What does the term 'latency' refer to in audio recording?

Latency in audio recording refers to the delay that occurs between the moment a sound is input into the system and when it is heard during playback. This phenomenon is typically caused by the time it takes for the audio signal to be processed by the computer and the associated hardware, such as audio interfaces or mixers, before it can be output.

In practical terms, latency can affect the experience of recording and mixing, especially for musicians who may rely on real-time feedback to accurately track their performances. Areas such as monitoring input signals, particularly during live performance or recording, are heavily influenced by latency considerations to ensure that musicians can coordinate with what they are playing or singing.

The other options do not accurately describe latency: the quality of sound relates to fidelity or clarity rather than timing; the duration of a recording session is a separate concept; and the distance between audio clips on a timeline pertains to the arrangement of those clips, rather than the timing delay inherent in the recording process.