Typical Windows based machines are not often well optimised for low latency audio. But here are some simple solutions that will reduce your latency and help you get the most out of Melodics.
Connecting and Selecting an Audio Device
Headphones connected directly to your computer: Sound should automatically come through your headphones if they are plugged directly into the headphone jack.
External audio interface: Connect your interface via USB as you would your MIDI instrument. Ensure any necessary drivers are installed, and then select your device as your audio output in Melodics’ settings.
Tips to reduce audio latency (delay)
ASIO drivers: ASIO is the industry standard for low latency audio on Windows. It is a professional level audio driver for Windows that is generally very stable. We recommend using an ASIO driver as a minimum requirement for running Melodics on Windows. ASIO drivers are usually not included on Windows and need to be installed separately.
If you are using your machine’s built-in speakers or built-in headphone output.
Download and install ASIO4ALL by following these steps:
Go to asio4all.org (official website).
Find the latest version of ASIO4ALL and click the link to download.
Launch the .exe file to install ASIO4ALL.
Re-launch Melodics and go to SETTINGS.
Select ASIO4ALL as your audio output.
If you are using an external audio interface.
Many external audio interfaces come with an ASIO driver option. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed by checking the manufacturer’s website. Then go to SETTINGS in Melodics and select the ASIO driver for your interface.
Some external audio interfaces will have adjustable buffer settings. Go to your audio device settings and reduce the buffer size to reduce latency. Check with your manufacturer or user manual for more information. The buffer determines the amount of time it takes for your computer to process audio. The lower the buffer, the lower the latency, however if you go too low you might experience audible distortion.
Exclusive Mode.
On Windows machines, you may have the option to use your audio device in ‘exclusive mode’. If you cannot use an ASIO driver as above, try using ‘exclusive mode’ to reduce latency.
The purpose of exclusive mode is to optimise your setup to achieve minimal latency. By allowing Melodics to use your device exclusively, it helps speed up the audio processing resulting in lower latency.
Note: while using exclusive mode or an ASIO driver, system audio and audio from other applications may not be able to use your audio device at the same time. Close Melodics or turn off this setting to allow other applications to use your audio device again.