Low Latency + Record Enable DROPS instrument volume

[defmuse]

I've figured out a semi-solution to this problem, but have no idea WHY it happens.

Basically, when I have TrackInput Monitor OFF, if I hit play or record, my instrument track's VOLUME drops significantly. Even if i raise my track volume up to its highest (+12 dB), there is NO change.

Only after putting TrackInput Monitor ON, this did not happen while my track was record-armed.

However, I noticed that whether TrackInput Monitor is on or off, if I put the Low Latency Monitoring ON, my volume drops again. Even while recording: I raised the volume of my guitar track to +12 dB, the fader stayed up (so I know it's not an automation problem), but the volume remained at that low level.

Why is this? Why is low latency monitoring, or having TrackInput Monitor OFF resulting in this is major decrease in my instrument track volume?

WHAT I AM USING:
* iMac (late 2015 model)
* Pro Tools 12.5.2.
* Interface: Focusrite Saffire Pro 26
* My guitar is going direct in, via a Boss GT-10 Effects Processor.

I have used the GT-10 for 5 years with my older DIGI 003 (PT 8), so I know it's not this.

[ChuckS]

Are your playback and record faders unlinked? Check prefs.

[defmuse]

They were linked. So I unlinked them, and that still didn't work. As soon as Low Latency Monitoring is on, the volume dropped again (and I moved the fader to check if levels would change, but it didn't do anything).

[ChuckS]

The only other thing I can think of is you might be monitoring the signal through both the audio interface mixer and PT. The PT side is dropping out when you get the lower volume. I'm not familiar with the Focusrite gear, but this has happened to me with MOTU interfaces.

[defmuse]

I think that's it. I just muted my armed track, and I can still hear my guitar (assuming from my Focusrite). Now I have to figure out how to send it via PT only.

EDIT: I figured out the routing for my Saffire... signal is only coming through PT now. But this hasn't helped my volume issue. Now when I turn on Low Latency, the volume drops to a point where I can hardly hear the signal.

[defmuse]

I just read at bit on Sweetwater that Low Latency mutes any record enabled tracks [ http://bit.ly/2eoprKh ]

That's really weird: I never had this issue with PT8.

[ChuckS]

What outs are you using for your monitors? IIRC, LLM only works when using the first output pair presented by the driver. Only other thing I can think of.

[The Weed]

Why are you using LLM? Try a 32 or 64 buffer or monitor through the Focusrite.

[defmuse]

Within my PT I/O's, my monitors are set to the Output 1+2 paths.

Within Saffire, the default output was set to "input 1" - I had to change that to "DAW 1" to cut off signal coming through my interface.

I hope I understood your question... am a little lost considering I made this jump from PT8, and it's the first time I'm using a non-DIGI interface.

[defmuse]

Actually, I'm thinking of doing just that. I was very confused since this is the first time I've used an interface aside from my previous DIGI 001 / 003.

From the info. on Sweetwater, it seems like monitoring via my Focusrite would be just fine.

Thanks to the both of you (ChuckS + The Weed) for your patience and tremendous amount of help. Really appreciate it!