Motu 16a

[Amack]

Which version of Pro Tools did you use for this test? You used a Mac right? How long was your recording? What bit depth, sample rate, and buffer size did you use? What did Pro Tools show for the "System Delay" (in "Session Setup")

Originally Posted by ShiftStudios

Hi Amack,

I only used Logic Pro for the test, I generally use Pro Tools for all my record/mixing. :)

In regards to real world scenario I did the following last night:

45 tracks, lots of heavy plugins (H-Reverb, SSLChannel, RVerb, iZotope oZone 6 Advanced. Created 2 x stereo and 7 x mono Audio, but input, fed output from drum tracks to busses, armed and hit record/play. At 64 samples there was no perceivable latency in the drum tracks being recorded against the tracks playing and being recorded, not a stutter or crackle either. This was not possible previously for me, so it's definitely a marked improvement. :)

Cheers.

[ShiftStudios]

Originally Posted by Amack

Which version of Pro Tools did you use for this test? You used a Mac right? How long was your recording? What bit depth, sample rate, and buffer size did you use? What did Pro Tools show for the "System Delay" (in "Session Setup")

Hi Amack, I used Pro Tools 12 Native, Yes I am on Mac. The recording was 2:30. Bit depth was 48k 24bit, sample size 64. Buffer is irrelevant as it's a Thunderbolt device and therefore buffer settings don't exist (because it locks to the Mac on a system level). Not sure about the System Delay, did not check, but I can check that tonight and get back to you.

Cheers!

[Amack]

Thanks! Isn't sample size the same as buffer size (in samples)?

Originally Posted by ShiftStudios

Hi Amack, I used Pro Tools 12 Native, Yes I am on Mac. The recording was 2:30. Bit depth was 48k 24bit, sample size 64. Buffer is irrelevant as it's a Thunderbolt device and therefore buffer settings don't exist (because it locks to the Mac on a system level). Not sure about the System Delay, did not check, but I can check that tonight and get back to you.

Cheers!

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by ShiftStudios

Buffer is irrelevant as it's a Thunderbolt device and therefore buffer settings don't exist (because it locks to the Mac on a system level)

Huh? Want to explain that in English?

There better be hardware buffers involved in getting a slow audio signal into a fast computer system. Thunderbolt is not magic, it looks like remote PCIe lanes, and the most optimized audio interfaces look internally like PCIe interfaces, complete with DACs and ADCs and PCIe glue, and yes hardware buffers.

[ShiftStudios]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

Huh? Want to explain that in English?

There better be hardware buffers involved in getting a slow audio signal into a fast computer system. Thunderbolt is not magic, it looks like remote PCIe lanes, and the most optimized audio interfaces look internally like PCIe interfaces, complete with DACs and ADCs and PCIe glue, and yes hardware buffers.

Fair enough, can you tell me where I am supposed to find buffer size in PT12? I'd be happy to tell you.

[mesaone]

Setup > Playback Engine

[ShiftStudios]

Originally Posted by mesaone

Setup > Playback Engine

I will screenshot various settings for you guys tonight. :)

[mesaone]

Just keep in mind that hooking up the 16A with thunderbolt or USB doesn't actually utilize the AVB protocol. It's only when you hook up multiple AVB devices and an AVB switch, and even then it's only AVB between the devices and switch. You're only using AVB throughout if you're connecting your computer to the AVB network (or a single AVB interface) via ethernet.

Right now, the 16A connected via thunderbolt will transfer data over the PCIe bus, if I'm not mistaken.

[ShiftStudios]

Originally Posted by mesaone

Just keep in mind that hooking up the 16A with thunderbolt or USB doesn't actually utilize the AVB protocol. It's only when you hook up multiple AVB devices and an AVB switch, and even then it's only AVB between the devices and switch. You're only using AVB throughout if you're connecting your computer to the AVB network (or a single AVB interface) via ethernet.

Right now, the 16A connected via thunderbolt will transfer data over the PCIe bus, if I'm not mistaken.

That is correct. I have used both methods, thunderbolt is definitely faster in any of the tests that I have done thus why I use it primarily with this device as I find I can set the latency lower with TB than AVB.

In terms of useability, I think either will work just as well for the average Joe. I will still provide some screenshots tonight around the other questions that have been asked. :)

[ShiftStudios]

Okay link below for photos showing details of session. Hope it answers everyones questions. :)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3o63d2xuz...KZ5gaWona?dl=0

Cheers!