MOTUnation.com

Hi,

I bought a MOTU Audio Express interface a couple of days ago, and the only thing I can say about it in the current state of affairs, is that there is no working with it.

I installed the CD drivers on my Mac, got the gear to work, after a few factory resets, but it seems to me the main outputs are way too loud.
With audio coming from my computer, and monitors' input level turned almost all the way to zero, I get a decent volume for a setting of -42, as my MOTU front panel tells me (-42 being the minimum displayable level on the front panel). You can imagine what a wrong turn on the knobs would do !

As far as the included mixer goes, same problem. I have a synth plugged into the analog ins, and even though that synth is at maximum output level, CueMix displays workable amplitude values (circa -12dB on average). Still, I cannot have my DAW's track or master faders exceeding a value barely over the minimum without hurting my ears, my monitors and my neighbors' peaceful disposition towards my music making.

I tested the monitors with my previous soundcard, a Tascam US-122, and although this interface only has two RCA outs and I used the phones output to test (one of)my monitors, listening at the highest volume my tascam would permit produced a comfortable sound.

I'm thinking this has to do with the MOTU, mainly with its out ports. It feels like the sound comes out at more than 40dB what it should.

Any ideas ? suggestions ? anyone else has that problem ?

I know you've seen my thread. My solution was to return the unit for a refund. Ended up costing me $25 in shipping but I don't have a $350 doorstop now.

That's probably what I will end up doing, but not before a technician answers my TechLink and/or I call Cambridge (from France, YAY!).

katshinka wrote:
I tested the monitors with my previous soundcard, a Tascam US-122, and although this interface only has two RCA outs and I used the phones output to test (one of)my monitors, listening at the highest volume my tascam would permit produced a comfortable sound.

I'm thinking this has to do with the MOTU, mainly with its out ports. It feels like the sound comes out at more than 40dB what it should.

Any ideas ? suggestions ? anyone else has that problem ?

What are your monitors? If you're testing them with RCA jack connections and comfortable, then I have to believe you have a line level issue. The output of the Audio Express is most likely +4 and it's too hot for you monitors. RCA jacks are generally -10. Is there a switch on the back of your monitors to set the input level?

The output of the Audio Express is most likely +4 and it's too hot for you monitors. RCA jacks are generally -10. Is there a switch on the back of your monitors to set the input level?

I've got a pair of Mackie MR5 MkII plugged in with XLR.
According to the manual, they are "designed to operate with a +4 dBu signal when the input level control is at maximum".
I haven't seen any way to change that, both on my Mackies, and my MOTU (which indeed is +4).

What you suggest, however, makes sense, there may very well be a line level problem, as I tried the RCA output from my old soundcard with one monitor (bad RCA cable ), and the resulting levels was OK.

What I find very curious is that, CueMix giving me control over the output volume of the mix, and the sound from my Mac not being part of it, I can only control the output volumes of my monitors using the phone button, but this almost never works (phones out is OK though), unless I do a factory reset.

katshinka wrote:What I find very curious is that, CueMix giving me control over the output volume of the mix, and the sound from my Mac not being part of it, I can only control the output volumes of my monitors using the phone button, but this almost never works (phones out is OK though)

That's the issue. Some people don't mind that. Others do. It would seem a simple fix and if MOTU did add the feature, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Some people don't mind that. Others do.

I gotta say I don't quite understand the logic of this, but, again, I am not well versed on the matter.

@NazRat : Correction, there is indeed some sort of input level knob on my monitors, but 1- It is not precise (I guess it's not meant to be), and 2- I had to set it almost to the "off" position to get a decent volume.

Can you check the levels with a separate metering system? I've got an app on my iPhone from Studio Six Digital that checks the SPL levels. I know I run my main outs at -10 (on the 828 front panel) into my Alesis powered monitors. I haven't ever checked the actual level at my listening position though.

Pappy

If you're going +4 to +4 then it's not a line level problem. It may have something to do with how you have the monitor path setup in CueMix. Open CueMix FX and click on the Outputs tab. There is a row of monitor buttons along the bottom of the window. Any output pairs that you want controlled by the front volume knob should be selected (right blue light on). Check if Main 1-2 is selected. If not, select it and select any other monitor paths you want controlled by the front knob. Then you should be able to control the output of the unit with the front master volume knob. See if that helps. OTT, I may not be understanding the problem.

CueMix FX and click on the Outputs tab

My version of CueMix doesn't have an Output tab !

@Pappy : good idea, I'm gonna try right away (and find software for that :p)

OK - I see it's a really stripped down CueMix for that unit. The manuals aren't posted yet at MOTU, so can't get a look at the monitor config. Best of luck.

Thanks for the help anyways !

The manuals aren't posted yet at MOTU, so can't get a look at the monitor config

I have been reading and rereading the manual, but found little concerning output configuration.

Hi again,

I am currently and desperately trying to communicate with MOTU by phone/TechLink. Will let you know how it goes.