Minimizing Latency with External Processing on the Behringer Wing: A/B Testing USB vs. Dante, Ableton vs. SuperRack Performer
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of live church production, especially when using advanced mixing consoles like the Behringer Wing, minimizing latency is crucial. Whether you’re processing vocals in real-time or routing your livestream audio through a plugin-heavy setup, timing matters. In this article, we’ll break down a comprehensive test comparing external audio processing methods using a Mac Mini M1, Waves plugins, Ableton Live, and SuperRack Performer.
We explore how much latency you can expect when using USB vs. Dante, how different plugin hosts perform, and what you can learn from these A/B tests to optimize your own setup.
The Tools Used
- Behringer Wing Console
- Mac Mini M1
- Ableton Live
- Waves SuperRack Performer
- Waves Plugins
- Null Testing for Latency Measurement
- Dante Virtual Soundcard
- USB Audio Interface (Wing USB)
- Pink Noise Input Source
Understanding Latency
Latency in digital audio is the delay between an input signal and its output. It’s measured in either milliseconds or audio samples. Lower latency is critical for real-time performance in live environments, especially for vocalists, instrumentalists, and live video synchronization.
Latency will vary depending on:
- Total processing load
- Connection type (USB or Dante)
- Software buffer size
- Host application (Ableton vs. SuperRack)
Step-By-Step: Setting Up a Null Test
A null test is a common way to measure latency by phase-inverting and comparing two identical audio signals. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Generate a Pink Noise Source
Use a pink noise generator either inside your DAW or on the Behringer Wing to create a consistent test signal.
Step 2: Send the Signal Out and Back
Route pink noise from the Wing to your computer and return it back.
- In the DAW, set one input channel for the original source
- Set a second input channel for the return signal
Step 3: Invert Phase of One Signal
Invert the polarity (also called “phase”) of one of the tracks (usually the return).
Step 4: Add Delay Until Cancellation
Adjust the delay on either track until the signals null (cancel out). The number of samples (or milliseconds) needed to achieve null equals your round-trip latency.
Test 1: Ableton Live – USB vs. Dante
Config:
- No plugins
- 64-sample buffer size
- Sample Rate: 48kHz
- Connection: USB, then Dante
Results:
USB (Ableton):
343 samples ≈ 7.15 ms latencyDante (Ableton):
≈ 24.2 ms latency
Conclusion:
USB delivers significantly lower latency than Dante in this use case. Although Dante is excellent for scalability and routing, it introduces more latency even on a clean, dedicated network.
Understanding Buffer Size
All these tests were conducted at a 64-sample buffer size. Smaller buffer sizes reduce latency but increase CPU load. If you’re facing audio dropouts or CPU spikes:
- Increase your buffer size for more stability
- Accept the increased latency where necessary
Rule of thumb:
- 64 samples = Low latency (high CPU demand)
- 256+ samples = Higher latency (low CPU load)
Test 2: SuperRack Performer – USB vs. Dante
Config:
- No plugins
- 64-sample buffer
- Ported signal in and out via standard routing
Results:
USB (SuperRack):
356 samples ≈ 7.42 msDante (SuperRack):
≈ 24.2 ms
Conclusion:
Consistent with Ableton results, USB performs better in latency compared to Dante. SuperRack Performer had a slightly higher base latency than Ableton when idle but still comparable.
Test 3: Plugin Chain A/B – Ableton vs. SuperRack
Plugins Used:
- Waves Sibilance
- SilkVocal EQ
- C4 Multiband Compressor
- Waves Vocal Rider
USB Connection Only:
SuperRack (with plugins):
489 samples ≈ 10.19 msAbleton (with plugins):
470 samples ≈ 9.81 ms
Summary:
Both DAWs performed similarly, though Ableton fared slightly better—winning by a few tenths of a millisecond in this common plugin use-case.
Test 4: Heavy Plugin Load (Clarity VX Pro)
Clarity VX Pro is known for adding significant processing latency.
- Sample claim: 2048 samples at 48kHz
- Actual latency observed: ≈ 51 ms in both programs
This plugin alone tripled the round-trip latency.
Conclusion:
Clarity VX Pro introduces major latency and should probably be avoided in real-time situations unless post-processing or compensated monitoring is in place.
Real-World Test: Full Sunday Mix
Channel Setup:
- 6 vocal inputs
- Full drum kit
- 3 pastors’ microphones
- Full livestream mix
- ~15 channels total
- Each channel ran 4–6 Waves plugins
Real-World Result:
Ableton (full mix):
≈ 10.4 msSuperRack (full mix):
≈ 9.17 ms
Compared to initial results:
- Ableton increased from 7.15 → 10.4 ms
- SuperRack increased from 7.42 → 9.17 ms
Final Latency Comparison:
| Config | Latency (ms) |
|---|---|
| Ableton (USB, No Plugins) | 7.15 |
| SuperRack (USB, No Plugins) | 7.42 |
| Ableton (USB, Full Mix) | 10.4 |
| SuperRack (USB, Full Mix) | 9.17 |
| Dante (Either) | 24.2 |
| Clarity VX Pro Only | 51.0 |
Final Verdict
Best Connection:
USB is the clear winner over Dante, delivering significantly lower latency across all test scenarios.
Best Host Application:
- SuperRack Performer slightly beats Ableton Live in a real-world, plugin-heavy mix—by about 1.2 milliseconds
- Idle and minimal plugin tests showed Ableton with a slight edge
- Choice of host software may come down to workflow preference and plugin availability
Practical Recommendations
- Use USB for real-time mixing and plugin processing to keep latency minimal.
- Stick to lightweight plugins like Sibilance, EQs, and multiband compressors for vocal and instrument processing.
- Avoid latency-heavy plugins (like Clarity VX Pro) for live vocals or on-stage monitoring to prevent delay issues.
- Use null testing to evaluate your own processing chain. Latency isn’t just about gear—it’s about signal flow and software too.
- Monitor your buffer size carefully. Try different settings to find the balance between CPU performance and latency.
- Document repeatable results to build consistency in your weekend workflows.
Closing Thoughts
While both Ableton and SuperRack proved capable of handling heavy plugin loads acceptably, the slight latency gain with SuperRack may make it more desirable for high-performance live audio environments. However, both setups deliver comparable and reliable results—if latency is awarded the attention it deserves.
If you’re planning your worship mix workflow and need to choose between Dante and USB or between two plugin hosts, follow these test results to save yourself headaches during rehearsal or Sunday service.
