Help Needed: Unexpected Latency Issues in Cubase Pro 12

Cubase
1

Hey guys! :wave:

I have been using Cubase Pro 12 for my music projects and have generally been pleased with its performance. Also , I have encountered some issues during both recording and playback that I haven’t been able to resolve.

Here are the details of my setup:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
  • Cubase Version: Cubase Pro 12.0.43
  • Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)
  • ASIO Driver: Focusrite ASIO

Steps I’ve Taken So Far:

  1. Ensured that Cubase and all audio drivers are up to date.
  2. Tried lowering the buffer size in the ASIO settings, but the latency persists.
  3. Closed unnecessary programs to free up system resources.
  4. Verified that no specific plugins are causing high CPU usage.
  5. Reset the ASIO settings to default, but it didn’t help.

Despite these efforts, the latency during recording feels quite noticeable, which is affecting my ability to perform smoothly. I am not sure if this is a configuration issue or something else.

Thanks in advance! :heart_eyes:

Respected community member! :innocent:

2

Latency is put together by two things:

  • buffer size of the ASIO driver
  • latency of plugins

While the driver’s buffer size is static, until you actively change it, the latency of plugins might come as a surprise.
You can get an overview in the MixConsole. Cubase can display the latency of each channel for you.
grafik

3

A quick sanity check for whether the latency is being caused by plugs is to use the constrain delay compensation button. If the latency goes away with this enabled it’s definitely plugins.

  1. Verified that no specific plugins are causing high CPU usage.

CPU use of the plugs is not relevant, each plugin has it’s own latency and plugs in series (tracks - groups-master-control room) all add up.