PT HD on saffire pro 40 or 56?

[rustyjay]

has anyone tried mixing on surround with either the saffire pro 40 or liquid saffire 56 using PT10HD or PT11hd?
im mainly curious if the HD software can identify the interface as having 8 and being able to use them properly to mix in surround with surround plugins?

[nst7]

The HD software will see any interface with enough outputs as a viable surround source. In fact, you can even set up a surround session with an interface that only has two outputs. You would just only hear two channels, unless you use the built in downmixer plugin, that would provide fold downs of the other channels.

I'm currently using my 2010 Mac Pro HDMI multichannel out (via a MiniDisplayport to HDMI adapter) into my consumer reciever and can monitor through my consumer home theater system (I only recently discovered I can do this). It works great.

You will not have a problem using the Focusrite units. You will have the option to set up the output of it so that all of your needed outputs (6 or 8, depending on if you're doing 5.1 or 7.1) will go through your volume knob/monitor section, which is great, unless you already have a separate surround monitor controller.

[rustyjay]

on your setup, are you using pro tools hd or native?

[nst7]

I am using HD. I have the HD software because I have the HD Native and Omni system. But I do not have the extra powered studio monitors to hook up to the Omni. So instead I am using my home theater for surround monitoring, since it is in the same room as my computer and Protools setup (though I still need a 25 foot HDMI cable to reach the receiver).

But you can use the Focusrite units just fine if that's what you're thinking about.

[Katherine_Focusrite]

The Pro 40 and Liquid Saffire 56 are both great interfaces for Surround Mixing in Pro Tools.

You will find the Digitally Controlled Monitor Knob useful as once you go into Saffire MixControl and make sure each Monitor Enable Button for those Line Outputs (these are just above the large Software Monitor Knob) is Blue they are all controlled by the Software and Physical Monitor Knobs.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.

[conleec]

Is it still the case that the 8 analog outputs can be grouped and controlled by the physical knob on the front panel?

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by conleec

Is it still the case that the 8 analog outputs can be grouped and controlled by the physical knob on the front panel?

Yes, that's what she was saying. I use my Saffire 56 for surround mixing and have used a Pro 40 in the past - they work and sound great!!