Saffire Mix Control - Tips and Tricks- Let's learn it together...

[65535]

Hey Chris,

I was wondering if it was possible for the Saffire Pro 24 to behave like the Pro 40 or Liquid 56 in terms of the hardware volume knob. It would be really great to have control assignable across any of outputs.

[Nathanael PCB]

When I got my LS56 there was next to no info online and I had to learn how to use mix control. Some things took longer to figure out but in reality it was all rather painless.
Have some patience and keep exploring. I think it's rather powerful mixer and like any technology the language is different from kit to kit.

[Chris Focusrite]

Originally Posted by 65535

Hey Chris,

I was wondering if it was possible for the Saffire Pro 24 to behave like the Pro 40 or Liquid 56 in terms of the hardware volume knob. It would be really great to have control assignable across any of outputs.

I'm afraid not, the pot is hard wired into analogue outputs 1 and 2 whereas for the Pro 40 and Liquid Saffire 56, it's a digital pot can control the level of any of the outputs.

[65535]

Originally Posted by Chris Focusrite

I'm afraid not, the pot is hard wired into analogue outputs 1 and 2 whereas for the Pro 40 and Liquid Saffire 56, it's a digital pot can control the level of any of the outputs.

That was what I was afraid to hear, thank you for confirming this.

[Arthur Stone]

I've been having a problem routing audio out from (line outs) 1 & 2...no sound was coming out; the solution was to control the volume via the front panel monitor control. Doh!

[ONELOUDPRODUCTIO]

Originally Posted by Chris Focusrite

Sorry to hear of your Saffire Mix Control issues. You should be able to get output 7 and 8 out of line outputs 7 and 8 by routing DAW 7 and 8 to line outputs 7 and 8 in MixControl. Then make sure outputs 7 and 8 are not being controlled by the monitor knob by shift + clicking on 7 and 8 in the monitor section (bottom right).

I recommend checking out these tutorials for more information:
Saffire MixControl Tutorial Part II: Routing Audio to the Outputs .: Focusrite Answerbase

Best regards,



Chris
Focusrite Support

Chris,

Thanks for the input. I was able to figure out my routing issue but let me tell you...your answer base was absolutely no help...I just figured it out by trial and error and process of elimination, but it's way to much work and it slows down my work flow. I wish I could just set up my IO within the IO Setup in Pro Tools like I have done with every other interface I have had over the last 7 years but since I can't I'm going to get rid of it. I bought this product because it claims it is Pro Tools 9 Ready and "YES" it works with Pro Tools 9 and 10 but the Mix Control and the Drivers are terrible, complicated, and I don't have time to make a preset for every possible situation I could be in while working in my studio. If Focusrite made just a "Driver" with no software control like my digi001, 002, and 003 I would probably keep it, but I have already ordered a Lynx AES16e card and a Lucid 88192. Sorry for the long winded reply.

[Chris Focusrite]

Originally Posted by ONELOUDPRODUCTIO

Chris,

Thanks for the input. I was able to figure out my routing issue but let me tell you...your answer base was absolutely no help...I just figured it out by trial and error and process of elimination, but it's way to much work and it slows down my work flow. I wish I could just set up my IO within the IO Setup in Pro Tools like I have done with every other interface I have had over the last 7 years but since I can't I'm going to get rid of it. I bought this product because it claims it is Pro Tools 9 Ready and "YES" it works with Pro Tools 9 and 10 but the Mix Control and the Drivers are terrible, complicated, and I don't have time to make a preset for every possible situation I could be in while working in my studio. If Focusrite made just a "Driver" with no software control like my digi001, 002, and 003 I would probably keep it, but I have already ordered a Lynx AES16e card and a Lucid 88192. Sorry for the long winded reply.

If there was no Saffire MixControl software you wouldn't have the flexibility to route different sources to different outputs. It can be a little complex at first but once you get used to it you can see how useful and flexible it can be. Furthermore, once it's set up you don't need to go back into Saffire MixControl.

Have you read the user guide parts on Saffire MixControl? Did you read all 3 parts of the answerbase tutorial?

