Sonar Latency Issues?

[phillippowers]

Hey everyone, I'm a pro-tools/mac guy...but, I also set-up a little project studio w/ my PC in another room of my house. I'm using an HP Pavilion dv6000 w/ Cakewalk Sonar 6. Also, a Lexicon Omega USB Interface w/ a Maxtor External Harddrive.

I'm experiencing some MAJOR midi latency (when I try to play keyboards through the Sonar program.) When I set it to MORE CPU I get drop-outs and distortion. Is there any way to get my MIDI stuff straightened out so I can play a keyboard track in real time? I have NO latency w/ guitars and such...it's only MIDI. HELLLLLP!!!!

[tacman7]

That's audio latency.

So either your processing power isn't up to the task or your interface isn't able to run low latency. The computer has to create the sound (VSTi) from your keyboard midi. The closer you move toward real time, the harder the computer has to work. When you put too much of a strain on it, pops and clicks.

Two solutions, lower the workload, or increase the horsepower.

Lower the workload can mean a more efficient interface, or reduce what all your running and even into having a very clean setup without a bunch of animated cursors and junk running dragging the computer down. Dedicated machine, two hard drives, usual stuff.
Sometimes a good look at how many VSTi's/VSTfx your running can fix the problem.