Trying to hook up 3 Motu 8pre's

[smudman]

Every time I try to open Audio Desk without the hardware plugged in it comes up with an error. I get into the program and it won't let me play any audio. I can not find anywhere in Audio Desk to switch the output to built-in. The only place I see a built-in option is under the clock settings. I know I am so close yet it is so very aggravating.

[Pappy725]

Which window do you have open in AD? There is a menu in the Sequence Editor on each track that has size, input and output dropdowns. In the Mixer window, at the bottom of each fader and in the Tracks window there is a similar drop down to change these. I haven't used AD in a while, but as I remember it's pretty much the same as Digital Performer. Also, in the setup menu, the hardware setup should show built in as an option. Sorry it took so long to reply, been out for a walk with the wife.

Keep plugging away, you'll get going.

Pappy

[smudman]

I have the sequence window open with the 3 tracks that I recorded, it is a file that I saved. When I don't have the hardware plugged in nothing happens when I click on those menus you speak of. Also When the hardware is not plugged in I can not get into the hardware setup.

[Pappy725]

Dang, that's strange. In DP I can access any of the menus, including Setup>Configure Audio System>Configure Hardware Driver. In fact, with DP open and no hardware connected it defaults to built in mic and output. I'm stumped right now. I'll have to think about this one for a bit.

Do you have the size of the tracks large enough so you can see the three or four drop down menus at the left side of the track? Actually there are six. In an audio track I show Soundbites, Built-in Output1-2, Built-in Microphone, Auto (Automation), Insert, and Take. And all are available under the drop down triangle in the title bar of the individual tracks, along with the speaker icon, play enable, and record button.

Curious....

Pappy

[smudman]

When I open Audio Desk without hardware plugged it says it can't find the driver or something along those lines. I am heading down there in a few minutes to mess with it some more, hopefully to at least be able to hear what I record out of the main outputs. While I am there I will check the other items you asked about.

[smudman]

Ok, I have it hooked up right now so I can hear what I recorded through the main outs, thank goodness I can at least do that. I can see all six of the options you speak off but I do not have an option for "Built-In" even when I have the hardware plugged in. Do you think that it could possibly be a setting somewheres on the MBP? I have no clue since I am new to Mac.

[Pappy725]

No, it should show up when you don't have hardware hooked up to it. Look in Applications>Utilities>AudioMidi Setup. It will show you the MOTU units and when they're not hooked up it will show you the built-in options.

Pappy

[smudman]

Ok. Do you think if I upgrade to Digital Performer that it would then let me listen through the MBP without hardware like you mentioned in your earlier post? I e-mailed MOTU about Audio Desk and if I could listen through my MBP, just hope they respond.

[Pappy725]

Definitely, I just don't understand why AD won't let you play back tracks without the hardware connected. I've had good luck with MOTU's tech support, but there have been less than glowing reports from some folks here on the board about the response from tech support. I'd wait and see what they say about your situation, unless it's not a big deal to do the upgrade. Not everyone has deep pockets for all these fun toys we get to play with.

Pappy

[smudman]

Yeah I am waiting for their response before I do anything. Do you think that maybe if I had firewire speakers if that may solve this issue?

[Pappy725]

I don't think so. Seems like it's something to do with AD, but as similar as AD is to DP it ought to work without the hardware. Sometimes this digital audio stuff does make you want to pull your hair out.

Are the 8pres racked up and portable? Or are they installed where you will be doing the recording? I've got my units in a rack and haul them all over the place. Gigs, rehearsals, live sound gigs I do at outdoor festivals and such. It's a pain, but you could at least listen to the tracks at home. Or wherever.

Pappy

[smudman]

They are installed where I do my recording. It wouldn't be a huge deal to pull one of them out and take it home with me. Would it work if I just had the MOTU plugged in so that Audio Desk recognizes that there is hardware there?

[Pappy725]

Well, if you have the MOTU plugged in all your audio will be running through it. Of course, then you could hook up speakers or headphones and it should work great.

I hope you hear from tech support soon. This is a weird issue. Or maybe not, maybe just something we're overlooking. Which is highly possible.

Pappy

[smudman]

Well I brought one of the MOTU's home and everything works so it is a temporary fix at least.

[Pappy725]

Cool, I'm glad you finally got to listen to the tracks you recorded. Now you're getting to the fun part. You will not believe how easy it is to make things sound better with the software you are using. Check out the tips and tricks thread and especially the video tutorials here on Motunation, the one on pitch by Sean from Intonational Rescue is amazing.

Happy recording!!
Pappy