What does the term "latency" refer to in digital audio processing?

Latency in digital audio processing specifically refers to the delay that occurs between the moment an audio signal is input into a system and the moment that same signal is output. This delay can be caused by various factors, including the processing time required by the digital signal processor, buffering, and the conversion between analog and digital formats.

Latency is a critical consideration in live sound situations, recording, and audio monitoring because a noticeable delay can disrupt the timing for musicians and affect the overall performance quality. In contrast, the quality of digital sound output, frequency response, and bit depth are attributes related to sound fidelity and audio resolution but do not pertain specifically to timing or delay within the processing chain. Understanding latency is essential for audio professionals to ensure that they achieve the necessary timing accuracy for both recordings and live performances.