Motu 828mk3 and Ableton routing issues

[whitegirllust]

Hi guys,

Firstly thanks for your time. I bought a second hand 828 MK3 yesterday and I have been trying to configure it with Ableton Live and my Macbook Pro.

I figured out that by assigning my Audio Set Up as:

Default Stereo Out: Main Out 1&2
Main Out Assign: Main Out 1&2

Then set Cue Mix up to:
Main 1&2w/ Monitor enabled

That I can get my computer sound system preferences (i.e. iTunes, browser, etc) to play out of the Motu. However I do have to keep the master really low to be listening level - around -40 db.

Then when I launch Ableton live the Master Out is set to 1&2. No sound emits. I have to change the Audio Set Up to:

Default Stereo Out: Analog 1&2
Main Out Assign: Analog 1&2

When I do this, if Ableton master is set to 0 THE OUTPUT IS LOUD AS CAN BE. Almost enough to blow my monitors.

If I enable Cue Mix Analog 1&2's Monitor, then I can monitor Live at the regular volume.

BUT now this means that iTunes and such will only play out of Analog 1&2.

If this is how I set it up does this mean that I can only monitor using Ableton through Analog 1&2 and I have to give up that output for Ableton? What is the point of having my monitors plugged in the mains then? I should just hook them up TRS via Analog 1&2?

I feel like I have to be overlooking a solution here. And I am bugged out because I only have my computer and monitors hooked up now. What do I have to look forward to when I get around to hooking up my synths and external efx?

I hope I am just being stupid and overlooking something in the routing here.

Thanks in advance.

[CrisMoreno]

I had the same problem and there definitely is just one solution: You have to use the Analog 1&2 outputs as your main outs. They are loud, yes. The bad thing is, that you have to buy something like a big knob from Mackie (which I did) or a Mixer and hook it in between the MOTU and your speakers. That's the way I solved it and I searched a lot through the MOTU forums. It looks like this is the only solution as MOTU didn't implement something like a master volume for the analog outs.

But I have to tell ya: I love the big knob!! It's a great solution for a project studio!

But I also have a question about the input routing. Maybe someone can help me there. I use the Mic and instr input as well as the analog ins 1&2 (rear)for my hardware synths. Now my JD800 is plugged into the analog in 1&2. When I monitor the inputs in Live, it tells me that it is plugged into 3&4 qhich isn't true. Now, as my Rhodes and Prodigy are plugged into 7&8, they don't appear in live. Even if I choose input 9&10 in Live. What do I have to fix to make the mic and instr. and the analog in 1&2 work correctly? Actually it worked a week ago, but I maybe changed something so now everything's f***ed up.

Cheers
Moreno

[whitegirllust]

I had the same problem and there definitely is just one solution: You have to use the Analog 1&2 outputs as your main outs. They are loud, yes. The bad thing is, that you have to buy something like a big knob from Mackie (which I did) or a Mixer and hook it in between the MOTU and your speakers. That's the way I solved it and I searched a lot through the MOTU forums. It looks like this is the only solution as MOTU didn't implement something like a master volume for the analog outs.

But I have to tell ya: I love the big knob!! It's a great solution for a project studio!

But I also have a question about the input routing. Maybe someone can help me there. I use the Mic and instr input as well as the analog ins 1&2 (rear)for my hardware synths. Now my JD800 is plugged into the analog in 1&2. When I monitor the inputs in Live, it tells me that it is plugged into 3&4 qhich isn't true. Now, as my Rhodes and Prodigy are plugged into 7&8, they don't appear in live. Even if I choose input 9&10 in Live. What do I have to fix to make the mic and instr. and the analog in 1&2 work correctly? Actually it worked a week ago, but I maybe changed something so now everything's f***ed up.

Cheers
Moreno

Thanks for chiming in here. Wow, I can't believe that this is the only solution. It seems like such a half assed thing to overlook on their part. As for the Analog In 7&8 thing - I am TOTALLY having the same problem. WTF Motu? So now I have a 626 instead of an 828? Makes me want to ditch this thing and just put a Fireface on a credit card.

If anyone has any solutions I would love to hear.

[channelite]

When I was using the 828mk3 with a mac, I enabled Live's 9-10 outputs for the XLR Main Outs on the 828. On the PC, the XLR Main Outs show up as outs 1-2 in Live. From there I could use the Master Volume knob to control the over all volume. Also, you have to set the XLR Main Out to Main Outs 1-2 in the Motu Audio Console.

I eventually got an ATTY box http://www.adesignsaudio.com/atty.html as a hardware volume control, since I found the 828 made popping noises when it was turned on and off. It goes between the XLR Main Outs and my speakers. I like the ATTY better as a master volume knob.