You also might find this video useful: Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Tutorial - YouTube

[Arthur Stone]

Originally Posted by Chris Focusrite

If there was no Saffire MixControl software you wouldn't have the flexibility to route different sources to different outputs. It can be a little complex at first but once you get used to it you can see how useful and flexible it can be. Furthermore, once it's set up you don't need to go back into Saffire MixControl...

This is certainly true; after a years use I must say that it's a great unit and very capable. The audio quality and functionality is superb for this price point. Thoroughly recommended.

[65535]

Originally Posted by ONELOUDPRODUCTIO

Chris,

Thanks for the input. I was able to figure out my routing issue but let me tell you...your answer base was absolutely no help...I just figured it out by trial and error and process of elimination, but it's way to much work and it slows down my work flow. I wish I could just set up my IO within the IO Setup in Pro Tools like I have done with every other interface I have had over the last 7 years but since I can't I'm going to get rid of it. I bought this product because it claims it is Pro Tools 9 Ready and "YES" it works with Pro Tools 9 and 10 but the Mix Control and the Drivers are terrible, complicated, and I don't have time to make a preset for every possible situation I could be in while working in my studio. If Focusrite made just a "Driver" with no software control like my digi001, 002, and 003 I would probably keep it, but I have already ordered a Lynx AES16e card and a Lucid 88192. Sorry for the long winded reply.

Route everything 1-1 in MixControl, click save to hardware. Never worry about it again.

I've been told I pick up things quick, but I find the software very easy to use with just a little bit of reading.

[ONELOUDPRODUCTIO]

Originally Posted by 65535

Route everything 1-1 in MixControl.

1-1 ? Could you elaborate?



Sent from my Vortex using Gearslutz.com

[ashleyhanoman]

Hi everyone. Sorry but I'm well behind you all here just want to know a simple thing please...

I have the 24 DSP & would like to know how I run 2 sets of monitors so I can do a simple main mix a/b between them when using Pro Tools & Ableton. I'm not tracking anything yet, just mixing.

I'm pretty scared to try anything else as I keep having either outs 1&2 working fine or sudden max volume everything. My ears are almost bleeding & my speakers (I'm sure) aren't happy!

Thanks.

[88fingerz]

Originally Posted by ONELOUDPRODUCTIO

1-1 ? Could you elaborate?



Sent from my Vortex using Gearslutz.com

Yes please, elaborate.

[ears2thesky]

I believe the poster is referring to input channel 1 to software channel 1, input channel 2 to software channel 2, etc.

If you want to run two sets of monitors: run the 1st pair from outputs 1 and 2, then hook up the 2nd pair to outs 3 and 4. Patch all of the inputs to each pair the same way and simply mute/unmute the output pair that corresponds to the monitors you want to hear.

I personally don't understand all of the confusion with the Mix Control. Everything is clearly labelled, the functions are intuitive, I don't think I've even cracked the manual for it and still am able to configure whatever I need quickly and easily.

The only caveat I have with Mix Control is the fixed out channels for the two headphone outs. I prefer to assign headphone outs from whatever I choose for any given configuration. My solution was to add a TC Electronic BMC-2 fed from S/PDIF for monitoring the mix and a 4-channel headphone amp for tracking run from the analog outs. The BMC-2 frees up two additional analog outs for OTB summing and gives me the ability to monitor whatever source I choose (inputs, groups, main mix, etc.).

I am very satisfied with the LS56 and find the Mix Control applet to be extremely flexible and easy to work with.

[ashleyhanoman]

Thank-you for your reply. I will try what you suggested & I'm very happy for you that you find the software so easy to use & intuitive.

[Seventh Knight]

I'm lost on one thing: how to make left and right input signals come out when using a mic for vocals. I would think that you would use the "DAW" setting on the router and then use "Anlg1" and "Anlg2" to have your left and right signals going into yoru DAW (which in my case is Cubase) however mine doesn't do that. It seems the only way I can do it is to use "Anlg1" and "(FX) Angl1" to do so. However, when doing this the signal (as far as meters go) only goes on the left side in Cubase 6.

How do I fix this?

