Take a deep breath - I am sure we can sort this out for you...
There are generally 3 main things that can cause "latency" (a noticeable delay between playing a note and hearing it)
In order of likelihood...
1 - Your "buffer" settings in your audio interface
The most common cause of latency or audio issues (such as pops & clicks or "audio drop outs" where the system just gives up the ghost completely!) is an incorrect "buffer size", which is set in your audio interface control panel (often accessed from within your DAW)
The "buffer" does exactly what it says on the tin - it takes some strain off of the processor by slowing down the flow of info to the processor, which increases performance but can result in delays in the audio getting in to the computer, processed and coming out through the speakers/headphones (latency)
The "buffer size" is measured in "samples"
A low buffer size will give you a low latency (ie you will hear what you play or sing without a delay) - however, the lower the buffer size the more strain it puts on your system (processor etc.)
It is therefore a balancing act between low latency (low buffer setting) and PC performance (high buffer setting) to reduce latency and prevent pops, clicks, crackles and drop outs
When you are recording you are aiming to have as little latency as possible - ie below 12ms
This means having as low a buffer size as possible (I would recommend trying 128, 160, 192 or 256 to see how you get on)
So in theory it is possible for latency to increase as the project gets bigger as you will put more strain on your PC and therefore may need a high buffer setting, which will increase latency
If you struggle to get to acceptable levels then you can try taking some of the strain off your processor - eg disable effects, "freeze" synths - whilst you record, although nowadays using a good PC (or Mac ) and a good audio interface with good drivers (eg ASIO drivers) should be fine
When you have finished your recording latency doesn't matter any more because if the audio is delayed due to a high buffer then EVERYTHING gets delayed by the same amount and will sound fine
I would therefore recommend cranking up your buffer setting to 1024 (or higher) to take the strain off of your system when you "produce" or mix - and start adding more CPU hungry effects and plugins
2 - "Look Ahead" FX & Plugins
There are some situations where certain plugins can add latency to a project even if your buffers are fine
These plugins often use "look ahead" technology that introduces latency if you record into your DAW while these are running - "mastering" plugins are often a culprit but they could be lurking anywhere
If you are able to easily disable all plugins then this is worth trying
This is why it can be useful to distinguish between a "tracking session" - ie minimal plugins and low buffer settings - to do all of your recording
and
"mixing sessions" - ie crank up the buffer settings and start adding FX and plugins
The lines do get blurred as modern systems can quite happily run along with low buffer settings, low latency AND handle lots of plugins
3 - Delay Bus
This one caught me out once - I had inadvertently sent all my tracks to a DELAY bus where I was only hearing the 100% wet signal (which was obviously delayed slightly), which exhibited EXACTLY the same symptoms as high latency
It drove me mad for a while but keeping a cool head and taking a logical approach often saves the day!!!
There are other causes but my money would be on one of these (probably 1 or 2)
What drivers are you using and what are the buffer sizes?
