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How to fix sync issues with audio and note in Rock Band?

If the music and notes feel out of sync, you can calibrate your game to match your setup.

Different TVs and sound systems can introduce delay, which affects timing. Calibration helps correct this.

  1. Turn on your TV, sound system, and start Rock Band as you normally would.
  2. Go to Options > System Settings > Calibration.

Automatic calibration (guitar only)

  1. Use a compatible guitar from The Beatles: Rock Band, Rock Band 2, or Rock Band 3.

  2. Select Calibration Settings and press the green fret to start.
  3. For audio:
    1. Hold the guitar sensor near your speaker.
    2. Press the green fret and wait for the progress bar to complete.
  4. For video:
    1. Hold the guitar sensor close to the TV screen.
    2. Press the green fret and wait for completion.

Note: If automatic calibration does not complete, try standing a few feet away from the TV, adjusting the angle of the guitar, or reducing room lighting so the sensor can detect screen flashes more accurately.

Manual calibration (all instruments)

  1. Select Calibration Settings.

  2. Start manual calibration.
  3. For audio:
    1. Press in time with the drum beats until the bar fills.
  4. For video:
    1. Press in time when the needle reaches the edge of the meter.

Note: Try to match your input exactly with what you hear and see. If timing feels inconsistent, repeat calibration to get more accurate results.

Test your settings in a song. Repeat calibration if needed for better accuracy.

Fine-tune your calibration settings

If timing still feels slightly off, you can adjust your settings manually for better accuracy.

Audio adjustment

  1. Go to Practice Mode and load a song.
  2. Set the speed to 50%.
  3. Play and observe when the music plays compared to the notes.
  4. If music plays before notes reach the target line, increase audio calibration by 10–15 ms.
  5. If music plays after notes pass the target line, decrease audio calibration by 10–15 ms.

Video adjustment

  1. Go to Practice Mode and load a song.
  2. Set the speed to 50% and mute your audio.
  3. Play and observe when inputs register compared to the notes.
  4. If inputs only register early, decrease video calibration.
  5. If inputs only register late, increase video calibration.

Note: Adjust values in small increments (10–15 ms) and test between changes for best results.

Note: Calibration applies to all instruments. On PlayStation 3, settings are profile-specific.