Thanks

Seventh

[Snivitz]

Well hows it going slutz, some good info on the mix control here, sweet thread.
Ive got a bit of an issue which i think is related to the Mix Control but i'm sure its mostly me being a tool.
Ok, i just picked up a Lexicon MX200 and connected it to my Pro 24 via S/PDIF and to my computer via usb, the MX200 shows up in the midi i/o in ableton fine and the AU plugin is running on a channel with a drum loop, great, but no signal is passing through the Lexicon and i'm left with no effected drums.
I suspect that the routing in the Mix Control is the problem, ive been messing with the routing in the Mix Control but it seems i'm just pissing into the wind.
I would be super grateful if anyone who's running a similar setup could help out.

All my i/o's in ableton are active, moving a pot on the hardware mirror's it in the plugin, so thats playing nice, the only thing i can think of now is the the S/PDIF routing is not right in the Mix Control.

Can anyone help me out?

Cheers.
Snivitz.

[ears2thesky]

Are you going in or out via S/PDIF? Both?
You still have to patch both audio inputs and outputs through the Lex.
You are limited to 44.1/48k with digital connection as I recall.

[Tom Focusrite]

Hi Snivitz,

If you continue to experience problems with this then please get in touch using our Support Contact Form and we will help you out.

Best regards,

Tom // Focusrite Tech Support Engineer

[poopynuggeteer]

Heres something kind of strange. My liquid 56 and mix control boot up differently everytime. Sometimes I turn the saffire on then open my laptop click on mix control and there it is. Sometimes I have to open my DAW before mix control comes up. Sometimes everything comes on and I have output through my monitors and can operate the 56 accordingly and mix control still says "no hardware connected please make sure you interface is powered on". Im on a macbook pro which focusrite has amazing drivers for mac so I'm not sure what the problem is. I;m going to reinstall mix control and see if this helps...

[poopynuggeteer]

Anyone? This is really starting to become annoying to dick with everytime I open up my laptop. Its always different there doesnt seem to be a pattern. When It does work I have to change my sample rate from 44.1 to whatever else and then back to 44.1 before it has sound. Little stuff like this is making mix control not so great to work with.

[siniarch]

Poopynuggeteer,
I had issues similar to you on my Macbook Pro running Windows 7 (bootcamp) and using reaper.
I can't remember exactly where it was, but in windows there was a setting with my firewire driver that let it be controlled by other software. Also, I believe reaper has a setting for controlling the audio device. I had to set them both correctly to get it to work.
I no longer have that problem.
Not sure in Mac OS if there is something like that. Sometimes Mac OS makes things a little too simple in my opinion by removing setting that when things are not working it would be nice to get to.
Let us know if you get it working.

[poopynuggeteer]

Originally Posted by siniarch

Poopynuggeteer,
I had issues similar to you on my Macbook Pro running Windows 7 (bootcamp) and using reaper.
I can't remember exactly where it was, but in windows there was a setting with my firewire driver that let it be controlled by other software. Also, I believe reaper has a setting for controlling the audio device. I had to set them both correctly to get it to work.
I no longer have that problem.
Not sure in Mac OS if there is something like that. Sometimes Mac OS makes things a little too simple in my opinion by removing setting that when things are not working it would be nice to get to.
Let us know if you get it working.

Yeah there's nothing like that out of place. Like I said sometimes it works great and connects fine. But its usually random in when it does and how it does it. If I power my laptop all the way off and then back on I can get it to work but this gets annoying. I cant see why mix control cant find the device but my mac can. Sometimes not even the mac can find. Even If i close it unplug and go back in.

The 56 is a firewire 400 and mac is a 800. I bought the adapter that focusrite suggested to use. I wonder if maybe this is the problem. I got the adapter on amazon and although it said it was the exact same adapter as the suggested one there was no logo like the one in the photo and it looked slightly different.

[siniarch]

When you say adapter, do you mean cable?
All I have is a FW800 to FW400 cable. It's a cheap one and I do have to say that it sometimes has intermittent contact on my MacBookPro side. Not on the back of the LS56.
I just unplug and replug or turn off saffire and turn on and presto.
Hope that helps.

[ant_chapman]

I'm trying to figure out if there's any way to do the following with a Saffire Pro 40 and Mixcontrol.

