Tracks and Effects
The faster your computer, the more tracks, effects, and EQ you are able to play.
Exactly what constitutes a fast computer is almost a science in itself, but some hints
are given below.
Short Response Times (Latency)
Another aspect of performance is response time. The term “latency” refers to the
buffering, that is the temporary storing of small chunks of audio data during various
steps of the recording and playback process on a computer. The more and larger
those chunks, the higher the latency.
High latency is most irritating when playing VST instruments and when monitoring
through the computer, that is when listening to a live audio source via the Cubase
MixConsole and effects. However, very long latency times (several hundred
milliseconds) can also affect other processes like mixing, for example, when the
effect of a fader movement is heard only after a noticeable delay.
While Direct Monitoring and other techniques reduce the problems associated with
very long latency times, a system that responds fast will always be more convenient
to work with.
• Depending on your audio hardware, it may be possible to trim your latency
times, usually by lowering the size and the number of buffers.
• For details, refer to the audio hardware documentation.