AudioContextOptions.latencyHint

The AudioContextOptions dictionary (used when instantiating an AudioContext) may contain a property named latencyHint, which indicates the preferred maximum latency in seconds for the audio context. The value is specified either as a member of the string enum AudioContextLatencyCategory or a double-precision value.

Syntax

audioContextOptions.latencyHint = "interactive";
audioContextOptions.latencyHint = 0.2;

var latencyHint = audioContextOptions.latencyHint;

Value

The preferred maximum latency for the AudioContext. There are two ways this value can be specified.

The best way to specify the preferred latency is to use a value form the string enum AudioContextLatencyCategory. In fact, the default value of latencyHint is "interactive" (meaning the browser should try to use the lowest possible and reliable latency it can).

The value can also be specified as a double-precision floating-point value, specifying the preferred maximum latency in seconds. This provides more precise control over the balance between audio latency and device energy usage.

To determine the actual latency of the context after creating it, check the value of the context's baseLatency property.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Web Audio API
The definition of 'AudioContextOptions.latencyHint' in that specification.
Working Draft Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
latencyHintChrome Full support 60Edge Full support ≤79Firefox Full support 61IE No support NoOpera ? Safari ? WebView Android Full support 60Chrome Android Full support 60Firefox Android Full support 61Opera Android ? Safari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support 8.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown

See also