You may need to make some adjustments in the Control Panel for the IO 14/26 to improve audio performance with your computer:
Windows Computers
1) Close the HDM application if you have it open [it uses a lot of computer resources…after you set up your monitor mix you don’t need to keep this open].

2) Close as many other applications as possible. [Audio is processor and memory intensive…it should not have to compete with open graphics programs, games, etc].

3) Adjust the buffer settings in the Alesis 1394 Control Panel. Choose a larger buffer size from the drop-down menu to ease the strain on your computer’s processor. Experiment to find the ideal balance of performance and latency on your particular system.
Mac's
1) Close the HDM application if you have it open [it uses a lot of computer resources…after you set up your monitor mix you don’t need to keep this open].

2) Close as many other applications as possible. [Audio is processor and memory intensive…it should not have to compete with open graphics programs, games, etc].

3) From System Preferences, open the configuration panel for the IO 14/26. Choose a larger buffer size from the drop-down menu to ease the strain on your computer’s processor. Experiment to find the ideal balance of performance and latency on your particular system.