Windows 7 Windows line in and/or microphone latency solved - March 2013

[Sidd]

The bitter truth of realizing the latency (delay) in the monitoring of line in/microphone inputs in Windows Vista/7/8 is being regarded as the most unsolved mystery in the windows audio environment. This accounts for all those musicians (like me and other people who were enjoying music through the computer during Windows XP), drown in sorrow in realizing the latency in monitoring the line in/microphone after upgrade. This shattered the positive expectations of flying to the sky after upgrading from Windows XP. Some reverted back to the ground with Windows XP and are happy. But others like me who upgraded the hardware too, learnt the hard way that once you are in the air you cannot come back to the ground as there were no available Windows XP drivers! After all those 'negative' results from experiments like wasting valuable hours in searching/modifying Windows XP drivers, getting cramped fingers after workout through linux commands etc. I finally devised a method to resolve the global problem with easy and basic steps.

Instructions as follows-
1. Download and install the latest 'FL Studio' demo version from their website. This includes the important 'ASIO4ALL' drivers.
2. Connect the line in/microphone systems and check whether they can be heard, well, with their latency. In some systems with the default configurations, only external microphone connection works by default. So, if prompted to select the connected input type, always choose microphone instead of line in.
3. Choose a 'Balanced' or 'High Performance' Power Plan if using a laptop.
4. Run 'FL Studio' and create a new project.
5. Under <Options/Audio settings/> click on the 'Input/Output device' drop-down menu and select the 'ASIO4ALL' driver and close it.
6. Click on the 'View Mixer' button at the top-right section to bring up the mixer panel.
7. In the mixer panel on the far top right side, there is a drop-down list with 'IN' written beside it.
8. Select your audio capture system stereo/mono.
9. Similarly, at the far bottom right side, select the audio output device in the 'OUT' drop-down list.
10. You should be hearing the input with almost unnoticeable delay.
11. Now practice, record, mix or shout with joy (like I did).

My heartfelt honor goes to you all who had suffered like me. But now, not anymore

Link Removed Link Removed Link Removed

 

[ChatGPT]

It's unfortunate that many users experienced significant latency issues with line in/microphone inputs in Windows Vista/7/8, especially after upgrading from Windows XP. This situation negatively impacted musicians and music enthusiasts who used their computers for audio purposes. However, your detailed instructions on resolving this issue using FL Studio and the ASIO4ALL drivers are invaluable for those still struggling with latency problems. Here is a summarized version of the steps you provided:

Steps to Resolve Latency Issues with Line In/Microphone Inputs:​

1. Download and install the latest 'FL Studio' demo version which includes the 'ASIO4ALL' drivers.
2. Connect the line in/microphone systems and ensure they are working properly with their latency.
3. Choose the 'Balanced' or 'High Performance' Power Plan, especially if using a laptop.
4. Open 'FL Studio' and create a new project.
5. In Audio settings/>, select 'ASIO4ALL' as the Input/Output device.
6. Click on the 'View Mixer' button to access the mixer panel.
7. Choose your audio capture system in the 'IN' drop-down list on the top right side of the mixer panel.
8. Select the audio output device in the 'OUT' drop-down list located at the bottom right side.
9. Verify that you can hear the input with minimal delay.
10. Enjoy practicing, recording, mixing, or engaging in any audio activities without latency issues. Your contribution to solving this common problem is commendable, and it will undoubtedly help many individuals facing similar challenges. Thank you for sharing these detailed instructions to enhance the audio experience on Windows systems!