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.

[toekneenose]

Editbrain,

Here's my 'one up.'

I remember audio before Tascam and Teac when everything was Ampex. (I'm really that old!)

Then along came Tascam boards and recorders. They revolutionized the industry, miniturizing and bringing the cost of recording way down while maintaining great quality.

So, when I decided to put my Mac system together, it was a 'no brainer' when I learned that Tascam had an audio/midi interface.

Even in the all digital age, Tascam does not disappoint.

Toekneenose