SC48/LE firewire rookie questions

[Jonathan K]

Is there a way to monitor tracks from the laptop being used to run ProTools, instead of the console, in an SC48/LE set-up with an external HDD and a Mac Book Pro?

Can the Fwx be used as an input from a mixer that has firewire outputs? Will channels 1 and 2 work like it does with iTunes? If so, how will that affect the ProTools? Will it simply drop to 16 available tracks?

At FOH we frequently have a producer doing track playbacks from multiple laptops during corporate shows via a sub-mix. At our last show It has become obvious that the old Mackie mixer just isn't cutting it anymore. We were thinking something along the lines of the Mackie Onyx. Of course if anyone has a better solution where we can remain 100% digital that would rock!

The IOx Card would really fit the bill but if I am reading things right it will not work on the SC48?

Loving the SC48's! All the old analog gear (which cost 10 times as much) is now collecting dust!

Thanks!

[Jonathan K]

One more question while I am at it. Can anyone recommend a good way to extend the cable length of the firewire to around 25'?

[Mike Z]

Originally Posted by Jonathan K

Is there a way to monitor tracks from the laptop being used to run ProTools, instead of the console, in an SC48/LE set-up with an external HDD and a Mac Book Pro?

No, there isn't a direct way to monitor the tracks at the laptop instead of the console.

Can the Fwx be used as an input from a mixer that has firewire outputs? Will channels 1 and 2 work like it does with iTunes? If so, how will that affect the ProTools? Will it simply drop to 16 available tracks?

FWx will only communicate with a computer that has Pro Tools LE installed. The Core Audio drivers (installed by LE) will work for sending audio from iTunes to the SC48. You can use other apps that support Core Audio as well, just remember the drivers are not multi-client so you can't run Pro Tools at the same time.

[Jason Stygar]

Originally Posted by Jonathan K

One more question while I am at it. Can anyone recommend a good way to extend the cable length of the firewire to around 25'?

We have a 50ft. firewire cable, so I'd imagine they make 25ft. as well... Not sure where we got it though... Certainly they're readily available...

[Jonathan K]

Originally Posted by Jason Stygar

We have a 50ft. firewire cable, so I'd imagine they make 25ft. as well... Not sure where we got it though... Certainly they're readily available...

Does that have an inline repeater of some kind? Everything I have read says the limit is 14'. We have tried a longer cable and it did not work. Reading some posts about the 001 I have a few products to try. Before I do it I was just wondering if anyone had experience with a repeater and an SC48/LE set-up.

Originally Posted by Mike Z

FWx will only communicate with a computer that has Pro Tools LE installed. The Core Audio drivers (installed by LE) will work for sending audio from iTunes to the SC48. You can use other apps that support Core Audio as well, just remember the drivers are not multi-client so you can't run Pro Tools at the same time.

Thanks Mike. It seems what I am really looking for is more AES inputs.

[Jason Raboin]

Originally Posted by Mike Z

No, there isn't a direct way to monitor the tracks at the laptop instead of the console.



FWx will only communicate with a computer that has Pro Tools LE installed. The Core Audio drivers (installed by LE) will work for sending audio from iTunes to the SC48. You can use other apps that support Core Audio as well, just remember the drivers are not multi-client so you can't run Pro Tools at the same time.

This is not exactly true. I use the firewire port on the SC48 to record to Logic and also for Spectrafoo at the same time. No issues.

[digidesigner]

Originally Posted by Jason Raboin

This is not exactly true. I use the firewire port on the SC48 to record to Logic and also for Spectrafoo at the same time. No issues.

could you please talk more in detail what and how you do it?

[Jason Raboin]

I use firewire channels 1 and 2 to send a mono mix and the measurement mic to Spectrafoo, and use 17 and 18 to send the L/R mix to Logic. Logic sometimes defaults to 44.1 and I need to change it to 48, but there are no tricks or odd settings, as far as I can tell.