Latency, Help clear the confusion Options

[DEVIOUS]

Hi everyone!

I know this topic has been allegedly done a thousand times, yet I have been scanning the pages and am still unclear on an important issue. As far I understand it, latency occurs when you are recording a new track and listening post processing through the computer. Many people have commented on how this can pose a problem, especially to USB audio interfaces. I have been told about direct monitoring- ie listening to the new track before it is processed but this has left me with some confusion.

If I buy a USB interface and record a track, then record another and use direct monitoring, I should be able to play in time yes? Does latency become more of a problem when you start laying down 20 or 30 audio tracks? I don't intend to record more than 2 simultaneously but do want to layer complex songs. Basically, I am intending to tip toe into the shallow end of computer production with a Tascam Us122 and Tracktion. However, I am starting to consider (if this will inhibit me recording more than a couple of tracks without the computer screwing around) investing in a s/h motu 428 and start with Tracktion, maybe moving to logic. I also will want to have a go with some soft synths and I know these are a potential problem for recording.

Please help us out!

D.

[DEVIOUS]

Thanks Editbrain. I think everyone is hasty with the call for firewire. I too have been looking but trying to understand exactly why I would need it. For a good firewire it's a big jump in price.

Many people on this site seem to buy the best equipment from the outset. I understand the idea to keep things open for the future, but I can't see it taking a few months to get to grips with the whole process and make your cheap gear outdated. I think computer music can easily get lost in gear- the ideas are what make it (obviously I'm not saying anything crazy here!)- Some of the artists stretching way back could make brilliant sounding music using far inferior technology.

My plan is to keep things simple, cheap and portable. I don't want to be stuck for a pad to put my idea on. I want to use minimal effects and keep stuff raw. Maybe, and this is a big maybe, if I manage to lay down a truly amazing idea I will go into a big studio and record it properly.

Keep the ideas flowing everyone and embrace, but don't obsess about the new technology!

D.