Hardware insert with non-Avid/Digi interface?

[ChuckS]

Are hardware inserts working with 3rd party interfaces? I can't get any signal back from a hardware insert on my 828mk3. The 828mk3 shows both input and output active, but no audio back to the track in PT10. A loopback on the insert comes up nada, so it's not the outboard gear. Anyone else trying hardware inserts?

[ChuckS]

I checked this on the PC side and inserts work fine. A one to one correspondence from analog in 1-8 to analog out 1-8. On the Mac side however, the returns are shifted 2 positions lower, i.e. if I send on analog 4 out then the insert returns on analog 2 in. I get why this might happen - the inputs and outputs are not matched in the same order by the driver. On the Mac, the 828mk3 inputs start with Mic/Inst 1-2 and then Analog 1-8 while the outputs start with Analog 1-8, so there's your two channel offset. I can't figure any way to massage the I/O setup or change the order the interface presents itself. I have to believe that this would be a problem with any interface that the I/O isn't matched positionally. Oh well, it's always something - any ideas how to shift one or the other?

(on the PC side, MOTU puts the Main Outs ahead of the Analog Outs in the driver so there is no offset, Inputs: Mic 1-2 --> Analog 1-8, Outputs: Mains 1-2 --> Analog 1-8)

[albee1952]

Its a small PITA, but you can always send out and record the return to its own audio track. Then using the original as a placement guide, nudge the new processed audio into perfect alignment. Hide and make inactive on the original. Hardware inserts are likely not in the sights of most lower to middle range interfaces. In fact, unless your outboard processors are "something special" like 1176LN, LA2A, Manley and such, good plugins can likely do a better job with less hassle.(just a thought anyway)

[ChuckS]

Thanks for the reply. I only need six inserts, so I can deal with this strange offset thing (or just run Win7 in BootCamp). It's just way easier to enter the interface loopback delay in I/O Setup. The outboard gear is worth the effort.