How to reduce audio and MIDI latency in djay

Latency affects how quickly djay responds to your controller and how accurately your audio plays back. This guide explains the most common causes of latency and provides platform-specific steps to improve responsiveness on macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android.

What is latency?

Latency is the small delay between performing an action and hearing or seeing the result.
There are two types:

• Audio latency — delay between playback and what you hear
• MIDI latency — delay between moving a control and djay responding

Latency can be caused by:

• USB adapters/hubs that limit bandwidth or power
• OS-level power saving
• Bluetooth audio
• Background apps that use system resources
• Outdated drivers or firmware
• Misconfigured audio settings (Windows only)

This guide explains how to improve latency based on your device and platform.

Basic troubleshooting (all platforms)

1. Quit and relaunch djay.
2. Disconnect and reconnect your controller.
3. Avoid Bluetooth speakers or headphones — they always introduce noticeable latency.
4. Use wired audio or a controller with a built-in audio interface.
5. Close background apps using CPU, GPU, or audio resources.
6. Make sure djay is updated to the latest version.
7. Install firmware updates for your controller if available.
8. Try a different USB cable, port, or official adapter.

Platform-specific steps

macOS

1. Use wired audio

Bluetooth and AirPlay add unavoidable latency.
Use:

• Wired headphones
• A USB audio interface
• A DJ controller with built-in audio output

2. Use a reliable USB connection

For controllers:

• Prefer a direct USB connection to your Mac
• If needed, use a powered USB hub
• Avoid long or unshielded USB cables

3. Close background applications

Video apps, browsers, and audio tools can affect responsiveness.

4. Restart your Mac

If CoreAudio becomes unstable, a restart often restores smooth performance.

iOS

1. Use official Apple adapters

These ensure stable USB power and bandwidth.

Recommended:

• Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
• USB-C to USB Camera Adapter

2. Use power passthrough

Most controllers perform better when powered.

3. Avoid Bluetooth audio

For DJing, always use:

• Wired headphones
• A USB-C or Lightning audio output
• A controller with built-in audio

4. Turn off Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode may reduce device performance.

5. Close background apps

Swipe them away in the App Switcher.

Windows

Windows offers the most audio configuration options in djay.

1. Enable Exclusive Mode

Exclusive Mode gives djay full control of your audio device for better performance.

2. Adjust the audio buffer size

This is the only platform where buffer size can be changed in djay.

Recommendations:

• Start at 256 samples
• Increase to 512 if audio crackles
• If needed, increase to 1024 for stability

Lower buffer = lower latency
Higher buffer = more stability

3. Use WASAPI (recommended)

WASAPI Exclusive Mode provides the lowest latency on Windows.

4. Update Windows and drivers

Install all updates in Settings > Windows Update.
Also check for audio and USB device driver updates.

5. Use reliable USB connections

Avoid unpowered USB hubs.
Powered hubs usually give the best results for DJ controllers.

6. Close background apps

Browsers, screen recorders, and communication apps can impact performance.

Android

1. Use official USB-C OTG adapters

Third-party adapters often reduce USB stability.

2. Use wired audio

Bluetooth adds delay and is not suitable for DJing.

Use:

• USB-C headphones
• A USB-C audio interface
• A controller with built-in audio

3. Ensure proper power

Some controllers require a powered USB hub.

4. Turn off battery optimization

Battery optimization can reduce system performance.

Check Settings > Battery > Battery optimization.

5. Close background apps

Make sure no other apps are using audio or heavy resources.

Important info

Bluetooth audio introduces unavoidable latency on every platform.
For the best performance, always use a wired audio connection or a controller with built-in audio outputs.