Buffer Size in Studio One: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Change It

In Studio One, the Audio Setup / Audio Device / Device Block Size setting in the Preferences dialogue sets the basic buffer size. For the lowest monitoring latency, set it as small as you can get it without incurring dropouts, glitches or clicks. I usually use 32 samples, or sometimes 64 samples (for high-res, high-track-count situations) when recording. The input and output latencies in milliseconds produced by the current setting are displayed at the bottom of the dialogue. Round-trip delay time is the sum of the input and output latencies.

how to change buffer size in studio one

Download

As DSP chips became cheaper, the next solution for the buffer-size paradox emerged as dedicated DSP chips for monitor mixing embedded in interfaces. Real-time, hardware-based mixing has near-zero latency, so inputs are heard without delay and Device Block Size can be optimised for track playback.

Hi,I can't change the buffer size to reduce the latency! When in a DAW (tried in Ableton & Reaper), and I click the button to make settings to the buffer, it opens Universal Control but there, it's all blank! There isn't a single setting to adjust! No checkboxes, buttons, sliders,...nothing, nada?

However, you usually are not given this buffer-size setting as a time-based number (e.g., 2.9 ms); rather, you get a list of sample-based numbers (say, 128 samples) from which to choose. This makes delay conversion more complicated. And most musicians would rather memorize the lyrics to every Rush song than remember that 512 samples equate to approximately 11 to 12 ms at 44.1 kHz. (To calculate milliseconds from samples, simply divide the number of samples by the sample rate. For example, 512 samples/44.1 kHz = 11.7 ms.)

For example, if you set your ASIO buffer size to 128 samples, the output latency could be as high as 256 samples. In that case, the two buffers combine to make the roundtrip latency 384 samples. This means that the 2.9 ms of latency you set for your 44.1 kHz recording has become 8.7 ms.

To get around this, most manufacturers fix this buffer size. Depending on the audio driver, this could be as much as 6 ms input latency and 6 ms output latency. But like the ASIO and Core Audio buffers discussed earlier, even if these buffer sizes are set to the same value, the resulting output latency can differ from the input latency.

How did PreSonus do it? Providing the lowest latency possible was the goal of both the Quantum hardware design and the driver design. Input and output latency were reduced by utilizing high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters with the lowest latency possible, while still achieving 120 dB of dynamic range. This reduces the latency that cannot be controlled by the buffer size from within your DAW.

Hi! In Windows 10 I can't set up the buffer size over 128 samples, but on my iMac I can set it at max 256 samples.I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8.How can I set up the buffer size over 128 samples on Windows (and over 256 on mac)?If I select a bigger size the window return at 128 samples.I need at least 512 or 1024 samples, at 128 the sound is popping and clicking!It's impossible to recording.My Win10 pc (with anniversary update): Dell Inspiron 7000 15 , i7,16GB Ram,SSDMy iMac: i7,16GB Ram, HDDStudioOne PrimeFocusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB 2nd GenAbout the Scarlett I searched and uderstood that I can change the buffer size only in my DAW (and not into Focusrite Control).If I don't solve this problem I can't buy the Profesional version :(This is my window:

Sonnox VoxDoubler is a powerful plug-in which can be demanding on your computer, so you may need to increase the buffer size of your DAW to hear the plug-in at its best. However, recording at high buffer sizes can cause problems with latency. We like to see it as a mixing tool, and don't recommend using VoxDoubler while tracking!

Buffer SizeWe recommend that you set your audio buffer size to 1,024 samples. Smaller values lead to a significantly higher CPU load. Should you need to set smaller values, e.g. when doing the headphone mix directly in your computer and not via an external channel strip or mixer, deactivate all Melodyne instances while tracking. Switch Melodyne back on when you start editing your new tracks.

A good buffer size for recording is 128 samples, but you can also get away with raising the buffer size up to 256 samples without being able to detect much latency in the signal. You can also decrease the buffer size below 128, but then some plugins and effects may not run in real time.

But first, just what is buffer size?What Is Buffer Size?Buffer size determines how fast the computer processor can handle the input and output of information. When your buffer size is lower, the computer handles information very quickly, it takes more system resources, and it's quite strenuous on the computer processor. In order to use fewer system resources, you can increase the buffer size so that the computer processor handles information slower.

