Effects plugins causing latency even when bypassed

[MDesigner]

I just picked up Slate Digital's Virtual Tape Machines today (great stuff BTW!). The only issue I've noticed is that even when bypassed, having them on my tracks causes latency. Is there something I'm missing? Maybe an option I need to set so this doesn't happen?

[EMRR]

Individual bands within masterworks compressor do it too. I think there are several other MOTU examples I've also noticed.

[MDesigner]

Ah bummer, this might be a bug in the plugin.

[HCMarkus]

Waves plugs with look ahead do this too. Remove all instantiations of look ahead plugs from project to avoid this issue.

[MDesigner]

Well, the only effects plugins I have on this project is the VTM plugin itself. Nothing else is interfering, VTM is the cause of the issue. This is disappointing. I'll have to talk to Slate Digital next week.

[waterstrum]

I'm using VTM with no ill effects.
No difference in latency.
For me it functions like a normal plug in.
Waves plugs are working well too.
What is the latency you are describing?
How does it manifest?

[HCMarkus]

I have found that having plug ins with look-ahead instantiated in a project create objectionable latency (similar to using a large buffer - VIs are slow to respond to real-time input) regardless of whether the plug ins are enabled or bypassed.

It makes sense that a DAW will compensate for plug in delay for all inserted plugs. Otherwise, bypassing or enabling plug ins would create a glitch as the DAW readjusted the delay on the fly.

Of course, the delay is only an issue when recording when using VIs or monitoring inputs thru DP. To avoid issues, switch to a blank mix without plugs, or avoid instantiating plugs that create objectionable delays (i.e those with substantial look ahead, typically limiters) until VI recording has been completed. Alternately, record using a hardware monitoring or a hardware MIDI synth, then play back from VIs.

Using DP's insert presets (whereby a bank of inserts can be saved and recalled quickly) is a handy workaround.

[daniel.sneed]

My two cents on this question:
Set your hard working an latency inducting plugins in a DP master fader V-rack.
You may disable the V-rack while tracking and enable it back while mixing.
Remember only one master fader V-rack will be active at a time. The higher one in chunk window, AFAICR.

[Shooshie]

You have two choices where there are look-ahead plugins, or any other plugin that's not playing nice:

• 1) disable the track itself (little blue button in the Tracks Overview, accessible in various ways in other windows)
  2) create an empty mix for tracking.

If you create an empty mix, and you're not well versed at this, BE SURE TO READ THIS:

• 1) DUPLICATE YOUR CURRENT MIX (this is the same as saving your current mix. If you don't, you'll lose it. Of course, there is Undo.)
  2) Rename it if you want to. (otherwise, it's just "Mix 1")
  3) Create and name New Mix.

There. Now you can select the new mix for tracking. It will have no plugins, and will track in time.

Shooshie

[MDesigner]

Great tips as usual, thanks guys!