iMac Studio, Home HD recording with iMac Options

[Akos]

Hi Guys & Girls,

I'm using an iMac for home HD recording. I noticed some small delay between the iMac audio in/out. I mean if I play on my synth connected to the iMac audio in and want to hear through the iMac audio out (or headphones), the sound is coming a bit later.

Even if I don't use any software (sequencer, HD recorder etc.), simply MacOS 9.1. This delay is very small, but big enough to cause problem - suppose you play in sync with anything...

My questions: Is it simply because of the original iMac soundcard is slow? If yes, can you advice any other solution, how can I upgrade the soundcard (types, tech specs, prices maybe)?

Thanks and happy playing,
Akos
jas@freemail.hu

[abbie]

Hi, I am also using an iMac, a 333 mhz using a midiman usb/midi interface and do not have this problem. (I assume if you are already recording that you have virtual memory turned off). I have noticed this delay (sometimes known as latency), however, if I am recording and using the midi-thru option in the recording software. The way around this problem is to monitor my playing and any already-recorded tracks with a mixer. This is assuming that you are using external midi devices as opposed to software synthesizers.

[DigitMus]

I would recommend the RolandED UA-30. It has analog & S/PDIF (optical & co-ax) in and out + a guitar/mic input and a headphone jack.It will handle all a/d d/a conversion, greatly reducing the latency inherant in using the onboard audio in the iMac. You HAVE to use the UA-30 for monitoring audio when it is selected as the input device. Go to www.edirol.com for more info.
Cheers,
Scott