Latency problems in Pro Tools is directly related to the buffer size used on the audio data. Since the computer's processor handles the audio processing, buffering the audio data helps it work reliably. It also causes a level of audio delay or latency, proportional to the buffer size. To help counteract this issue, Pro Tools LE features a Low Latency mode, which is under the Options menu. Before you turn on the Low Latency monitoring mode, you may want to go to Setups > Playback Engine and adjust the buffer size as low as you can. Setting 128 samples should be good, but keep in mind your computer and hard drive will need to work harder for this so a higher-speed system is recommended. If your system can't handle this low buffer size, then you should be able to work around the latency by activating the Low Latency monitoring mode. Keep in mind that with this mode, analogue outputs other than 1/2 can't be used, and any plug-ins on tracks will be circumvented.

The latency problems you may encounter in Pro Tools can be worked around, but which method you choose depends on your computer's processing speed, and whether or not you need to hear the tracks with all the effects in place. The best solution is to reduce the Buffer Size, since you will still be able to utilize plug-ins and outputs. The Low Latency monitoring mode is a good workaround, but poses some restrictions on how you are able to hear the playback. If you aren't able to efficiently work with the plug-ins bypassed and the outputs restricted, you may want to upgrade your computer to take advantage of a buffer reduction.

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