Focusrite Audio Interface & Fantom X

[jmac]

I am having a bear of a time trying get spdif signal from the spdif out on the fantom x...


I set up a focusrite to the computer...the damn thing is a pain to figure out...can someone walk me through it...I'm trying to feed the signal into Steinberg to no avail...no audio at all...checked the routing, etc...it's crazy....and yes I read the manual...not very clear...

Or, can someone suggets a simple audio interface to do this...I prefer working with Sound Forge and Acid...and just want to get audio into those software programs...

jmac

[david_]

Hi jmac. I don't actually currently own the Saffire but I did briefly before returning it for a Firepod. I had it long enough though to understand your difficulties. Check the following:

Obviously connect the spdif coax from the Fantom spdif Output to the Saffire spdif Input.

On your input bank, make sure spdif on channel 3/4 is selected and volume is up.

Your output bank has separate mixing functions for all input. For example, channels 5/6 out are for headphones. For the output channels you are listening to, make sure that the volume mixer level are up for input channels 3/4.

For monitoring, make sure the mode selected is Tracking (I think that was the term), not Playback. This also sets the monitoring mix balanced between input and output levels.

Some of the problems I had were computer related, but I did find the software interface fairly confusing.

hope this helps .. David

[jmac]

David,

Thanks for taking the time to respond...after a long night...I finally figured it out...your comments helped a lot.

BTW...neat website.

jmac

jmac

[david_]

Glad I was able to help, and thanks re website. Good luck with your Saffire. As much as I like the Firepod I wish it had software mixing capabilities and the Saffire's effects were kind of neat.

David

[jmac]

David,

One more question...I would appreciate it...

I managed to figure the Saffire out...the manufacturer now has a version 2 software on its site that improves function...the cursor now opens a highlight that explains each function on the mixer...

My new problem is that I am getting crackle on the recorded tracks in Cubase LE...the monitors are pristine when I'm not recording...I think it is a sync issue...how did you resolve this when you tried it with your Fantom X ? ...I'm connected to the Saffire by SPDIF...

Many thanks in advance !

J Mac

jmac

[sambasevam]

Slightly OT :
//hijack

In the fantom S/X, SPID/F can only send two channels simultaneously right? what is sent through the main outs (L/r) is sent through spdif. Am i right?

Same goes for co-ax for the fantom x/s, right?

thnkx!

//end hijack



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If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is definitively not for you.

[jmac]

Sam...

Yes "right"...I get it...the Cubase manual references it could be a sync issue...correct or incorrect, your response doesn't help me...

Do you understand Cubase or not ?

jmac

[analog_]

Hi jmac

Fantom sample rate is 44.1KHz.
The sample rate setings in cubase must be the same as on the fantom.Please check your card and cubase settings!!!

Yam TX816, SY77, TG77; Kurz PC88; Rol Jv2080, VS1680, Fantom X6; Event 20/20; and my old MPC2000XL returned as midi MASTER

[honeyshape]

Hi Ya,

I've got a Saffire and Fantom X and Powerbook and Cubase.

Are you using a Mac? or PC?

[david_]

jmac, I am fairly certain (from memory) there is a sync setting for spdif (or external) on the Saffire. You must use this when recording from spdif, and also as analog mentioned you must also sample at 44.1khz. If you need higher definition than this try using the analog outs of the Fantom and record from the Saffire line ins. If you still are having a problem you may want to try this anyways to see if it resolves the problem. There may also be a Cubase setting but I can't help you there.

Other potential problems may be firewire or motherboard incompatibilities, hard drives and general computer settings for efficiency. Focusrite does have tech support but I must say that is one area where they were blown away by the very responsive support at Presonus.

David

[sambasevam]

jmac,
sorry i didnt answer the question. As i'd mentioned, i didnt intend to. I hijacked the thread temporarily to get an answer for a question i had in my mind.



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If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is definitively not for you.

[david_]

sambasevam, not quite sure if I am answering your question, but the spdif coax in/out on the Fantom is a stereo signal. I am not exactly sure either how it relates to the different routing options internal to the Fantom, but it is basically the main analog outs in digital stereo format (spdif).

David

[jmac]

Everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions...it sometimes seems as if 3/4s of a session is getting all of the equipment to work...in any event...I managed to get it all on line...

I spent some time on http://www.musicxp.net

The problems seemed to be caused by Windows XP...the tweak section on this site helped fix the problems...it is really a GREAT site...my computer now flys...

Also, just wanted to pass on a cool program for throwing drum patterns and sequences together...check out the demo...it works up to 24bit, 192khz and VST support !...it's similar to iDrum, but for PC...

http://www.acoustica.com/beatcraft/

Thanks again...and Happy Holidays !

jmac