How do you setup Pod XT & Vetta to record in DP 5.12?

[Buzz Mando]

Hi,

I've been trying to figure out how to record directly from a Pod XT through USB into DP 5.12. I've downloaded every free driver and free program Line6 has. I can 'see' the Pod as an "output" in DP (lot of good that does).

I'm using OS X 10.4.10 2.16 GHz Core 2 duo iMac w/ 2 gig RAM. MOTU FW 828, MOTU MIDI express XT.

Now I know I could just jack the dumb thing into the back of my 828, but then I would miss out on a marvelous learning opportunity.

Does anyone have an easy answer, or can anyone point me to the correct page in the DP 5 manual?

I have managed to upgrade the PodXT to the latest software, and can see the editing software doing its thing on the PodXT, my next task will be to try to get the non-USB equipped Vetta functioning

Thanks - Buzz

[HCMarkus]

To use the 828 and Line6 simultaneously, you'll have to set up Aggregate Devices (I think that's what it's called) in you OS. I would leave the USB for editing and jack the Line6 device into your MOTU interface if I were you, because latency is going to go up as you multiply your I/O devices.

I have an 828 MkII, and have it set up like this:

Guitar > Inst In jack (on front panel) feeding two paths:

1. Inst In > Direct Hardware Out (on back of 828)> POD XT Live > Line in Stereo Pair on 828 (for recording/monitoring "amped" sound)
2. Inst In > Software Out (in DP, for recording "direct".

This way, I can record/monitor a stereo amped/effected sound PLUS a mono direct guitar simultaneously, and re-amp to my heart's content later. I have the Gear Box Plug-In, which replicates the POD in DP.

[Buzz Mando]

To use the 828 and Line6 simultaneously, you'll have to set up Aggregate Devices (I think that's what it's called) in you OS. I would leave the USB for editing and jack the Line6 device into your MOTU interface if I were you, because latency is going to go up as you multiply your I/O devices.

Never had much of a latency problem before, but have only had the 828 to deal with.

I have an 828 MkII, and have it set up like this:

Guitar > Inst In jack (on front panel) feeding two paths:

1. Inst In > Direct Hardware Out (on back of 828)> POD XT Live > Line in Stereo Pair on 828 (for recording/monitoring "amped" sound)
2. Inst In > Software Out (in DP, for recording "direct".

This way, I can record/monitor a stereo amped/effected sound PLUS a mono direct guitar simultaneously, and re-amp to my heart's content later.

I have the original 828. My work-arounds would be different.

I have the Gear Box Plug-In, which replicates the POD in DP.

If I had that I wouldn't even have made this post.

Still no answer to my original question. Is there any way to get DP to recognize that the Pod XT is an input device?

Thanks,

Buzz

[HCMarkus]

As mentioned: Aggregate Devices.

Using Aggregate Devices

When interfacing with hardware audio devices, Core Audio allows you to add an additional level of abstraction, creating aggregate devices which combine the inputs and outputs of multiple devices to appear as a single device. For example, if you need to accommodate five channels of audio output, you can assign two channels of output to one device and the other three to another device. Core Audio automatically routes the data flow to both devices, while your application can interact with the output as if it were a single device. Core Audio also works on your behalf to ensure proper audio synchronization and to minimize latency, allowing you to focus on details specific to your application or plug-in.

Users can create aggregate devices in the Audio MIDI Setup application by selecting the Audio > Open Aggregate Device Editor menu item. After selecting the subdevices to combine as an aggregate device, the user can configure the device••™s input and output channels like any other hardware device. The user also needs to indicate which subdevice••™s clock should act as the master for synchronization purposes.

I trust you have the Line6 Drivers installed.

[Buzz Mando]

Tried the aggravating instrument - Sorry 'aggregate'. Interesting how it isn't mentioned in the DP 5 manual - or at least couldn't be found. The manual at 1,000 + pages desperately needs a decent index, or, better, a PDF version (but MOTU's paranoia prevents this from happening)

Anyway created an aggregate instrument with no idea as to why to create an aggregate of one box that works via USB and one that works via Firewire. In any case, it was something that had to be undone, as it disabled all the audio.

I tried using 'Gearbox' but see this only in the mixer window as an insert. I think that Line6 wants me to buy it - I have no idea whether it would work after that.

I can see no evidence of any USB input into DP available anywhere. I have been downloading all the latest drivers throughout this process. I don't know what they do... but I have them.

So after spending most of my free time on this one stupid little problem, I give up. It's using the phone plug jacked into the 828 for me, forget USB!

Thanks for listening.

[James Steele]

... or, better, a PDF version (but MOTU's paranoia prevents this from happening.

Were you here for help on this, or did you want to editorialize on MOTU's "paranoia." If so, I can move this to Off-Topic. They have good reason for not releasing a PDF.

Also, it might have been better to post this in the "Digital Performer" forum instead of "General Recording" as it pertains to DP and more people look at that forum.

[Buzz Mando]

I did come for help. Searching the term PodXT lead me to the Gen. Recording forum, but perhaps the DP forum would be more fruitful.

In a nutshell, I'm just trying to find out how to "see" the USB POD XT as a viable input. When I tried to use aggregate instruments it was a total failure.

You suggested posting on the DP forum. Some forums consider it bad etiquite to post the same question on separate forums, so if I have your permission, I'll repost this (hopefully with an enhanced description of the problem - and summary of what hasn't worked) on the DP forum in the next couple days.

Thanks

Buzz

[rcannonp]

Did you try to set up the aggregate device in the Audio MIDI Setup or within DP? I never had much luck with aggregate devices. You can set up multiple devices within DP in the Configure Hardware Driver box. Select your 828 first and then your PODXT and set the Hardware Buffer Multiplier to 2. I've never done this with a PODXT, but that's how it's supposed to work with multiple interfaces.

[Buzz Mando]

Did you try to set up the aggregate device in the Audio MIDI Setup or within DP?

Motu online help tells you to use Audio MIDI Setup - Tried it a few times - useless!

I never had much luck with aggregate devices. You can set up multiple devices within DP in the Configure Hardware Driver box. Select your 828 first and then your PODXT and set the Hardware Buffer Multiplier to 2. I've never done this with a PODXT, but that's how it's supposed to work with multiple interfaces.

Genius! That's what it took. Probably 8 - 10 hours of coming back here, searching line6 docs, and Motu's unhelpful help. Your experience allowed me to set it up and record inside of 3 minutes. Now I know how to do it - made my day!

Buzz

[rcannonp]

Glad you got it working. Since I don't have a PODXT I was interested to see if it would actually work that way since I was thinking of picking one up(or maybe an X3).