How to manage plugin latency
Learn to effectively manage plugin latency in Logic Pro, ensuring precise timing and sync for a professional-sounding mix and smooth recording experience.
Recording & Audio · intermediate level
Steps
Enable Low Latency Monitoring
During recording, activate 'Low Latency Monitoring' by going to 'Record > Low Latency Monitoring' or clicking the 'Low Latency Monitoring' button in the control bar. This temporarily bypasses latency-inducing plugins on active recording tracks.
Adjust I/O Buffer Size
Go to 'Logic Pro > Settings > Audio > Devices'. A smaller 'I/O Buffer Size' (e.g., 64 or 128 samples) reduces latency, but increases CPU strain. Use higher buffer sizes (e.g., 512 or 1024) for mixing and mastering.
Use Plug-in Latency Compensation
Ensure 'Plug-in Latency Compensation' is set to 'All' in 'File > Project Settings > Audio'. Logic Pro will automatically compensate for plugin-induced delays across all tracks, keeping them in sync.