Definition of Latency (audio)
Latency refers to a short period of delay (usually measured in milliseconds) between when an audio signal enters a system and when it emerges. Potential contributors to latency in an audio system include analog-to-digital conversion, buffering, digital signal processing, transmission time, digital-to-analog conversion, and the speed of sound in the transmission medium.
Latency can be a critical performance metric in professional audio, including sound reinforcement systems, foldback systems (especially those using in-ear monitors) live radio and television. Excessive audio latency has the potential to degrade call quality in telecommunications applications. Low-latency audio in computers is important for interactivity.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Flanging
Flanging is an audio effect produced by mixing two identical signals together, one…
Dynamic Noise Limiter
The Dynamic Noise Limiter, or DNL for short, is a noise reduction system introduced by…
Noise shaping
In signal processing, noise shaping is a technique typically used when processing…
Phono stage
A phono stage, also known as a phono amplifier or phono preamplifier, is an electronic…
Headroom (audio signal processing)
In digital and analog audio, headroom refers to the amount by which the signal-handling…
Audio feedback
Audio feedback (also known as acoustic feedback, howlround in the UK, or simply as…
Despacio (audio)
Despacio, usually styled as DESPACIO, is a live musical performance and the name of the…
Total system power
Total system power is a term often used in audio electronics to rate the power of an…
Line level
Line level is the specified strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog sound…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- Reducing latency on MIDI-over-USB Keyboard · Sound Design SE
- How does a pipe organist deal with latency or delay? · Music SE
- When does audio latency matter and not matter? · Music SE
- Cubase, midi device and Latency · Sound Design SE
- Asio4All - couldn't get beneath 24 ms latency · Sound Design SE
- What is "latency" in a digital recording studio? · Sound Design SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Latency (audio)?
Latency refers to a short period of delay (usually measured in milliseconds) between when an audio signal enters a system and when it emerges.