Every DAW is a little different, so you'll have to look up how to adjust the buffer in your DAW. However, in Logic Pro X, which is what I use, you can set the buffer by going to...Logic Pro > Preferences > AudioYou'll then see the audio menu, which includes the "I/O Buffer Size", and you can change the rate by clicking the drop down arrows.

The buffer setting you want depends on what tasks you need your computer to handle. When recording, you'll want to avoid latency, which is when the input you give your computer is delayed. So if you were recording vocals, you voice would sound delayed in your monitors. Therefore, when recording, you'll want a buffer size of 128, or maybe 256 max. When you are mixing and mastering, latency doesn't matter because everything has already been recorded. You'll also be needing your computer to handle all of your plugins and tracks, so you'll want to increase the buffer to the max of 1024.

What you're recording also matters. If you're just recording MIDI, you can get away with a really low buffer size like 32 or 64 samples so you can play your MIDI notes with no latency. This is especially important if you are recording notes with a fast attack, like drum hits, stabs, or plucks. Also, if a particular instrument itself is resulting in latency, you could even record the notes you want with a different instrument, and then change the instrument after the fact. That's the beauty of MIDI!What Buffer Size Should You Use When Recording Audio?When recording audio, you are going to want a slightly higher buffer to avoid crackling and other audio interruptions.

So for recording audio, I would aim for the 128 - 256 range. The only exception would be if you aren't using input monitoring. In other words, if you aren't listening to your voice or instrument while recording, then it doesn't really matter that there is latency, and you can raise the buffer. Does Buffer Size Affect Sound Quality?Buffer size does NOT impact sound quality, so don't worry about moving the buffer size around. The buffer setting only impacts processing speed and latency. Finish More Tracks, Faster!I don't know about you, but technical stuff like this is a drag. Let's get back to the fun stuff, like finishing more tracks, and doing so faster!

