Migrating from multitrack to PC: I can't get no (output) satisfaction

[CS70]

I hope I don't confuse things by saying this but it appears that you can use the analogue inputs on your Alesis monitors at the same time as the USB input.

Hi James, a couple of other people said that this was the cause of my problems, which is why I tried the rewire (see above). But I'm still all ears.

You can, but best to start up simple and go a step at a time.

Since you have experience of connecting analog equipment, do realize there's nothing different with a PC - you still need "cables" and devices to move the audio from here to there - only some of them will be digital, i.e. moving data inside different software parts in the computer instead of having voltage differences over a physical cable.

Conceptually there's nothing different - a signal still has to go from A to B thru a series of devices - only some devices are software components running in Windows)

[James Perrett]

Probably best to ignore my suggestion for now until you've got things working.

I can't see your older posts but have you tried playing a CD player or MP3 player through the speakers to check that the analogue inputs are working?

If the speakers are working then you'll need to get to grips with the Focusrite software control panel and make sure that you are sending audio where you think you are. The control panel on my Focusrite interface is a triumph of style over function and the outputs sometimes stop working for no apparent reason but I would have hoped that things have improved with more recent interfaces. On mine you can either have separate headphone mixes on outputs 5 and 6 or send outputs 1 and 2 to the headphones and the only way to tell how this is set up is looking at a tiny little button.

Sometimes when I have real problems with routing I'll set up a project that sends the signal to all outputs - something that is fairly easy in Reaper.

[FrankF]

"The control panel on my Focusrite interface is a triumph of style over function..."
Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's less than impressed with Focusrite's s/w interface: my version of MixCtl won't even resize to full-screen, so there's no point in doing a screenshot.

[FrankF]

Hi CS70, thanks. I've checked the h/w: it's the s/w that's driving me up the wall and across the ceiling.

[Drew Stephenson]

Would a couple of screenshots of my set-up help?
Also, what set of outputs have you got the speakers plugged into and are you getting headphones signal?

[Drew Stephenson]

On the principle that I'm at home and have them open now, here's my set up for Reaper:

and MixControl:

[FrankF]

Thanks a lot for posting that, BD: I copied your MixCtrl Mix 1 and Mix 2 settings, in both Routing Preset and the bit below (the bit that's unlabelled!), but still no sound at all.

Re speakers: I've got 2 jack cables going from the Mon. 1 and 2 outs of the Scarlett into the jack inputs on the Alesis speakers.

So anyway, what's the config s/w on the Behringer XR boxes like? Is it more user-friendly than Focusrite?

[FrankF]

Sorry, just to iterate: the keyboard signal is reaching the Reaper channel, no probs.
On the Scarlett, I also have headphones attached, but there's nowt cumming owt, as that coach from Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner would say.

[FrankF]

as that coach from Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner would say.

Oh my, It was Kes, and the actor was Brian Glover! Still, 2 great films get a mention, why aye!

[CS70]

Sorry, just to iterate: the keyboard signal is reaching the Reaper channel, no probs.
On the Scarlett, I also have headphones attached, but there's nowt cumming owt, as that coach from Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner would say.

That's an obvious sign of incorrect routing. Can you put in dropbox a screenshot of your software mixer and post it?

And if you look at the simpler windows Sound Settings, and try to test the levels, do you hear anything? (I guess not but just in case):

It's easier to have Windows set up right first, then look at Reaper.

[Drew Stephenson]

Thanks a lot for posting that, BD: I copied your MixCtrl Mix 1 and Mix 2 settings, in both Routing Preset and the bit below (the bit that's unlabelled!), but still no sound at all.

Re speakers: I've got 2 jack cables going from the Mon. 1 and 2 outs of the Scarlett into the jack inputs on the Alesis speakers.

So anyway, what's the config s/w on the Behringer XR boxes like? Is it more user-friendly than Focusrite?

What are your reaper settings set to?

[FrankF]

Almost identical to your screenshot: Focusrite is showing as device, then i/s and o/s are more or less the same.

[Drew Stephenson]

Are you getting any movement on the meters in MixControl at all? Either for inputs or any of the output channels?
And in Reaper, have you got the routing for the master fader set to send an output to your hardware? Nothing there's been accidentally muted or anything like that? This is tricky to do remotely without any screenshots.
Don't suppose you're a TeamViewer user? Or any other screensharing technology?

[Arpangel]

I had similar issues figuring out the Focusrite mixer, I just called Focusrite, they are very approachable, and in the UK! customer service is "just like it used to be" in the good old days.
They just talked me through the initial set-up, and it worked fine after that.
Maybe worth a go...

[FrankF]

Are you getting any movement on the meters in MixControl at all? Either for inputs or any of the output channels?
And in Reaper, have you got the routing for the master fader set to send an output to your hardware? Nothing there's been accidentally muted or anything like that? This is tricky to do remotely without any screenshots.
Don't suppose you're a TeamViewer user? Or any other screensharing technology?

Yep, the meters are full of life in MixCtrl, the last 4 meters on the right.

I had similar issues figuring out the Focusrite mixer, I just called Focusrite, they are very approachable, and in the UK! customer service is "just like it used to be" in the good old days.
They just talked me through the initial set-up, and it worked fine after that.
Maybe worth a go...

I should've thought of that earlier! I'll give them a ring, and if anything interesting comes of it, I'll post it here.

[Drew Stephenson]

Hopefully focusrite will come through because I'm all out of ideas I'm afraid.
We're getting signal into reaper, and from reaper to mix control, but not from there to the hardware even though we've got the right outputs selected.

[FrankF]

Well, it was embarrassingly simple: I needed to click on the H/W Ctrl button in MixControl, so that turning up the physical vol. knob on the Scarlett actually did something. For some reason, it wasn't activated by default, so we did a reset and took it from there.

And what an absolute PLEASURE, in this day and age, to call a corporate 'phone no. and immediately speak to real human beings, and this w/o pressing any options 1, 2, or 3, w/o entering any codes or pressing asterisk or giving the h/w serial no. etc. etc. - just bish bash bosh, and Scott Walker's yer uncle.
Massive respect and applause to Focusrite for this approach: I hope it continues.

Thanks for all your suggsies, especially the person who recommended the horse's mouth option.

[Drew Stephenson]

Excellent, glad you're sorted. I've always had really good support from Focusrite as well so it's good to hear about that too.

And in my defence, my version of mix control doesn't have that button...

[FrankF]

And in my defence, my version of mix control doesn't have that button...

Oddsfish, you're right! I've just had another look at your screenshot. I wonder if they added it or took it away? I have v. 1 8 128.

[Watchmaker]

Yay!

[Drew Stephenson]

And in my defence, my version of mix control doesn't have that button...

Oddsfish, you're right! I've just had another look at your screenshot. I wonder if they added it or took it away? I have v. 1 8 128.

Probably added, my interface is probably getting on for 12 years old now I'd guess.