There are two reasons why it can be difficult to get the number of ticks to match exactly where you want; one is tick resolution and the second is the amount of time from when the command is given to when it is carried out.

Go to Options > Preferences > MIDI File to open the MIDI File Options window. The bottom window entry is the Resolution for MIDI File selection box. The selection ranges from the default of 120 PPQ to a high of 1,920 PPQ. PPQ is the abbreviation for Parts Per Quarter Note. Ticks and PPQ is essentially the same thing.

You don't want to automatically select the highest setting though as high settings can cause the program to spit and sputter and your computer to slow down.

Generally speaking a setting of 480 PPQ is a good compromise.

As for the second reason, it takes time for the program to switch from playback mode to record mode or vice versa. There are too many moving variables for the time to be consistent. One way to minimize this variance is by choosing where to place your punch in and punch out points. The further apart they are the less variances there will be. It's easier to punch in and punch out a bar than it is a beat. It's easier to punch in and punch out a musical phrase with a natural pause than a bar. Punch in or out when there is no audio means there won't be any overlapping audio highlighting old and new audio.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Clipboard01.png (100.31 KB, 62 downloads)
MIDI File Options Window.
Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1220) RB (Build 4) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home