I created a free mixing checklist that you can use to do just that! .thrv_wrapper .tve-content-box-backgroundposition:absolute;width:100%;left:0;top:0;overflow:hidden;background-clip:padding-box;height:100%!important.thrv_wrapper.thrv-content-boxbox-sizing:border-box;position:relative;min-height:10px.thrv_wrapper.thrv-content-box div:not(.thrv_icon):not(.ui-resizable-handle):not(.tve-auxiliary-icon-element)box-sizing:border-box.tve-cbdisplay:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;clear:both;overflow:visible;width:100%;z-index:1;position:relative;min-height:10px.thrv-buttonmax-width:100%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:table!important.thrv-button.thrv_wrapperpadding:0a.tcb-button-linkbackground-color:#1abc9c;padding:12px 15px;font-size:18px;box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;overflow:hidden;width:100%;text-align:center;line-height:1.2ema.tcb-button-link:hoverbackground-color:#15a288.thrv-button a.tcb-button-linkcolor:#fff;text-decoration:none!importanta.tcb-button-link>span::beforeposition:absolute;content:"";display:none;top:-100px;bottom:-100px;width:1px;left:10px;background-color:#007900span.tcb-button-textscolor:inherit;display:block;flex:1;position:relativespan.tcb-button-texts>spandisplay:block;padding:0.tve_image_captionposition:relative.tve_image_caption:not(.tcb-mm-image.tve-tab-image)height:auto!important.tve_image_caption .tve_imagemax-width:100%;width:100%.thrv_text_elementoverflow-wrap:break-word.thrive-symbol-shortcodeposition:relativebody:not(.tve_editor_page) .thrv_wrapper.thrv_footer,body:not(.tve_editor_page) .thrv_wrapper.thrv_headerpadding:0.tcb-post-content.thrv_wrappermargin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px;padding:0.notifications-content-wrapper.tcb-permanently-hiddendisplay:none!important.tcb-permanently-hiddendisplay:none!important.tar-disabledcursor:default;opacity:.4;pointer-events:none.tcb-clear::afterdisplay:block;height:0;content:"".tcb-flex-rowdisplay:flex;flex-flow:row nowrap;align-items:stretch;justify-content:space-between;margin-top:0;margin-left:-15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-top:15px.tcb-flex-colflex:auto;padding-top:0;padding-left:15px.tcb-flex-row .tcb-flex-colbox-sizing:border-box.tcb-colheight:100%;display:flex;flex-direction:column;position:relative.tcb-flex-row .tcb-colbox-sizing:border-boxhtmltext-rendering:auto!importanthtml bodytext-rendering:auto!important.thrv_wrappermargin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;padding:1px.thrv_wrapper divbox-sizing:content-box.thrv_symbol .thrv_wrapper:not(.thrv_icon)box-sizing:border-box!important.thrv_wrapper.thrv_text_element,.thrv_wrapper.thrv_symbolmargin:0.thrv_wrapper.thrv-columnsmargin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;padding:0.tve_imageborder-radius:0;box-shadow:0 0div .tve_image_captionpadding:0;max-width:100%!important;box-sizing:border-box!important.tve_image_caption .tve_image_framedisplay:block;max-width:100%;position:relative;overflow:hidden.tve_image_caption .tve_imagedisplay:block;padding:0;height:auto:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholderposition:relative;min-height:var(--tcb-container-height-d,100px)!important:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholder.thrv-page-sectionbox-sizing:border-box;margin:0:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholder.thrv-content-boxbox-sizing:border-box:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholder .tve-page-section-out,:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholder .tve-content-box-backgroundbox-sizing:border-box;position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;left:0;top:0;overflow:hidden.thrv_facebook_commentsmin-width:100px.tve-fb-commentswidth:100%.tve-fb-comments>spanwidth:100%!important.tve-fb-comments iframewidth:100%!important.thrv_wrapper.thrv_contentbox_shortcodeposition:relative.comments-area.thrv_wrapper,.comments-area .thrv_wrappermargin:0;padding:0.comments-area.thrv_wrapper.comment-form-submit,.comments-area .thrv_wrapper.comment-form-submitmargin:20px 0.comments-area .replydisplay:table;margin:10px 0 0;float:right;padding:0.comments-area .comment-reply-titlefont-size:14px;font-weight:500;color:#121212;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 10px.thrv_wrapper.thrv_text_element.comment-no-commenttext-align:center;background-image:linear-gradient(#f0f3f3,#f0f3f3);padding-top:12px;padding-bottom:12px.thrv_wrapper.thrv_text_element.comment-no-comment pmargin-bottom:0;padding:0;font-weight:inherit;line-height:inherit.comment-metadatafont-size:12px;font-weight:400;color:rgba(10,10,10,.4).comments-area .comment-metadatamargin:-30px 0 20px 72px.comment-metadata afont-weight:inherit;text-decoration:none;font-size:inherit.comment-metadata a:not(.comment-edit-link)color:inherit.comment-metadata a:not(.comment-edit-link):hovercolor:inherit.comment-form-item.comment-form-urlmargin-bottom:40px.comments-area .comment-form-item labelmargin:0 0 10px.comment-form-item inputbackground-color:#f5f5f5.comments-area .comment-form-item inputpadding:10px.comment-author::afterclear:both;content:"";display:table.comment-author .fncolor:rgba(10,10,10,.6);float:unset;display:inline-block;margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;font-weight:600.comment-author .fn atext-decoration:inherit;color:inherit;background:inherit.comment-author *float:left.comment-author imgmargin-right:22px;border-radius:50%#comments.comments-area ol.childrenmargin-left:20px#comments .comment-respondpadding-top:20px#comments .reply span.tcb-button-textsflex:unset.comments-area .comment-bodypadding:20px;margin:0 0 20px.comment-bodypadding:20px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid #d5d9df;margin:20px 0 0.reply .comment-reply-linkpadding:8px;font-size:15px;background-color:initial;color:#1fa5e6;border-radius:50px;font-weight:500;border:1px solid #1fa5e6;text-decoration:none;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center.reply .comment-reply-link:hoverbackground-color:initial;text-decoration:none.reply .comment-reply-link[disabled]background-color:#bfbfbf.reply .comment-reply-link:focusoutline:none#comments.comments-area .comment-list::afterclear:both;content:"";display:table#comments.comments-area .comments-titlecolor:#444;font-size:22px;font-weight:500#comments.comments-area .comment-awaiting-moderationfont-weight:300;margin:0#comments.comments-area .tcb-button-textmargin:0#comments.comments-area ollist-style:none;margin:0;padding:0#comments.comments-area ol limargin:0;padding:0#comments.comments-area .wpgdprc-checkboxwidth:100%.comment-contentopacity:.85;font-size:14px;font-weight:300;line-height:1.5;color:rgba(10,10,10,.85).comments-area .comment-contentmargin:0.comment-content pmargin-bottom:20px;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit.comment-content p:last-childmargin-bottom:0.comment-content aword-break:break-all.comment-form .error-messagecolor:red;font-size:13px.comment-form textarea::placeholder,.comment-form input::placeholdercolor:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-weight:inherit;text-decoration:inherit.comment-form input[type=submit]background-color:#666;font-weight:400;outline:0;padding:18px 32px.comment-form>pbox-sizing:border-box.comment-form>p input[type=email],.comment-form>p input[type=text],.comment-form>p input[type=url]width:100%.comment-author .thrive-comment-author-picturemargin:0 15px 0 0.comment-author .thrive-comment-author-picture .avatarborder:1px solid rgba(157,159,159,.26);border-radius:50%;margin:0;padding:0;width:60px.comment-author .saysdisplay:none.comments-area .comments-closed-textmargin:0 0 10px.comment-form-reply-titlefont-size:14px;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(10,10,10,.6);font-weight:600.comment-form-text textareamin-height:200px;padding-top:25px;padding-bottom:20px;resize:vertical;display:block.comment-form-text textarea,.comment-form-inputbox-sizing:border-box;padding:19px 20px;line-height:1em;width:100%;outline:none;background-color:#f0f3f3;font-size:14px;vertical-align:middle;border:1px solid rgba(157,159,159,.26);border-radius:3px;color:rgba(16,16,16,.6).comment-form-inputcolor:rgba(10,10,10,.5);font-weight:300;line-height:46pxtextarea.comment-it-error,input[type=text].comment-it-error,input[type=email].comment-it-errorborder:1px solid #d92b2b.comment-form::aftercontent:"";display:table;clear:both.comment-form-submitposition:relative;float:right;z-index:3;font-size:15px;display:table;margin:20px 0;box-sizing:border-box!important.comment-form-submit .thrv_iconposition:absolute;right:0;top:50%;z-index:2;margin:-.5em 10px 0 0;font-size:var(--tve-font-size,1em);color:var(--tve-color).comment-form-submit .thrv_icon .tve_sc_iconfont-size:inherit;padding:0.comment-form-submit buttonpadding:12px 32px;font-size:1em;cursor:pointer;width:100%;background-color:initial;color:#1fa5e6;border-radius:50px;font-weight:500;border:1px solid #1fa5e6.comment-form-submit button[disabled]background-color:#bfbfbf.comment-form-submit button:focusoutline:none.comment-content::before,.comment-content::aftercontent:"";display:table;table-layout:fixed.comment-content::afterclear:both.thrive-singular .comment-body .replyclear:both;max-width:100px.comment-body::afterclear:both;content:"";display:table.site-main .comment-navigationmargin:0 0 1.5em;overflow:hidden.comment-navigation .nav-previousfloat:left;width:50%.comment-navigation .nav-nextfloat:right;text-align:right;width:50%body:not(.ttb-editor-page) .tcb-post-content::before,body:not(.ttb-editor-page) .tcb-post-content::afterdisplay:none.tcb-clear .theme-comments-numberfloat:right.thrv_wrapper.thrv_text_elementpadding:1pxp.tcb-post-comments-number,.theme-comments-number pfont-size:14px;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:.7px;color:#444.tcb-post-comments-numberdisplay:inline-block@media(max-width:1023px):not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholdermin-height:var(--tcb-container-height-t)!important.comment-form-submitmax-width:50%;width:50%@media(max-width:767px)htmloverflow-x:hidden!importanthtml,bodymax-width:100vw!important.tcb-flex-rowflex-direction:column.tcb-flex-row.v-2flex-direction:row.tcb-flex-row.v-2:not(.tcb-mobile-no-wrap)flex-wrap:wrap.tcb-flex-row.v-2:not(.tcb-mobile-no-wrap)>.tcb-flex-colwidth:100%;flex:1 0 390px;max-width:100%!important:not(#_s):not(#_s) .tcb-conditional-display-placeholdermin-height:var(--tcb-container-height-m)!important.comment-form-submitfloat:left;max-width:100%;width:100%@media(min-width:1024px)body:not(.tcb_show_all_hidden) .tcb-desktop-hiddendisplay:none!important@media(min-width:768px) and (max-width:1023px)body:not(.tcb_show_all_hidden) .tcb-tablet-hiddendisplay:none!important@media(max-width:1023px) and (min-width:768px).tcb-flex-row.tcb-medium-no-wrap,.tcb-flex-row.tcb-resized.tcb-medium-no-wrapflex-wrap:nowrap!important.tcb-flex-row.tcb-medium-no-wrap>.tcb-flex-col,.tcb-flex-row.tcb-resized.tcb-medium-no-wrap>.tcb-flex-colflex:auto!important@media screen and (-ms-high-contrast:active),(-ms-high-contrast:none).tcb-flex-colwidth:100%.tcb-coldisplay:block@media screen and (max-device-width:480px)bodytext-size-adjust:none@media(min-width:300px).thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd13]border:none!important;background-color:var(--tcb-local-color-cd497,#f7f7f7)!