When you record into your computer, you usually want to monitor (listen to) what you are recording in your headphones. By default, the audio is sent from the microphone to your computer and is then processed by your recording software. It is then sent back to your headphones. The problem with this is that it takes a fraction of a second for your computer software to process the audio and send it back to the headphones which can cause a distracting delay – this delay is known as latency and will vary in length depending on your setup. This delay can make it very hard to perform naturally, whether you’re singing or speaking. The zero-latency monitoring mode removes this distracting delay. This is achieved by sending the output of the microphone directly to the headphones in real-time, bypassing the computer. This signal is accompanied by the output from your computer, so you can still hear the output (for example, your backing track if you are singing, or your game sound if you're streaming), but allows a more natural and comfortable listening experience (which results in a better performance).
To activate this mode, simply press the volume knob on the front of the NT-USB Mini. You will immediately hear the output of the microphone in your headphones. To deactivate this mode, simply click the volume knob again.
Note: When using zero-latency monitoring mode, you may want to mute your microphone channel output in your software while recording, so you only hear the rest of the mix. This will ensure the most natural and echo-free sound.