Using External Effects Devices - RME Audio Multiface User Manual

Recording a Software's playback
In real world application, recording a software's output with another software will show the fol-
lowing problem: The record software tries to open the same playback channel as the playback
software (already active), or the playback one has already opened the input channel which
should be used by the record software.
This problem can easily be solved. First make sure that all rules for proper multi-client opera-
tion are met (not using the same record/playback channels in both programs). Then route the
playback signal via TotalMix to a hardware output in the range of the record software, and acti-
vate it via Ctrl-mouse for recording.
Mixing several input signals into one record channel
In some cases it is useful to record several sources in only one track. For example when using
two microphones when recording instruments and loudspeakers. TotalMix' Loopback mode
saves an external mixing desk. Simply route/mix the input signals to the same output (third
row), then re-define this output into a record channel via Ctrl-mouse – that's it. This way any
number of input channels from different sources can be recorded into one single track.

30.6 Using external Effects Devices

With TotalMix a usage of external hardware - like effects devices - is easy and flexible.
Example 1: The singer (microphone input channel 1) shall have some reverb on his head-
phones (outputs 19/20). A direct routing In 1 to Out 19/20 for monitoring had been set up al-
ready. The external reverb is connected to a free output, for example channel 8. In active
mode Submix View click on channel 8 in the bottom row. Drag the fader of input 1 to about 0
dB and the panorama fully to the right. Adjust the input level at the reverb unit to an optimal
setting. Next the output of the reverb unit is connected to a free stereo input, for example 5/6.
Use the TotalMix level meters to adjust a matching output level at the reverb unit. Now click on
channels 19/20 in the bottom row, and move the fader of inputs 5/6 until the reverb effect gets
a bit too loud in the headphones. Now click on channel 8 in the bottom row again and drag
fader 1 down a bit until the mix of original signal and reverb is perfect for the singer.
The described procedure is completely identical to the one when using an analog mixing desk.
There the signal of the singer is sent to an output (usually labeled Aux), from there to a reverb
unit, sent back from the reverb unit as stereo wet signal (no original sound), back in through a
stereo input (e.g. Effect return) and mixed to the monitoring signal. The only difference: The
Aux sends on mixing desks are post-fader. Changing the level of the original signal causes a
change of the effects level (here the reverb) too, so that both always have the same ratio.
Tip: Such a functionality is available in TotalMix via the right mouse button! Dragging the fad-
ers by use of the right mouse button causes all routings of the current input or playback channel
to be changed in a relative way. This completely equals the function Aux post fader.
Example 2: Inserting an effects device can be done as above, even within the record path.
Other than in the example above the reverb unit also sends the original signal, and there is no
routing of input 1 directly to outputs 19/20. To insert an effects device like a Compres-
sor/Limiter directly into the record path, the input signal of channel 1 is sent by TotalMix to any
output, to the Compressor, back from the Compressor to any input. This input is now selected
within the record software.
User's Guide HDSP System Multiface © RME
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