2408MK3 Problems with CueMix, Metering and Output Level

[hendrikxix]

I recently purchased a MOTU 2408MK3 which I use with Sonar 7 Producer Edition. I am experiencing the following problematic behavior:

Output metering on the left side face of the unit only shows in the odd-number channels. So if I have a stereo output on 1&2 analog outputs, I only see output signal on 1 in the left panel for the 3 banks of 8 channels. If I switch to metering on the right side of the display I can see the input and output correctly.

In CueMix I see no metering in the Mix bus or the Out bus even when I have routed input signal to a bus. Furthermore there is no control of output level what-so-ever.

I need to set up 5.1 surround monitoring and lower the level of the rear speakers for calibration of the system. This can only be done in CueMix but the faders in CuemIx do not affect the output gain.

In Sonar (and in most other DAWS) you can not control individual levels in a surround buss. For instance if I send a surround signal to the surround bus I cannot lower just the rear signals alone.

Any suggestions (other than buying a hardware controller! ) would be greatly appreciated!

Best,

Hendrik

[Malcolm Boyce]

I'm not sure I'm understanding everything you are describing.

The Cuemix Console does not control or affect any outputs from Sonar. It is strictly a mixer for controlling the inputs of your MOTU, and if necessary, routing them directly to MOTU outputs. The input mute and input trim or gain will control the channels to any software or DAW downstream of it. Other than that, it is independent of your DAW mix wise.

Exactly which metering on your 2408 are you speaking of? What is it labeled?

FYI, I have used a 2408Mk3 for years with Sonar, including currently with Sonar7PE. It will do everything it should with that setup. It truly is a great combination of hardware and DAW. Once you get it tweaked in, you'll love it.

[hendrikxix]

Thanks Malcolm,

My main issue is that I am trying to avoid having to buy a 5.1 Monitor Controller to mix a couple of 5.1 projects that I have on deck. Sonar doesn't allow you to control the individual levels of each channel in the surround buss. I need to attenuate the rear speakers in reference to the front monitors in order to properly calibrate the 5.1 setup. Right now I Micky Moused the rear speakers though two mono attenuators, but the LS and RS don't stay balanced as I change the output level of the surround bus.

I also feel that Sonar PE is THE best DAW out there and I have been happy with the MOTU gear that I have until I came up with the current hiccup. I guess I should just suck it up and buy a 5.1 controller. I have a controller for stereo, so why not?

Best,

Hendrik

[Malcolm Boyce]

Sonar doesn't allow you to control the individual levels of each channel in the surround buss. I need to attenuate the rear speakers in reference to the front monitors in order to properly calibrate the 5.1 setup.

Having not mixed in Surround in Sonar, I'm not sure exactly but this seems a little weird to me from what I know about bus VS. output control in the DAW. This sounds more like a Sonar question that a MOTU question.

Don't you just assign a physical output to each surround channel in Sonar? Can't you then attenuate the "Mains" outputs in Sonar to "calibrate" your setup?

Maybe I'm not following exactly what you are trying to do...