Latency issues: Elektron Model:Samples

[dazzjazz]

Hi,

I'm having issues syncing Elektron's Model:Samples groove box to Digital Performer.

 

Model:Samples is connected via USB and is a class-compliant audio interface.

My Focusrite Clarett 8Pre is the master, set to 48khz to match the Model:Samples

I have Digital Performer successfully sending MIDI start/stop etc, but the audio is arriving late via USB.

How can I fix this please?

 

I imagine it might have to do with the host buffer multiplier setting, but DP won't let me change that and the drop-down is no longer labelled in the Configure Hardware Driver window.

 

I've updated the Model:Samples OS today.

[KuruPrionz]

It would be easier if we knew more about your intended use and your gear.

 

Is this for live performance or recording?

 

Which version of USB, how much RAM, processor speed?

 

Hub or socket on the computer? Is it possible to try the audio outs on the groove box?

[dazzjazz]

Thanks Kuru.

This is for recording and needs to be grid-accurate.

Not sure which version of USB, but my 2012 iMac has 24gig of RAM.

The Model:Samples is currently connected to a powered hub, but I plan trying it on a socket on the computer.

The audio outs on the groove box are also late compared to the grid.

[KuruPrionz]

Is this latency audible while you are recording, or is it the result of playing the recording back after it's done? If the former, it may play back fine.

 

A quick search shows a mid-2012 MacBook Pro having USB 3.

If you click on the Apple in the upper left corner of your screen, the first item in the drop down menu is About This Mac. Check out all the tabs, it will tell you what you have available.

USB 2 is not as fast but assuming you are tracking your drums first it should also be up to the task without too much latency - and none on playback.

 

Absolutely bypass the USB hub and make sure you are using a cord that is working 100%.

 

It sounds like you are using USB to transmit MIDI from the DAW to the Model:Sample AND audio from the Model:Sample back to the DAW?

 

This is not something I've done. Check your Audio/MIDI setup app on the Mac and make sure it recognizes the Model:Sample both as a MIDI device and an Audio device.

Since the Model:Sample is doing both Audio and MIDI you might try disconnecting the Focusrite and telling DP that the Model:Sample is also the audio device.

If both DP and the Model:Sample are set to 48khz there shouldn't be a problem, the drum box may have it's own clock.

 

Those are all pretty easy things to do. I've gotten great answers many times on all subjects by googling a question with the word "forum" added at the end. You may find a discussion on this specific topic and answers. It never hurts to try support on Elektron's website either.

 

The only other workaround I can think of at the moment (no coffee yet!) is to make sure "Snap" (or whatever MOTU calls it) is OFF and manually nudge the audio drum track back into alignment with the grid. This assumes that the tempo is not varying, it is only a consistent latency issue.

[dazzjazz]

Hi Kuru,

I check the system report, and it has USB 2.

I have bypassed the USB hub and the latency issue remains

quote: "It sounds like you are using USB to transmit MIDI from the DAW to the Model:Sample AND audio from the Model:Sample back to the DAW?"

 

Yes, that's right. MIDI messages start and stop the drum machines internal pattern or song, and the audio travels to DP via USB.

 

I've done all your other suggestions, except turning the Focusrite off, which is not possible as I'd hear nothing.

 

Thanks

 

Darren

[KuruPrionz]

Hi Kuru,

I check the system report, and it has USB 2.

I have bypassed the USB hub and the latency issue remains

quote: "It sounds like you are using USB to transmit MIDI from the DAW to the Model:Sample AND audio from the Model:Sample back to the DAW?"

 

Yes, that's right. MIDI messages start and stop the drum machines internal pattern or song, and the audio travels to DP via USB.

 

I've done all your other suggestions, except turning the Focusrite off, which is not possible as I'd hear nothing.

 

Thanks

 

Darren

 

Your Mac should have a headphone output you can listen from, no?

 

The reason I think it's worth a try is that you may have two A/D convertors AND a D/A convertor running at the same time. The USB out on your drum box, is it generating audio or is it generating a digital signal that must be converted to audio by the Focusrite for playback? Could the Focusrite be converting that digital signal to audio and then back to digital before it reaches DP? That would extend your "round trip" considerably since it would then have to convert it again back to audio for you to hear.

 

There's really one simple way to find out, disconnect the Focusrite and learn exactly what your drum box is doing in 2 way USB. As long as the Elektron requires USB to parse the MIDI, it is going to run a 2 way stream.

Can it save the MIDI onboard as a "song" or some such? Then you could run the audio into the Focusrite and not worry about the MIDI grid on the DP as much.

 

Since you didn't address it, I am still wondering if the latency is while you are recording or on playback after the audio is recorded? I ask that because the playback would be synced correctly if there weren't a problem, even if it sounds out of sync when recording.

 

I'll just recommend that you try Elektron support, there is probably a link on their webpage. Good luck!!! Cheers, Kuru