I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
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This forum is for most discussion related to the use and optimization of Digital Performer [MacOS] and plug-ins as well as tips and techniques. It is NOT for troubleshooting technical issues, complaints, feature requests, or "Comparative DAW 101."
This forum is for most discussion related to the use and optimization of Digital Performer [MacOS] and plug-ins as well as tips and techniques. It is NOT for troubleshooting technical issues, complaints, feature requests, or "Comparative DAW 101."
- HCMarkus
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I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
When one changes the buffer size, one must de-select Record Enable, then re-enable in order to preserve timing of audio that being recorded.
I was able to prove this by looping back audio. I was doing a little timing testing to satisfy myself that DP was accurately recording my input. When I started switching buffer sizes, I started getting irregular results... sometimes audio was spot-on, other times not even close to its source.
I started working with DP's Metronome and got similar results. Although the Metronome was sounding (phasing) in-time with a pre-recorded, perfectly on-beat Metronome track, the recording was placed in the timeline early or late, depending on where I set the buffer.
Then I stumbled on the answer: DP apparently recalibrate itself internally when one record-enables a track. All I had to do to get perfect, in-time recordings after changing the buffer size was to disable the track Record Enable, then enable it again. Perfect.
Moral of the story: Don't go changing (thank you Billy Joel) your buffer without first disabling recording on tracks. Re-enable recording after changing the buffer size.
I don't have time to test MIDI right now. Anybody want to try that out?
Also, we should test whether disabling/re-enabling recording on one track will reset timing for other record-enabled tracks. I'll try to get back to this later, but invite others to confirm/enhance my findings.
I was able to prove this by looping back audio. I was doing a little timing testing to satisfy myself that DP was accurately recording my input. When I started switching buffer sizes, I started getting irregular results... sometimes audio was spot-on, other times not even close to its source.
I started working with DP's Metronome and got similar results. Although the Metronome was sounding (phasing) in-time with a pre-recorded, perfectly on-beat Metronome track, the recording was placed in the timeline early or late, depending on where I set the buffer.
Then I stumbled on the answer: DP apparently recalibrate itself internally when one record-enables a track. All I had to do to get perfect, in-time recordings after changing the buffer size was to disable the track Record Enable, then enable it again. Perfect.
Moral of the story: Don't go changing (thank you Billy Joel) your buffer without first disabling recording on tracks. Re-enable recording after changing the buffer size.
I don't have time to test MIDI right now. Anybody want to try that out?
Also, we should test whether disabling/re-enabling recording on one track will reset timing for other record-enabled tracks. I'll try to get back to this later, but invite others to confirm/enhance my findings.
HC Markus
M1 Mac Studio Ultra • 64GB RAM • 828es • macOS 14.5 • DP 11.32
M1 Mac Studio Ultra • 64GB RAM • 828es • macOS 14.5 • DP 11.32
- mikehalloran
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
That explains a few anomalies that I've encountered lately.
I never record enable before changing the buffer — except on rare occasions when I forget. When the latency happens, I shrug my shoulders, save, close and reopen the project and the issue goes away upon reopening.
I've never made the connection but I'm betting it's exactly what you say.
I'll be able to test this in a day or two.
I never record enable before changing the buffer — except on rare occasions when I forget. When the latency happens, I shrug my shoulders, save, close and reopen the project and the issue goes away upon reopening.
I've never made the connection but I'm betting it's exactly what you say.
I'll be able to test this in a day or two.
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
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- MIDI Life Crisis
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
I rarely change my buffer, but I rarely record live into DP these days. Good to know! Thanks.
Buffy approves... or not.
Buffy approves... or not.
Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Wow. Hooda thunk it?
Thanks, HC!
Thanks, HC!
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- HCMarkus
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
You're welcome gents!
Always especially nice to see the furry-footed one 'round these parts. Not so sure about Buffy.
Always especially nice to see the furry-footed one 'round these parts. Not so sure about Buffy.
Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Thank you Markus! I did not know that. Extra dessert for you today!!!
AMPGUI themes - Andy rocks!, 3 macs, MacPro 768GB ram, 16core OS11.7.10, DP11.31, all Waves, all SLATE, PSP, IK multimedia & Audioease plugs, all PAlliance, Softube, tons of NI VI's all air Spitfire, all Audiobro, all Berlin, EW PLAY, LLizard, MachFive3, Kontakt5, Omnisphere, RMX, LASS, all Soundtoys, Lexicon AU's, melodyne and others I know am forgetting, cause I'm old...Also mucho outboard rigs, MTPs, DTP, antelope WC, and 4 control surfaces with Raven.
Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
That's great detective work. Do you suppose MOTU knows about this? I guess they "know" but its something that should at least be mentioned in the manual and on the web site.
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- stubbsonic
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
That is incredibly useful to know. Seems like the easy fix is for MOTU to add a little pop-up window.
"You've just changed the buffer size. Disarm and re-arm record on all tracks for change to take effect."
"You've just changed the buffer size. Disarm and re-arm record on all tracks for change to take effect."
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http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
- MIDI Life Crisis
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Or automatically disarm and rearm to reset it every time?
- HCMarkus
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Thanks all! I sent an advisory TechLink to MOTU with your suggestions.
- monkey man
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
You talkin' 'bout RugRunner (Frodo) or moi, Sir Markus?HCMarkus wrote:Always especially nice to see the furry-footed one 'round these parts. Not so sure about Buffy.
It shouldn't be a matter of DP's disabling then re-enabling anything IMHO, Magilla - it only need refill the current buffers. Done. In-theory.MIDI Life Crisis wrote:Or automatically disarm and rearm to reset it every time?
Mac 2012 12C Cheese Grater, OSX 10.13.6
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- HCMarkus
- Posts: 9810
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Both of you, of course! You are our prime(ate) number here, MM.monkey man wrote:You talkin' 'bout RugRunner (Frodo) or moi, Sir Markus?HCMarkus wrote:Always especially nice to see the furry-footed one 'round these parts. Not so sure about Buffy.
- monkey man
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Awesome! What a compliment, Sir Markus. Thank you.
Love prime numbers.
Love prime numbers.
Mac 2012 12C Cheese Grater, OSX 10.13.6
MOTU DP8.07, MachFive 3.2.1, MIDI Express XT, 24I/O
Novation, Yamaha & Roland Synths, Guitar & Bass, Kemper Rack
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- waterstrum
- Posts: 1089
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
I tip my hat to HCM.
I frequently change buffer settings during sessions.
I've wondered about the occasional off timings.
Great solution!
Thanks for figuring it out!
I frequently change buffer settings during sessions.
I've wondered about the occasional off timings.
Great solution!
Thanks for figuring it out!
All is well
- monkey man
- Posts: 13955
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Re: I Learned Something About DP Timing Today
Yeah, he's really-on-the-ball, our Sir Markus.
Mac 2012 12C Cheese Grater, OSX 10.13.6
MOTU DP8.07, MachFive 3.2.1, MIDI Express XT, 24I/O
Novation, Yamaha & Roland Synths, Guitar & Bass, Kemper Rack
Pretend I've placed your favourite quote here