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16]margin-left:-30px;padding:0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd15]margin:0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd12]float:none;padding:30px!important;margin:0 auto!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1d]padding:0!important;margin-bottom:20px!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1b]max-width:72.4%.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16]>.tcb-flex-colpadding-left:30px.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd12]>.tve-cbdisplay:block.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd18]max-width:27.7%.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1c]padding-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd19]background-image:none!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1a]width:350px;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1e]padding:0!important;margin-bottom:20px!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd11]--tcb-local-color-cd497:rgb(247,247,247);--tcb-local-color-144cd:rgb(34,34,34).thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd20] .tcb-button-linkborder-top-left-radius:30px;overflow:hidden;border-bottom-right-radius:30px;letter-spacing:var(--tve-letter-spacing,2px);background-color:var(--tcb-local-color-4b114)!important;padding:20px!important;background-image:linear-gradient(#fac22d 0%,#ef6019 100%)!important;background-size:auto!important;background-position:50%!important;background-attachment:scroll!important;background-repeat:no-repeat!important;--background-image:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(250,194,45) 0%,rgb(239,96,25) 100%)!important;--background-size:auto!important;--background-position:50% 50%!important;--background-attachment:scroll!important;--background-repeat:no-repeat!important;--tve-applied-background-image:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(250,194,45) 0%,rgb(239,96,25) 100%)!important:not(#tve) .thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd20]:hover .tcb-button-linkbackground-image:linear-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,8%),rgba(255,255,255,8%))!important;background-size:auto!important;background-position:50%!important;background-attachment:scroll!important;background-repeat:no-repeat!important;border-top-right-radius:0!important;overflow:hidden!important;border-bottom-left-radius:0!important;background-color:var(--tcb-local-color-4b114)!important:not(#tve) .thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd20] .tcb-button-link spanfont-weight:var(--tve-font-weight,var(--g-regular-weight,normal)).thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd20]--tve-font-weight:var(--g-regular-weight,normal);--tve-letter-spacing:2px;--tcb-local-color-4c5a5:rgb(19,114,211);float:left;z-index:3;position:relative;--tcb-local-color-4b114:rgb(239,96,25)!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1f]::afterclear:both:not(#tve) .thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-17411d1342d]font-size:30px!important:not(#tve) .thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-181f7f00272]font-size:18px!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-18439943587]font-weight:var(--g-bold-weight,bold)!important:not(#tve) .thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-18439943587]text-transform:capitalize!important@media(max-width:1023px).thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1b]max-width:74.1%.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd18]max-width:25.9%.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1c]padding-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd12]float:none;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;padding:30px!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16]>.tcb-flex-colpadding-left:30px.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16]margin-left:-30px;flex-wrap:nowrap!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1a]width:147px@media(max-width:767px).thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd12]float:none;padding:20px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1f]::afterclear:both.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16]flex-flow:row wrap!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1c]padding:30px 0 0!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd16] .tcb-flex-colflex-basis:390px!important.thrv_symbol_923 [data-css=tve-u-1725636cd1a]width:152pxCreate Better Songs, FasterClick below to download my free song-finishing checklist to help you create radio-ready songs without taking months to complete them.I Want To Finish Songs Faster!I hope you found this post on what buffer size is good for recording, helpful! 2ff7e9595c