External FX

[Andrew07]

Alright guys, I have yet another Cubase question for yas. This one isn't quite as stupid as my others and I looked through my manual and Cubase Power! and couldn't find anything

When I get to Devices-->Device Setup I change the clock source from Internal to Digital(I'm clocking to a Rosetta 800 running S/PDIF to my 002). I click 'Apply' then 'OK' and close the window. After I play audio for a while then go back to check that window, it will keep resorting to 'Internal' anyone know why it's doing this? It's hooked up correctly and in Pro Tools it will clock to ADAT fine.

Also, I'm trying to setup some outboard gear, but I'm not quite sure how to make Cubase recognize it. I have an XLR patchbay connected to the Rosetta 1-8. I switch patches around and such, so I won't have any particular channel devoted entirely to one piece of gear(So instead of always having hardware EQ in ADAT 1 one day it might be patched into ADAT 3). So I go to Devices-->VST Connection. I should be setting up this outboard gear into 'External FX,' correct? I click on 'Add External FX' and created ADAT 1 but under 'Audio Device' it says 'Not Connected.' When I click here my only option to choose from is "Not Connected" or "Digidesign ASIO Master." It won't let me change the Device Port at all.

[brandondrury]

When I get to Devices-->Device Setup I change the clock source from Internal to Digital(I'm clocking to a Rosetta 800 running S/PDIF to my 002).

Is this the same clock? I thought that the Cubase clock was using for syncing with video or whatever. I may be wrong. If anyone knows for sure, please jump in.

You've got me on the external thing as well.

I'll give it to you, these were good questions.

Brandon

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by Andrew07

So I go to Devices-->VST Connection. I should be setting up this outboard gear into 'External FX,' correct? I click on 'Add External FX' and created ADAT 1 but under 'Audio Device' it says 'Not Connected.' When I click here my only option to choose from is "Not Connected" or "Digidesign ASIO Master." It won't let me change the Device Port at all.

This doesn't quite sound right to me, although I have to admit, I've never got into this side of Cubase. But isn't the Rosetta in this instance an audio interface?

Have you tried Apogee's tech support?

R.

[Andrew07]

Apparently "Internal" is the correct setting. Since Cubase is getting its information from digi's core audio driver which is already clocked to the Rosetta it doesn't matter which you choose inside Cubase. The Rosetta is an audio interface and clock device.

Richiebee, do you know how I should be setting up my outboard gear to use inside Cubase?

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by Andrew07

Richiebee, do you know how I should be setting up my outboard gear to use inside Cubase?

No I don't... sorry. All of my stuff is internal.

[brandondrury]

I know Dach uses the external stuff. Send him a PM, Andrew07 and direct him to this thread.

Brandon

[Andrew07]

I was being a complete dumbass and didn't realize there was a THIRD drop down tab for the Send and Return busses. Also, you can't use a channel if it's already set up in ''Inputs'' or "Outputs" (not sure why, but you just can't).

So that means I have ADAT channels 1-8 but I can only set them up in one spot. Since I use both stereo and mono outboard gear, I set up 1,2,3,4 as Mono "External Effects" and 5-6 & 7-8 as Stereo "External Effects" and patch accordingly. ALSO the delay compensation for outboard gear didn't work properly in the version of Cubase that came outta the box. By downloading the 3.1(.1?) version, it has a "ping" button that you click when using "External FX" and Cubase will measure and adjust the delay accordingly.

[dach]

Glad you figured it out... it can become more difficult when everything is synced to a master clock but lets not go there.....

There's a valid reason for not letting you assign an I/O to multiple uses.

I like using outboard but I rarely use it as inserts, usually only when going in to the box. I have decent stuff and a master clock but most times (not always though) I feel the extra d/a > a/d conversion is more detrimental than using plugs so usually most of my outboard "inserts" or effects are done via AES.

I try to take advantage of the outboard ie: comps, etc during tracking so there's less gain reduction/makeup to do ITB. Plus, multiple stages of compression (small doses) usually leads to better results.... However, I like it best when my "compression" is riding the faders - unless I actually want the sound of compression artifacts - which can be cool and useful as well.