some help with pro tools intro + RME UC

[icebear3000]

im not able to get an audio inputs working using pro tools intro (most recent version) and an RME Fireface UC (usb) on a macbook pro (2019 + most recent Big Sur).



- ive selected fireface as playback
- ive tried the "default on the i/o pages (input + output)

- i am able to playback imported clips
- i can record using internal mic of macbook
- ive tried starting new projects with same setup
- ive tried different inputs (using an ADAT 8200)


i understand the limitations of 8 tracks might be the catch here, but ive tried input 1 and different ADAT inputs...



does anyone have this same setup and can shed some light? thanks in advance!

[Darryl Ramm]

Hi Welcome to DUC

Common mistakes that can cause this are:

Not granting Pro Tools "Microphone" privilege in macOS Privacy & Security preferences.

Confusion with software vs hardware monitoring (eg monitoring through Pro Tools Vs. TotalMix). eg. with Options>Low Latency Monitoring checked Pro Tools will not software monitor and you won't hear anything while input monitoring or recording unless you are monitoring through TotalMix...but Pro Tools track meters will move and Pro Tools will record audio that you will hear on playback.

Trying to record audio to an instrument track, audio needs to be recorded to an audio track, instrument tracks record MIDI.

Not record arming the input/correct input.

Not having microphone gain turned up on the input.

Trying to use a TRS input on a combo socket for a microphone signal (TRS are line-level inputs).

Not having phantom power enabled on condenser etc. microphones that require it.

Other cabling problems.


Your problem is likely there, and you can find it yourself, but if you need more help we really need clearer information:

Exactly what are you recording, with what mic etc. give details, model of mic, if say an electric guitar give its model and pickups details, etc.

Exactly what input in the Fireface UC is that connected to with exactly what cable/connector? (e.g. XLR or TRS into an analog input)

What track type are you recording to? Is that a mono track?

What input I/O is selected on the track?

Do you see the TotalMix meter move for that input on the interface?

Do you see the Pro Tools track input meter move? (you should be in pre-fader metering when recording).

Do you just not hear any monitoring when recording? But audio is actually recorded?

Are you trying to monitor through Pro Tools or TotalMix?

[Darryl Ramm]

...And the 8 audio track limit in Pro Tools Intro is unlikely to be a problem, the stupid way Avid implements the 4 simultaneous recording inputs is more likely to be an issue... you can only record the first four inputs in numerical order on the interface, and to make that perfectly user hostile Pro Tools gives no errors or hints when hitting this limit, the user is just left twisting in the wind with inputs that don't work.

If you are trying Input 1 that should work fine, your ADAT inputs will not work because of this.

[icebear3000]

ok thanks for your replies.. and in response:


- im speaking into an SM58
- using an XLR
- getting input into totalmix / ableton

- recording onto a mono track (which is record enabled)
- getting no metering input / recording in pro tools
- breathing deep and slowly

[Darryl Ramm]

Your first suspect then is Pro Tools has not got microphone privilege in macOS.

[icebear3000]

microphone privileges arent the problem (can use internal mic)


but thanks.. hoping someone has this same setup with the RME and can shed some light ��


edit - using a scarlett 4i4 - works just fine with everything else the same - but would love to use my RME ��

[DetroitT]

Mic privileges is for “Audio permissions ” not meaning internal microphone.
Easy to check in system preferences < security…

[smurfyou]

Screenshots of TotalMix and PT I/O page might help.


But if it's working in Ableton... curious. Unless the inputs are presenting to PT in an odd order. Never used a UC