Which Buffer Size Setting Should I Use in My DAW? - SweetCare (2024)

In this guide, we’ll talk about setting the correct buffer size while you’re recording in your DAW. Selecting an appropriate buffer size will improve your DAW’s consistency and reduce error messages.

1. What is buffer size?
   • How does sample rate affect buffer size?
2. What buffer size and sample rate should I use?
3. When to change the buffer size
   • Low buffer size
   • High buffer size
4. Tips for optimal performance

What is buffer size?

Buffer size is the number of samples (which corresponds to the amount of time) it takes for your computer to process any incoming audio signal. A higher buffer size will result in greater latency (delay) and the higher it is set (larger number), the more noticeable it will become. That means that if you set the buffer size lower (smaller number), then the processing will take less time and the latency (delay that you hear) will be decreased, making it less noticeable.

However, reducing the buffer size will require your computer to use more resources to process the data. So, this is a balancing act: the smallest-number buffer size will be better, but it may tax your computer’s processing power, resulting in errors. If you have a less powerful computer, you’ll likely need to increase your buffer size, both while recording and mixing, to keep from encountering errors. Typically, you’ll want to use the smallest buffer size your computer will tolerate without getting errors.

How does sample rate affect buffer size?

BUFFER SIZE / SAMPLE RATE = LATENCY

Buffers are measured in samples, and sample rate is measured in frequency (how many samples per second). Dividing the two will be the physical time of latency, which is measured in ms (milliseconds).

When discussing buffer size, sample rate is also a factor. Sample rate is how many times per second that a sample is captured. Sample rate also determines the highest frequency that can be accurately captured. Higher sample rates allow for capturing higher frequencies. For example, a sample rate of 48kHz means there are 48,000 samples (like a digital snapshot of the audio) captured each second, which results in a theoretical upper limit of 24,000Hz (it’s not really that high). Doubling the sampling frequency up to 96,000 (96kHz) also doubles the upper limit of frequencies it can capture, theoretically to 48,000Hz (again, not actually that high).

This means that when recording with a low buffer size at a high sample rate, you will experience less latency and the audio will be better quality, but the more taxing it will be since it needs to process more data.

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What buffer size and sample rate should I use?

TIP: Always test settings for buffer size beforehand along with any software and hardware system requirements to give you a better idea of how well your computer will perform with low buffer sizes and higher sample rates. This will keep you from running into issues while you’re in the middle of recording a project.

The most common buffer size settings you’ll find in a DAW are 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, and 1024. The most common audio sample rates are 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Sample rates of 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz are also used, although these are frequently used with computers that have a lot of memory and processing power. So, if you have a computer that only has 8GB of RAM, then your computer may struggle recording at 88.2kHz sample rate and a buffer size of 64 samples.

DAWs and audio interface standalone software will often show you the current amount of latency based on the settings currently selected. However, if it doesn’t and you want to figure out the amount of latency at the current buffer size and sample rate, then divide the buffer size by the sample rate as mentioned above.

All that said, there’s no “industry standard” buffer size and sample rate, as it’s all dependent on your computer’s processing power. However, recording at 128 to 256 at a sample rate of 48kHz is acceptable for most home recording on modern-day computers.

The diagram below will show you the approximate latency at the most common buffer sizes and sample rates used in home studios. We say “approximate” because it’s dependent on the driver being used and the computer’s processing power.

Why does my DAW or interface software show a different amount of latency than what’s calculated?

Suppose you notice a discrepancy between the calculation and what is showing in your DAW or audio interface software. That is because the calculation doesn’t take into account that there are actually two buffers.

Approximate latency for common buffer sizes and sample rates

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When to change the buffer size

BUILT-IN LATENCY CONTROLS: Some DAWs have built-in latency features that can alter the buffer size for the best performance possible. So, if you’re running into issues even after updating the interface driver and the project’s buffer size and sample rate, then check your software options to see if it has latency adjustment controls.

Let’s discuss when you’d want to change the buffer size. While we all want latency to be as low as possible, it’s dependent on several things, such as how many plug-ins are loaded on a track, how many tracks are present in the project, any background processes running, and the computer’s processing power.

