Audio Latency¶

Audio latency is the delay between the creation of an audio source to the moment the sound is heard. In the context of rhythm games, the time it takes for a registered touch input and its corresponding tap sound is its audio input latency.

Audio latency is generally measured in milliseconds, though external devices such as Bluetooth speakers and headphones may push this value into the seconds. Lower audio latency is ideal for rhythm games.

1 - Minimizing Audio Latency¶

1.1 - Avoid Bluetooth Audio Devices¶

The use of wireless audio devices such as Blueooth earbuds, headphones and speakers, should generally be avoided. Instead of direct transfer of audio through wired devices, Audio signals sent to a Bluetooth device must be transcoded before the audio is played, which results in extra latency. While efforts have been made to reduce this process, getting usable audio latency through Bluetooth is currently impossible.

1.2 - Disabling Equalizer Software (Android)¶

Android devices may use equalizer software to alter an audio signal before the sound can be heard by the user. Some Android manufacturers may pre-package stereo enhancement features such as Dolby Atmos onto your device. Sound that is processed by equalizers and stereo enhancers succumb to increased audio latency. See how to turn audio enhancement off.

References¶

https://armorsound.com/bluetooth-audio-delay-and-audio-latency-guide/