Is there a way to add 8 outputs with optical expansion?

[primeevolutionary]

I am using two 896mk3 Hybrids - one as a base and one as an 8-channel expander. Using this to add 8 inputs works very elegantly (though the book really didn't define setup at all). I was hoping that this was going to give 8 outputs as well, but, it doesn't seem to.

Is there any way to use optical expansion to add eight outputs?


I think daisy changing two 896s would accomplish that, but, that was with Firewire and I'm on a M1 Mac and the Firefire isn't an option (unless you can daisy chain the two 896s via Firewire and connect to the computer vis USB, but, I don't see that as a written option anywhere).

If I use the two USB aggregate approach, I would have to monitor one of the 896s through the software, right?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[bayswater]

Can't you just plug both in, and access them both in Setup with Shift Select, and see all inputs and outputs of both units? At least in DP.

[mikehalloran]

(unless you can daisy chain the two 896s via Firewire and connect to the computer vis USB, but, I don't see that as a written option anywhere).

That's because how you described, FW to USB, is not possible. Doesn't mean it can't be done—you just have to know how.

You need a FW400–800 adapter or cable from one of the 896s. This goes into the Apple FW–TB adapter
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
into the Apple TB2–TB3 adapter
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1
into your Mac.

You must use the Apple adapters. Macs with TB1 or TB2 ports do not need that last adapter, of course.

[primeevolutionary]

Thank you, Mike!

I have the adaptors from trying to use FW when I first got the M1. I thought it was too wonky, but, I guess I'll give it another try.

It's been so smooth using USB.

Thanks!

[Phil O]

I can confirm that the adapter setup that Mike describes works on my M1 Mac Mini with my firewire Rosetta 800. (OS 12.5.1)

Your friendly neighborhood Phil

[primeevolutionary]

Thanks, Phil!

For some reason, I thought I had remembered trying the FW into M1 early on and having problems and switching to USB (I even think Mike might have suggested it - don’t quote me on that though). I had never used USB prior to that. So, I didn’t think the daisy chain method would work. I put it together last night. My word clock cable has a short, so, I’m waiting for a replacement, but, it seems to be working fine without it (new cable on order).

Am I correct in thinking that the inputs of the second 896 in the daisy chain method can only be monitored through the software unlike the optic method that allows for the inputs to be monitored through Cuemix? I was testing a tape machine through the daisy chain into the early hours and don’t remember if I tested that part out. (It won’t matter though as I’ll use those inputs for non-real time things like tape monitoring in mixdown (with external meters and outboard gear, my current needs require more outputs than inputs - if I were just recording a lot of instruments, the optical expansion method would have been ideal)).

[mikehalloran]

Thank you, Mike!

I have the adaptors from trying to use FW when I first got the M1. I thought it was too wonky, but, I guess I'll give it another try.

It's been so smooth using USB.

Thanks!

It’s quite possible that USB 2 has a lower RTL. All MOTU FireWire is FW400, no matter which connector, A (FW400) or B (FW800)