If you need low latency, set the buffer size as small as your computer can manage without producing clicks and pops. The smaller the buffer size, the greater the strain on your computer, though you'll experience less latency. You're not doing any damage, so if you need low latency, try setting it down as low as you can until you hear those glitches and then raise it up a little. If the latency is too low, you'll hear pops, clicks and glitches as your computer struggles to keep up.
Similarly, the greater the buffer size, the greater the latency, but with less strain being placed on the CPU. The smaller the buffer size, the greater the burden placed on your CPU, but you'll get lower latencies (for less audible delay), which is what you want when monitoring recordings through your sequencer and any processing.
SOS Reviews Editor Matt Houghton replies: When it comes to buffer settings, there's a trade‑off between achieving low latency and reducing the strain on your computer's CPU. I'm just getting back into it and have got my first computer recording setup, with a PC and a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 audio interface, but I'm confused by the buffer settings: what buffer size should I use in my projects? I've worked with tape and ADAT in the past, but have been out of recording for a few years.
