Overview
The TR-8 can transmit multi-channel audio over USB into any DAW, making it ideal for both live and studio situations. Its internal sample rate is 96k, so in order for it to function properly the DAW's sessions must be run at 96k. While this provides high resolution audio, some older, or less powerful systems may have issues streaming 14 channels of audio at 96k at once. There are many ways to optimize to achieve the best performance possible from your TR-8. Here are some tips below, divided into DAW related and TR-8 related.
DAW
- Increase the buffer size. Buffer size effects latency and system performance. Normally, a smaller buffer size will reduce latency at the expense of CPU resources. A higher buffer size will increase the performance at the expense of latency. For systems that have less resources available, a higher buffer size is recommended.
- Try recording fewer tracks at a time. If you only have notes on BD, SD and CH, record enable only those tracks inside of your DAW. You will save CPU resources, and also save hard drive space!
TR-8
- In order to use the TR-8's USB audio capabilities, a driver must be installed. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date driver, located here: https://www.roland.com/global/products/tr-8/downloads/
- The driver has adjustable settings, which can be manipulated while the TR-8 is plugged into the computer. Use these to alter and improve the performance of the TR-8:
Audio Buffer Size: Similar mindset as previously mentioned.
Recording Margin: If the recorded audio data contains sound dropouts or noise even after you've adjusted the audio buffer size in your software and also adjusted the above "Audio Buffer Size," try increasing this "Recording Margin" setting.
Recording Timing: If the timing of the recorded audio data is not correct, adjust this value.