I'm making screencasts of Pro Tools for a teaching job. They're basic level stuff, so I have to start with blank sessions and create tracks etc. Is there any way I can take the output of Pro Tools and mix it with a live mic input in Mixcontrol and use loopback to send it to Screenflow? Unhelpfully, Screenflow doesn't let you configure which inputs you are recording from on the interface.

Up till now I'm been using a heath robinson setup of one interface connected to another, but I'd rather do it all in the box if at all possible.

THanks in advance

[machoboy]

Originally Posted by fastlanestoner

I've had my Saffire (love it) for months and h e produced great recordings...but I have no effing idea how to manipulate the mix control...I have mine set to a basic stereo out but if talent wants a diff headphone mix I have to pull faders in my daw

I'm going to be on this thread like white on bob vila

That about sums up my situation. I had the Scarlett 8i6 for a while and now the Pro 24 and I've never really done anything with mixcontrol other than leave it on default. I've fallen into the habit of doing everything either in my DAW or via hardware knobs. Everything between the two is no man's land. I will watch this thread.

[ant_chapman]

I've had a play around, and currently I can class it as only a partial success.

I've set the loopback to receive the monitor mix. My monitor mix has DAW 1/2 and a live input from a mic on input 8. In my cans, everything is fine - but when I record in Screenflow, the live mic input is panned all the way over to one side - even though it's panned centrally in Mixcontrol.

Any ideas anyone?

[Arthur Stone]

Originally Posted by ant_chapman

I've had a play around, and currently I can class it as only a partial success.

I've set the loopback to receive the monitor mix. My monitor mix has DAW 1/2 and a live input from a mic on input 8. In my cans, everything is fine - but when I record in Screenflow, the live mic input is panned all the way over to one side - even though it's panned centrally in Mixcontrol.

Any ideas anyone?

There is a stereo/mono button on each track in the mixer...worth a try. Good luck ; )

[ant_chapman]

Originally Posted by Arthur Stone

There is a stereo/mono button on each track in the mixer...worth a try. Good luck ; )

I thought it might be that but no dice - the stereo/mono switches are for pairs on inputs/outputs, and I've got the input channel for the mic set as a regular mono channel in the monitor mix, panned centrally.

[Arthur Stone]

Originally Posted by ant_chapman

I thought it might be that but no dice - the stereo/mono switches are for pairs on inputs/outputs, and I've got the input channel for the mic set as a regular mono channel in the monitor mix, panned centrally.

What about the Screenflow input channel setting? You mention that you cannot select which channels are used but can you select whether that channel is mono/stereo?

The reason I mention this is I had a similar problem where my (mono) DAW recording was panned L...to solve this I changed the MixControl channel from stereo to (dual) mono but the problem persisted so I had to also change the input channel in the DAW from stereo to mono.

I can replicate the problem you have by passing a mono signal through a stereo channel so it's possible it could be that. Again, good luck and apologies if I'm mentioning the obvious : )

[ant_chapman]

Originally Posted by Arthur Stone

What about the Screenflow input channel setting? You mention that you cannot select which channels are used but can you select whether that channel is mono/stereo?

The reason I mention this is I had a similar problem where my (mono) DAW recording was panned L...to solve this I changed the MixControl channel from stereo to (dual) mono but the problem persisted so I had to also change the input channel in the DAW from stereo to mono.

I can replicate the problem you have by passing a mono signal through a stereo channel so it's possible it could be that. Again, good luck and apologies if I'm mentioning the obvious : )

No, not at all! This is all helpful.

So all I have in Mixcontrol is the DAW input - which is a stereo channel - and a mono input for the mic, which is a mono channel. I've tried all the inputs, and all seem to behave the same way - even when it's panned centrally, it records it on the left or right side (depending on if you use an odd or even numbered input).

Screenflow offers no options at all - you can just select "Saffire", but you can't specify which inputs are used, which is a shame as it would be possible to cross patch it if you could.

I think it must be to do with the point at which the loopback bus takes live audio - presumably it's taking it pre monitor mixer, which of course is counter-intuitive as you're able to send the monitor mix to loopback