Video Resources Mackie ProFX4v2 – This is the mixer I personally purchased. I like how it has built in effects as well as a decent amount of connectivity at a decent price point.

Audio latency is definitely an on-going issue regarding recording/monitoring our music. Here’s a funny video I put together showing the problems we as producers face on a daily basis!

What is audio latency?

Well, when you record with a microphone into an audio interface, it takes time for that audio to go into your computer, record, then play back that same audio into your headphones.

There have been MANY studies/tests done on latency. (Read this article with the button below!)

University Research Paper on Audio Latency

And the thing is.. these companies try to sell us on “near zero latency”, but latency is still there.

Other the years latency has improved, and I’m sure it will continue to do so moving forward.

But for the time being, I’ve found buying a mixer the best solution to hear your audio, record, and hear yourself back all in real time for the time being.

Also a benefit to this, if your mixer has effects, is you can apply a bit of reverb to help the artist sing/record better since it’s not so dry/quick sounding, but not record this reverb to get the best possible performance out of the artist.

Gear to Prevent Audio Latency

So you’ll need:

Audio Interface – I really recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4! (Make sure to buy the second generation if you get it!)

Microphone – A good starter microphone is the Audio Technica 2035

Mixer – The Mackie ProFX4V2 has been a really cool mixer. The price point is fair, it’s compact, and it also has effects to help with better performance or just simply for fun/creative purposes.

XLR Cable – I’ve been using these LyxPro XLR cables for awhile. They’ve been decent!

Headphones – I recently picked up a pair of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro’s 80 Ohm version. They’ve been a decent pair of headphones. (Sometimes they hurt my head a bit, but the reviews are amazing on them!)

Just watch the video for more info on setting it all up!

Hope this helps 🙂