AudioOutputUnitStart takes ~500 ms when using Push-to-Talk framework after beginTransmission

I’m working with the Push-to-Talk (PTT) framework and observing a consistent delay when starting audio capture.

Scenario:

  • A PTT call is already active
  • The AVAudioSession is fully configured
  • I request beginTransmission on the PTT channel
  • I start my Audio Unit for recording (AudioOutputUnitStart)

Observed behavior:

  • AudioOutputUnitStart takes ~500 ms
  • This happens whether I start the Audio Unit:
    • after didBeginTransmission, or
    • after AVAudioSession didActivate

Comparison:

  • Using the same Audio Unit, same format, and same configuration
  • Without the PTT framework, AudioOutputUnitStart takes ~200 ms

Additional notes:

  • I am not modifying or reconfiguring AVAudioSession when requesting beginTransmission
  • The audio session is already set up when the PTT call starts
  • There are no interruptions or route changes at the time of starting the Audio Unit

Impact: This extra latency is significant for Push-to-Talk use cases where fast transmit start is critical.

AudioOutputUnitStart takes ~500 ms when using Push-to-Talk framework after beginTransmission
 
 
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