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Hey all, long time MOTU user on Mac, but now about to also use it with a PC for location recording. Using a PCIX-424 and 2408 mk II. The question is this: is there any way to merge more than two inputs into a single, stereo stream for realtime mixing? In situations where I only need to supply a stereo mix and have no need or time for rendering multitrack mixes before burning CD's (school music festivals & competitions), I'd still like the option of using more than two mics. Doable? Is this a situation for a SPDIF loopback? Thanks for any help.

Hi,

No, S/PDIF loopback method is not needed.

Simply make your intended mix in bus 1 and then in the recording software, set it to record the Mix 1 return 1 (L) and Mix 1 Return 2 (R).

You'll probably want to disable all Windows system sounds too, while also keeping any other software that can also create a sound closed.

Thanks, I assume we're talking about CueMix here? So CueMix will allow routing and merging of digital inputs internally before they are passed on to the software?

Yeah, sure. Think of it like this - The MOTU is doing this, that or the other thing. Whatever you set it to do.

Then the Mix 1 return (1 + 2) is like your DAW or other recording app asking the MOTU - "What are you doing on Mix 1? I want that here now." - so MOTU gives it to the DAW or app.

MOTU units can even behave as standalone mixers when not even attached to any computer (PC or MAC) at all.

Finally got to test the system with the 2408 and CueMix FX. Works like a charm. Thanks for your help.

Whoops, I spoke too soon. While multitracking and monitoring any number of inputs is working well, the signals are still being passed through to the software only on their input channels. They're not merging to 1-2 internally. I was only able to do it via an ADAT loopback. Keep in mind that this particular hardware will only work with the older CueMix DSP-type setup, without all the routing tabs and effects. As far as I can tell, there are only levels, panning and mutes, with no options for sending or bussing. That is, of course, unless I'm still missing something.

I just tested it out.

Guitar on Analog input 1+2, SM-57 Mic on Analog input 3.

I touched the guitar cable with my hand to make noise and that is the wider blue parts you see in the waveform.

I tapped the mic with my finger and that is the brief bursts of sound you see in the waveform.

As you can see, I made a beat out of it. lol

Ah, thanks for the Sound Forge Preferences screen shot. I think that may explain it. Mine is completely different, showing only the physical inputs & outputs of the three banks on my 2408 MkII. I don't have "Mix Return" as a recording option in my software. If I'm not mistaken, the PCI units prior to the MKIII's can't take advantage of the new routing and effects features, which is why I also don't see them in CueMix. I'm using external converters and feeding the 2408 via ADAT. I'll have to give it a try using the 2408's analog inputs and see what happens, but I'm okay with using the ADAT loopback method for those unusual situations where I'll need to be doing a multi-mic, live-to-stereo recording.