You’re in the zone, ready to lay down the perfect beat. You hit play on your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and boom — it stutters, lags, or throws up the dreaded “Error While Trying to Synchronize Audio and MIDI.” Nothing kills creative flow faster. Don’t worry though — this guide will help you fix it and get back to making music.

TL;DR

This sync error usually means your DAW is struggling to keep audio and MIDI in time. It’s often caused by incorrect buffer sizes, outdated drivers, or conflicting interfaces. Fixing it usually involves tweaking audio settings, updating drivers, or adjusting clocks. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step and stress-free.

What Causes the Error?

First, let’s understand what’s going wrong. When your DAW tries to manage both Audio and MIDI, it needs them to be perfectly timed. If something breaks that timing, the DAW freaks out.

Here are a few common reasons:

  • Your buffer size is too low or too high.
  • The audio driver is outdated or buggy.
  • You’re using more than one interface (like USB MIDI + built-in audio).
  • There’s a sample rate mismatch.
  • Your CPU is overloaded.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Check Your Buffer Size

This is often the #1 culprit. Your buffer size controls how much processing time your DAW gets. Too small, and your CPU can’t keep up. Too big, and latency becomes noticeable.

Try this:

  1. Open your DAW’s audio settings.
  2. Look for “Buffer Size” or “Latency.”
  3. Set it to 256 or 512 samples to start.
  4. Restart your project and see if the error goes away.

Tip: High sample rates (like 96kHz) need more CPU power. Stick to 44.1kHz or 48kHz unless you really need more.

2. Update Your Audio Driver

Outdated or bad drivers can break sync between audio and MIDI.

Here’s what to do:

  • Check your audio interface brand (Focusrite, Behringer, etc).
  • Go to their official website.
  • Download the latest driver for your device.
  • Install it, then reboot your machine.

Are you using a PC? Make sure you’re using an ASIO driver — not the Windows default.

3. Disable Unused Interfaces

Sometimes, your system has multiple audio sources. Your DAW might be confused.

For example, you could be using your laptop’s built-in sound PLUS an external interface. That’s a recipe for sync issues.

Do this:

  1. Open your DAW’s Audio Device settings.
  2. Set your Input and Output to use the same device (e.g., only your interface).
  3. In Windows or macOS Sound settings, disable unused devices.

4. Match Sample Rates

Mismatched sample rates? Yep, that’ll mess up timing quickly.

Here’s how to fix it:

  • In your DAW, check the sample rate (usually under “Audio settings”).
  • Then check your system’s audio control panel (such as macOS Audio MIDI Setup or Windows Sound settings).
  • Make sure both are set to the same value — 44.1kHz or 48kHz is safest.

Pro tip: Avoid switching sample rates randomly across projects. Pick one standard and stick to it.

5. Optimize Your CPU Load

If your CPU is overworked, it can’t keep MIDI and audio in line. This is especially common with big projects using lots of sample-based instruments or plugins.

Try these tricks:

  • Freeze tracks that use CPU-heavy instruments.
  • Close other apps that might be stealing CPU or RAM.
  • Disable background syncing software (looking at you, Dropbox).
  • Increase your DAW’s buffer size when mixing (1024 samples or more).

6. Clock Sync Issues

If you’re using external gear — like MIDI keyboards or drum machines — a mismatch in clocks can throw your timing off.

To fix clock issues:

  1. Connect all devices properly via USB, MIDI or audio cables.
  2. Go into your DAW’s sync settings or MIDI preferences.
  3. Set one device as the master clock, and the others follow it.

Make sure external gear isn’t competing to be the timekeeper!

7. Use a Dedicated Audio Interface

Want the best stability? Use a good-quality external audio interface. Built-in computer sound cards aren’t optimized for pro audio work.

Brands like Focusrite, PreSonus, and MOTU make reliable interfaces that handle audio and MIDI beautifully.

They also come with dedicated driver software that makes sample rate syncing a breeze.

8. Update Your DAW

Last but not least — don’t forget to update your software!

  • DAWs release bug fixes all the time.
  • Newer versions may improve how audio and MIDI are synced.
  • Updates also improve compatibility with plugins and interfaces.

Got a really old version of your DAW? Might be time for an upgrade.

Bonus Tips for Stable Sync

If you’re still running into issues, try these sanity-saving moves:

  • Use direct USB connections for MIDI gear instead of going through hubs.
  • Save templates with correct sample rate and buffer settings to avoid starting from a bad setup.
  • Turn off Wi-Fi during sessions. Could save CPU!
  • Limit plugin use during recording… save the fancy stuff for mixing.

In Summary

The “Error While Trying to Synchronize Audio and MIDI” may sound scary, but it’s totally fixable. Just go step by step. Most of the time, it’s a buffer or clock issue. Fix the settings, restart your DAW, and you’re good to go.

Once you fix the sync error, you’ll be back in the groove — no more stutters, hiccups, or glitchy beats. Now get back to the music. Your masterpiece awaits!