Zero Latency Recording in Windows 7/8/8.1

Let's Make this Simple! The internet is full of well-wishers and half-baked ideas, but here is what you need to record at zero latency.

 Why do you want this? Say you are a guitarist, keyboardist, keytarist, or another form of awesome home-studio musician. You have the vibe, groove, and inclination to record, but are stuck with Windows (7, 8, 8.1) latency in recording. There is no escaping it. Windows sucks for recording.

Why? Because the operating system takes the microphone (or other) input, converts it to a digital signal, then sends it to the output. That takes milliseconds of time, causing every guitar twang and key pressed to arrive late. It is disorienting.

 The solution is to use a USB input system. Don't worry, you don't need a 64 channel mixer spanning a foam block and wood-paneled studio. Here are the steps:

1. Buy a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 ($250)- 6 Inputs and 6 outputs. Sweet! Below I have a USB going to my computer, two inputs (1 guitar, and 1 synthesizer), and one headphone output. My condenser microphone goes into one of the front inputs. That leaves me with midi and SPDIF inputs and a full 6 channels of output any way I see fit (+1 more headphone output)!


1.A. If you are a small timer with less ambition then you can reduce the inputs/outputs with a: Scarlet 2i2 ($150) or Scarlet 2i4 ($200). 2 inputs and 2 or 4 outputs. Your choice. Go nuts!
1.B. There are other brands, but my compulsive research led me to the conclusion: Scarlett is the best value (performance/price).

2. Get an inexpensive but long (24') USB 2.0 Cable ($9.99) (for your Scarlett to the computer). The signal will be fine. That's it!

3. (Optional) If you want super fancy recording software then try Cakewalk Sonar X3 ($329) or click over to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ for an open-source solution (free).

 This is what a guitar twang looks like in the Scarlett's software.

You can adjust input and output gain with ease. Note the levels are adjusted for no clipping and no delay!

Take care out there, it's a recording jungle!