2 x 828 MKll as aggregate device problem

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi all,

I've set up an aggregate device of 2 x MOTU 828 MKll linked to each other via Firewire and then to the Mac via Firewire. All seems to work OK except I can't hear the audio from a MIDI module on the second MOTU 828. The audio travels through the 828 #2 (I see the volume indicators work and I can hear it via headphones into the 828 #2) and I can hear the audio in Cubase if I set up an audio track with audio monitoring turned on I know the MIDI module's audio is traveling into the Mac via the 828 #1 Firewire cable. What I can't seem to achieve is getting the 828 #1 to monitor the audio as it does with its own audio modules.

[NazRat]

Are you using an aggregate device because Cubase can't see/use multiple audio devices? Anyway, the output for the #2 device is being routed to the #2 mains (whatever's selected in CueMix). If you're trying to monitor through the hardware, you could use S/PDIF or ADAT between the units so you can hear the #2 inputs through the #1 hardware. Connect an S/DIF or ADAT cable from the out on unit #2 to the in on unit #1. In CueMix on the #2 unit main mix buss, set the main outputs to S/PDIF or an ADAT pair (whatever is connected) and on the #1 unit, include whatever pair in your main output. The other alternatives are to use an analog input pair on the #1 unit to connect the #2 main outs or connect both the #1 and #2 units to and external mixer of some sorts.

[Jonathan Evans]

Yes, using Aggregate Device because Cubase can't see 2 separate devices. I though as much that the out put of #2 is controlled by CueMix (pity that there seems to be no way to route the CueMix of #2 to the CueMix of #1). Unfortunately, I'm already using ADAT and S/PDIF for other purposes. I did think of routing the output of #2 to an analogue input of #1 but that seems a waste of an input. Was rather hoping for some magic alternative within CoreAudio or CueMix, seems strange that there isn't as the audio of #2 is passing through #1 via FireWire.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Anyone else?

[NazRat]

I'm not familiar with Cubase, but in other DAWs you can monitor via software (coreaudio) and all inputs on the aggregate device can be heard on the aggregate mains. You would have to arm the track for record or set the track to Input Monitor (Cubase have that?). Coreaudio handles the routing. The unfortunate part is then you're dealing with the dreaded L word (latency) and buffer issues.

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi NazRat

Thanks. Are you saying make CoreAudio part of the Aggregate Device and then use it as the monitor?

[NazRat]

No, the aggregate device is coreaudio. What I'm saying is that if you record arm the track or set it to input monitor, then you should be able to hear the signal on the #1 mains if those are selected as your mains in the session. Once I had to create an aggregate unit to accommodate a Line 6 device with my 828MKII and this is how it ended up working. I use DP though and it is more tightly integrated with the hardware. Maybe Cubase doesn't work this way - I do not know.

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi NazRat

Thanks for the reply. I'll have a look and see.