If the buffer size is too low, then you may encounter errors during playback or hear clicks and pops. In some cases, your DAW (and even your computer) can crash. However, if the buffer size is set too high while recording, there will be quite a bit of latency, which can be frustrating musically because of the delay between the live performance and what you’re hearing through the computer (due to latency).

Low buffer size

• Set the buffer size to a lower amount to reduce the amount of latency for more accurate monitoring. The downside to lowering the buffer size is that it puts more pressure on your computer’s processors and forces them to work harder.
• It is usually okay to give your singer a little reverb or use light plug-ins, but you should avoid using processor-intensive plug-ins when the buffer size is lowered.
• You can usually raise the buffer size up to 256 samples without detecting much latency in the signal.

High buffer size

• If you will only be monitoring playback in the mixing stage, raising the buffer size to a higher setting is safe since you are no longer monitoring live signals. This allows you to use more plug-ins before encountering clicks and pops or errors, depending on your computer’s resources and limitations.
• You may notice a slight delay when you start playback in your DAW with the buffer turned all the way up, but this is normal and is not a sign that your DAW is struggling.

Different settings for different recording purposes

THIS IS JUST A STARTING POINT!Please note that the settings we mention below are just good starting points. While the consensus is that the threshold for audible latency is as low as 3–10ms, some say they can detect latency below this threshold. Knowing that, you will need to adjust everything as necessary to suit the needs of each individual.

As we mentioned earlier, there is no industry standard for buffer size (and sample rate), but you may find the following to be useful as starting points for your specific recording setup. It’s always a good idea to take some time to test the latency and record some scratch tracks before the actual performance so that you don’t run into any issues during the actual takes!

• Vocals: Since vocalists will be wearing headphones while tracking, they need as little latency as possible. The goal is to aim for 3ms of latency, perhaps even less. This is the main reason why we suggest using as few plug-ins as possible. At 48kHz sample rate, a 128 buffer size is a good starting point.

• Drums: Unless you’re tracking electronic drums, drummers typically won’t need to monitor themselves as they only hear playback. You don’t want the latency too high, though, or else drummers may overcompensate, and things will start sounding messy. Because of this, you can increase the buffer size — 256 is good to start. Of course, you can adjust to suit the drummer’s needs as necessary.

• Guitars: Since most guitarists sit or stand a few feet away, you can increase it to about 256 with no trouble. The farther away they stand, the more you can get away with. For example, if they’re standing 12 feet away, then you can get away with about 12ms worth of latency.

• Pianos and keyboards: Pianos and keyboards are interesting — because of their mechanics. There’s already a natural delay from the time you press your finger on the key to the time it hits the hammer. And then the sound travels to your ear, but it’s almost undetectable. While some keyboardists are okay with a little more, starting with a 256 buffer size (5–6ms of latency) is a good place to start.

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Tips for optimal performance

Now that you know what buffer size is and when to change it, we’ll provide you with tips to ensure you get the best recording possible without sacrificing computer resources. Also, make sure to check out our PC and Mac optimization guides for more information!

• Use direct monitoring when possible. Direct monitoring allows you to use the signal coming in from your input source (guitar, vocal mic, keyboard, etc.) and feed it directly to your headphones or monitors, so the signal bypasses your computer (avoiding any latency that might introduce) and is sent directly to your headphone and line outputs.
• Some virtual instruments have a “cached mode” or buffer/latency settings separate from the DAW’s. Adjust those as necessary, particularly on VIs with large sound libraries.
• If you’re using the same plug-in on multiple tracks (e.g., a reverb on vocals or drums), then create a bus, route all the tracks there, and add the plug-in. This negates the need to run multiple instances of the same plug-in.
• Freeze any tracks that aren’t being recorded. Freezing is a nondestructive render of the track, meaning it will temporarily print the audio and any effects currently applied. NOTE: Tracks cannot be edited if frozen.
  • Some DAWs will also allow you to freeze virtual instrument tracks. This is especially useful for ones that are CPU-intensive.
• Use as few plug-ins as possible during the tracking process so that your computer’s processing bandwidth is freed up.
  • If you start to choke your processors with other tasks, you will experience clicks and pops or errors, making tracking your project a nightmare.

Adjusting the memory cache in Spectrasonics Omnipshere.

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