What Is Audio Latency?
Audio latency refers to the delay between an audio signal being generated and the moment you hear it. For instance, it’s the time it takes for sound data from a CD to reach your ears as sound waves. While latency is always present due to the finite speed of sound processing, low levels of latency can feel instantaneous and are imperceptible to the human brain.
What Causes Audio Latency?
Audio latency arises from the various steps in the audio processing chain, which can vary depending on the technology used.
Wired vs. Wireless Connections
Wireless audio, like Bluetooth, generally introduces more latency than wired setups because of the extra processing required to convert audio into a digital signal and back. Specialized low-latency audio protocols can reduce this delay but often at the cost of sound quality.
Reducing Latency
Tackling audio latency requires optimizing each stage of the processing chain. This could involve using low-latency hardware, reducing audio processing settings, or switching to wired solutions where possible.
Audio Latency in Gaming
Gaming is particularly sensitive to audio latency. A lag between visuals and sounds can disrupt gameplay, especially in fast-paced multiplayer games.
Solutions
Using wired headsets or switching to proprietary wireless solutions with USB dongles can significantly reduce latency. Plugging headphones directly into a console controller, such as on a PlayStation 5, often eliminates noticeable lag. Many TVs now offer “game modes” that optimize performance by minimizing latency across audio and visuals.
Latency in Movies and TV
Latency can cause audio to fall out of sync with video, leading to a frustrating viewing experience. While this is rare in wired setups, some AV receivers or HDMI passthrough devices can introduce delays.
Newer devices typically have lower latency, but you can also adjust TV or sound system settings to align audio and video. Using an audio sync feature is effective for movies and TV, though it can make app interfaces feel sluggish and isn’t suitable for gaming.
Latency and Music
For music or audiobooks, latency is less critical. A delay of even hundreds of milliseconds has little impact on the listening experience. In these cases, prioritizing audio quality and stability over low latency is recommended.
While latency is not always an issue, it can be frustrating when it arises. Choosing the right AV gear and optimizing your setup can minimize these problems for a seamless experience.
