Reduced latency on analog inputs

[Sampo]

I have a somewhat specific feature request. Some people might enjoy using Wiim Ultra's analog inputs to connect music equipment and play through the speakers with room correction eq applied. This might include stuff like DJ equipment, turntables, electric piano or some other instruments plugged into the line in. When I tried this I experienced so much latency that the unit is unusable for this application. I know Ultra is not designed for this application but direct monitoring option on the analog inputs would greatly expand functionality of the already great device. Thanks!

 

[hgo58]

Where do you hear this latency? It's not clear from your description.

 

[Burnside]

see this thread perhaps? https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/wiim-amp-for-djs.2867/

 

[Sampo]

The latency is very apparent when connecting an instrument (an electric guitar with amplification) to the line input and outputting the sound through my main stereo speakers. There is a very clear delay between strumming the strings and the sound coming out from the speakers.

This is probably caused by the AD and DA conversions in the Wiim. Changing the input sample rate has no perceived effect on the latency and it doesn't matter if the Room eq is turned on or off. Yes, apparently the same problem has been acknowledged in the "Wiim Amp for DJs" thread above.

Most usb sound cards and audio interfaces used for recording music have some sort of "direct monitoring" option for the performer to hear themselves without latency. However the Wiim does so many things so well that I really don't want to bring another audio device into my living room. Some type of reduced latency mode would make the Ultra very usable for occasionally plugging in instruments or DJ equipment. A millisecond here and there is not so bad, but the Wiim latency makes it unusable for this application.

 

[Quanticus]

to confirm that the latest firmware update did not change the latency, so not workable in a mixed/DJ setup.

My workable use case: I connect the dj gear directly in the XLR input of the Fosi’s ZA3 and the Wiim ultra uses the RCA inputs. The sub is directly connected to one of the Fosi’s. I only have to flip those tiny Fosi switches and I’m ready to make some noise…

 

[spoidyjan]

Is there any way to reduce the delay on Wiim Ultra when using it with live instruments, like an electric guitar? Or do you think Wiim might add a feature to hear the sound directly in future updates? It would make it much better for musicians

 

[BK308]

Maybe I’m a little obtuse in this particular topic. But why on earth would you use a WiiM device for musical instruments especially electric guitars? Surely a guitar amp would be loud enough, no? I’m not judging just never heard of this use case.

 

[574stereo]

I've been helping a friend who works as a DJ set up his home system with WiiM for streaming, but the latency of a WiiM product means we couldn't run his turntables through the setup. Rather tricky.

I can think of a few other situations where the latency might be an issue. An option or way to reduce latency would be good IMO...

 

[Dounounba]

Hello everyone,

I would like to use the amp for DJing at home. I am having loud speakers for party, bur the use of WiiM Amp for parties would be ideal.

Therefore, is there is any chance that a firmware update could propose a pure direct mode to avoid latency?

Thanks for your feedback,

 

[Burnside]

WiiM’s volume control is in the digital domain so I can’t see how it could do a direct mode if I understand your request correctly.

 

[Dounounba]

Hello and thank you for your answer. It may not be thé right question, I have asked.

Is there is any mean to reduce the latency of the RCA input through firmware update?

Thanks,

 

[viorels]

I have the same question. Is there an official answer from Wiim if there is any possibility of reducing this 50ms latency?
There could be a "low latency mode" option where some other features would be disabled, like EQ, re-clocking, or whatever is necessary to reduce the processing buffer.

 

[Burnside]

I have the same question. Is there an official answer from Wiim if there is any possibility of reducing this 50ms latency?
There could be a "low latency mode" option where some other features would be disabled, like EQ, re-clocking, or whatever is necessary to reduce the processing buffer.

Best contacting them directly thru the more/feedback section of the app and asking there

 

[Toad]

I'm also interested in lower latency.
I'm a DJ and would love to connect my DJ mixer to the input of the Wiim (I have an Ultra) but 50ms latency is far too much.

I understand that when playing audio to multiple rooms across the network you need a certain amount of fixed latency to keep the outputs in sync.. but when playing from one output especially on the same unit there's no need for such a long delay. I would be happy if it just worked better in-out on the same unit.

Right now I have the Wiim output connected to another DSP.. right now I am using an Electrovoice processor but in the past I have used others.. and this processor has no more than a few ms latency. So I do all my EQ, crossover, alignment delays etc in that processor.. not the Wiim.. and then the DJ setup and the Wiim both connect to that downstream processor...that way it is possible to dj or play the Wiim audio through the same speakers, bypassing the Wiim for DJing.

It would be a lot nicer if I could just do it all with the Wiim.