896 + DigiMax + Logic = 8 channels

[cbphoto]

I'm having a slight problem with my little setup. I'm running a Digimax 96K via lightpipe into a MOTU 896HD for a total of 16 inputs. The MOTU feeds into my G4 laptop via firewire. The G4 is running Logic Express v7.1.

Logic Express is capable of 12 inputs (pro is unlimited, but I'm not convinced Logic is my audio solution yet), but when all mics and pre-amps are running, Logic sees (hears) the 8 channels on the 896 and nothing on channels 9 & 10.

Channels 11 & 12 are bizarre. When both are set to record, a loud, eerie squeal is output. The sound is nothing like the instrument (drums).

When I checked my setup with AudioDesk v2.04 everything worked perfectly (plus I could read more than 12 channels), so I know my signal is good.

Does anyone have any idea what I'm doing wrong? I mean, besides using Logic.

[valleysound]

Maybe clocking issues?

[cbphoto]

Maybe clocking issues?

I appreciate your suggestion.

I forgot to mention that I am slaving the Digimax clock to the MOTU clock. However, I don't know how the Logic clock is set. Does anyone know? Is it a prefs thing?

I know I sound like a newbie, and I am, even though I'm more than half-way through the Logic tutorial. I find that setting hardware such as this not convenient in Logic.

I'm also surprised at how easy it is to set up monitor feeds in CueMix and quickly lay down tracks in AudioDesk. Too bad I've invested money in Logic/GarageBand samples.[/img]

[monkey man]

I know I sound like a newbie, and I am, even though I'm more than half-way through the Logic tutorial.

And when you've completed the Logic Tutorial... you'll still be a newbie!

I think what turns a newbee into an oldbee is beeing a busybee, so hang in there, dood.
It's the kind 'o troubleshootin' you're doing now that'll turn you into a pro eventually.

"Pro" is for problem-solver, and proactive!

For now, 'though, we need a Logic expert for you...

Calling all Logicians, calling all Logicians...

[cbphoto]

And when you've completed the Logic Tutorial... you'll still be a newbie!

Ain't that the truth! Very funny!

So here's what I found out, on my own, by digging under the hood (that makes me a Screwbie, or maybe a Dewbie).

The Mac uses the "Aggregate Device" through the Audio MIDI Setup utility. When I checked it out (last night, for the first time) it showed the MOTU 896HD with 20 inputs and 22 outputs. The Mac OS had already recognized the increase of channels introduced by the DigiMax. So then I knew my problem was within Logic (what a lousy name for such a confusing program).

A friend of mine, who records with Digital Performer, suggested that my problem was a "routing loop." So I looked for proof that channels 9-12 in Logic were not actual recording channels. This proved to be the case once I understood how to read the device info in the Audio MIDI Setup utility. It turns out that tracks 9 & 10 are for AES/EBU and tracks 11 & 12 are for "Mix1". There was my faulty routing loop. Tracks 11 & 12 were the ones that gave me squealing problems.

Tracks 13 - 20 were correctly labeled "ADAT" in the Audio MIDI utility.

So, I went back to AudioDesk, where I have been having great success in setting up my live recording channels (i.e., no feedback, good signals on all channels). When I create a new track in AudioDesk, it's simple to select the correct input channel. In other words, input 9, 10, 11, & 12 were actual input channels, not an AES/EBU signal or a "Mix1" signal. It was in the "Audio Monitor" panel that I saw that input signals for tracks 9-12 were actually from hardware channels 13-16.

I went to bed and considered my problem solved.

But the bummer from this lesson is that Logic Express accepts only 12 inputs. To access any inputs (hardware channels) above #12 I must either upgrade to Logic Pro or switch to a new recording software. I've spent about $200 on Garageband plug-ins for MIDI instruments and feel just a little peeved that I'm in this predicament.

At this point, I'm not a fan of Logic. The product name should be "Sucka!", with the tag line "You upgraded from GarageBand and expected a similar interface, workflow and ease of use. Ha!"

I hope my little lesson helps someone else in the future.

[buddhabelly]

Use the 896 utility to turn off the AES/EBU in/outs on the 896. That will move the ADAT inputs up the line. In general it is best to turn off all ins/outs that you don't use. In my case I have all ADAT channels turned off.

Logic is not a 'sucka' application. It is a tool to get things done. You could use Audiodesk or DP or Cubase or xxxx just as well. You can even use Windows and make music!! Whatever floats your boat.

FWIW, on my 828mkII, mic 1&2 are considered input 1 & 2 in Logic, and 1-8 on the back is considered inputs 3-10. Return mix is always 11-12. Turn that off too.

[monkey man]

Calling all Logicians, calling all Logicians...

Thanks for heeding the call, guys.

[cbphoto]

Use the 896 utility to turn off the AES/EBU in/outs on the 896. That will move the ADAT inputs up the line. In general it is best to turn off all ins/outs that you don't use. In my case I have all ADAT channels turned off.

I've checked the "MOTU Audio Setup" utility and do not find an option to turn off AES/EBU input Mix1 output. Is there another utility I should know about?

Logic is not a 'sucka' application.

I was implying that I was the sucker. I'm finding Logic to be non-intuitive, unlike GarageBand, which is touted by Apple as "Logic for beginners".

In any case, thanks for your help.

[monkey man]

And when you've completed the Logic Tutorial... you'll still be a newbie!

Ain't that the truth! Very funny! :lol

Thanks for being so good-natured about that, cbphoto.

FWIW, I feel like I'll always be a newbie.