Audio Interface Aggregation in OSX

inis · Post by **inis** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:19 pm

First off, i might have spelled aggregation wrong, lol.

So, anyone that is running Tiger might have come across this. It is a new tool in OSX that allows you to combine multiple audio interfaces into one large device.

Say you have A with 4 inputs, B with 6, and C with 2. You can now combine them into one large interface with 12 inputs. I havnt tried it in live yet, but I assume it would make live think that there is just one interface plugged in.

I thought I would bring it up because there is constant talk from newbies about using one audio interface for their master out, and the built in computer output to cue. Seems to me this would solve that problem since live wont support more than one device. I know specifically alot of people buy the M-Audio Firewire Solo, and are then disappointed when they discover they cant Cue a separate channel through the headphone jack. I personally returned mine and got an Audiophile, but I have always missed the convient pre-amps.

Please post if you have tried this. Id be curious to see peoples experiences/opinions.

darcyb · Post by **darcyb** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:48 pm

What's the tool called and what's its path?

smart1123 · Post by **smart1123** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:06 pm

Go into audio midi setup utility, in one of the menubar menus there's something like "edit aggregate devices" or some such. Looked at it but the traveller already has plenty of I/O so no need to set it up here.
Also have seen some forum users who have solved problems by disabling aggregate devices.

Let us know how it goes.

hambone1 · Post by **hambone1** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:14 pm

That's really useful!

I can use the Ozonic's four audio outputs for surround, and the on-board Mac audio for cueing.

Thanks for the tip!

ebencarlson · Post by **ebencarlson** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:37 pm

Hi all. I found that using the aggregate used significantly more CPU than just my Tascam FW-1884 so you may want to keep an eye on your CPU usage while you switch. All the best..

draff · Post by **draff** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:09 pm

I have a MOTU 828MKII, but sometimes I am out with just my Powerbook and an iMic, and the aggregate device funtion is awesome. I set up the built in output and the iMic as one aggregate device. I output to the mixer through the iMic, and headphones from the built in. I now have a multi-channel output device. Processor usage isn't a problem with basic DJ'ing.

Love it!

Audio Interface Aggregation in OSX

Audio Interface Aggregation in OSX

Aggregate Device