User Manual

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.
NOTE
For details and current information on system requirements and hardware properties refer to
the Steinberg 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.
Audio Hardware and Driver
The hardware and its driver can have some effect on regular performance. A badly written driver
can reduce the performance of your computer. But where the hardware driver design makes the
most difference is with latency.
NOTE
We recommend that you use audio hardware for which there is a specific ASIO driver.
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