I have a very simple MIDI configuration – iRig Keys PRO - USB cable - MacBook Pro (M1 Ultra), wired earbuds (ASIO built-in audio) or wireless (ASIO AirPods Pro 3). In both cases, there is a terrible lag, perhaps 0.25 seconds, between pressing a MIDI key and hearing a sound generated in Dorico. This makes real-time note entry (my preferred method; I am a pianist) essentially impossible unless the tempo is slowed to a crawl. I have tried reviewing related posts, but they generally relate to lowering the buffer size (which appears to be interface-dependent, as I cannot locate it in Dorico or Dorico Help). I would very much like to solve (or at least optimize) this ASAP. Thanks!
Edit buffer size: Edit → Device Setup → Device Control Panel… → Buffer.
This also applies to both Internal Speakers or External Headphones (headphone output), not only to the audio interfaces.
Wireless headphones use Bluetooth, which introduces a fixed 10 ms delay to the signal and is therefore not practical. It is better to use wired headphones.
I am using the factory default 256 samples buffer with wired MIDI keyboards and am not encountering any extra latency. Everything works well for me.
MacBook Pro M1 Max, 64 GB RAM, Sequoia 15.7.3.
If the notes fall behind, lower the buffer size.
If they are early, adjust MIDI input latency value. Usually 50 ms is a good option.
Here is the link to the Dorico manual for adjusting the MIDI input latency value:
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Reinforcing the fact that Bluetooth lag makes it unusable for studio work. You must use a wired set, convenient though Bluetooth may be. This still applies to the latest greatest Bluetooth releases. It was designed as a PAN for printers and so on, not pro audio.
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Thanks Hannuala and Andro, Yes, it is better with wired (Bluetooth is impossible); and I seem to get crisper response with a lower buffer 128. I can work with this.
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