S3 Talkback

[marsian]

Hi Kyle,

thank you for the ideascale list. You mentioned that S3 Talkback is fixed. Can you please tell how it could be done?
Thank you.

Cheers
Maik

[bobbyguelz]

Just read the updated S3 PDF readme and it explains how to set it up. It's very easy.

[YYR123]

Thanks I will check it out as well

[marsian]

Hi bobbyguelz,

thanks for the hint. I found it.

Cheers

[made]

I'm trying to setup the Talkback function and I am wondering...

So far it only works if I go thru MAIN or ALT.
I have to press "CUT" everytime I power on the S3 to make the talkback work.

The correct way would be like descibed in the manual.
Assigning a Direct Out... without going thru MAIN or ALT...

I would like to use AVB for Talkback as well, so I could carry my S3 into another room to record and talk to the talent via the S3.
Unfortunately the AVB inputs are pre-talkback


Maybe AVID could update the manual with a signal flow diagram?
Then it's easier to figure out what's possible and what isn't.

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by made

I'm trying to setup the Talkback function and I am wondering...

So far it only works if I go thru MAIN or ALT.
I have to press "CUT" everytime I power on the S3 to make the talkback work.

The correct way would be like descibed in the manual.
Assigning a Direct Out... without going thru MAIN or ALT...

I would like to use AVB for Talkback as well, so I could carry my S3 into another room to record and talk to the talent via the S3.
Unfortunately the AVB inputs are pre-talkback


Maybe AVID could update the manual with a signal flow diagram?
Then it's easier to figure out what's possible and what isn't.

You have to uncut the monitor outputs because those are muted on power up as a safety precaution by design (like most audio interfaces). Also, the Direct Out and Main/Alt outputs are shared. The assumption is that if you are using say Line Out 3-4 for Talkback output, you are either sending that direct to talent or sending just a mono output to another interface, then to talent. Either way you have to uncut the output to get signal routed.

Will you explain your desired setup and routing for "I would like to use AVB for Talkback as well, so I could carry my S3 into another room to record and talk to the talent via the S3"? A bit more detail on the workflow you are not able to achieve currently would be helpful. Suggestion on signal flow diagram is noted.

[made]

My workflow to record someone in my control room would be to take the S3 next door where I only have an ethernet AVB connection to my Mac. The talkback would be routed into CoreAudio and could go from there via the built in output to the headphones.
Needs a bit tweaking but I don't need any audio cables between the rooms...
As it works now, if I use mic input 1 as talkback, CoreAudio gets the mic signal non stop.

You have to uncut the monitor outputs because those are muted on power up as a safety precaution by design (like most audio interfaces)

If someone routes his talkback to the Main or Alternative monitor he has a big problem, safety cut or not... ... as soon as he hits the Talkback button

All MIO and RME interfaces have a talkback output setting that stays after rebooting...

it's a minor thing, but in my mind I already hear the phone ringing and people asking why the talkback doesn't work...

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by made

My workflow to record someone in my control room would be to take the S3 next door where I only have an ethernet AVB connection to my Mac. The talkback would be routed into CoreAudio and could go from there via the built in output to the headphones.
Needs a bit tweaking but I don't need any audio cables between the rooms...
As it works now, if I use mic input 1 as talkback, CoreAudio gets the mic signal non stop.



If someone routes his talkback to the Main or Alternative monitor he has a big problem, safety cut or not... ... as soon as he hits the Talkback button

All MIO and RME interfaces have a talkback output setting that stays after rebooting...

it's a minor thing, but in my mind I already hear the phone ringing and people asking why the talkback doesn't work...

Need more specifics still. Which built-in output are you talking about when you say "The talkback would be routed into CoreAudio and could go from there via the built in output to the headphones." Are you aggregating S3 with Built-In audio on the Mac? I am still confused on the destination for the talkback input.

When you say "If someone routes his talkback to the Main or Alternative monitor he has a big problem". Does "big problem" mean the need to uncut the output?

[made]

Are you aggregating S3 with Built-In audio on the Mac? I am still confused on the destination for the talkback input.

you could aggregate and use Jack Audio Router, you could use the app "Line In" or you could build your own fancy routing in Plogue Bidule, PD or Max.

(or go via ReWire, or AVID makes a nice AAX plugin...)

When you say "If someone routes his talkback to the Main or Alternative monitor he has a big problem". Does "big problem" mean the need to uncut the output?

If you have your Main speakers on your MAIN S3 output and your Talkback assigned to Out 1, the "safety cut" would prevent sound coming out of the speakers. Then you uncut your MAIN and everything is still fine.
Once you press "Mix to Mons" you will get a feedback loop and might destroy your speakers and/or ears...
In my opinion, the preference should be Talkback on Output x = No assignment to a MAIN or ALT speaker output and no cut or level adjustment applied. Like most Direct Outs on real mixing consoles

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by made

If you have your Main speakers on your MAIN S3 output and your Talkback assigned to Out 1, the "safety cut" would prevent sound coming out of the speakers. Then you uncut your MAIN and everything is still fine.
Once you press "Mix to Mons" you will get a feedback loop and might destroy your speakers and/or ears...
In my opinion, the preference should be Talkback on Output x = No assignment to a MAIN or ALT speaker output and no cut or level adjustment applied. Like most Direct Outs on real mixing consoles

If you're monitoring in the control room via MAIN outputs (1-2), you would not want to assign talkback to your MAIN outputs because you don't want to hear your own voice in the speakers. You would want to assign talkback to whatever output is feeding the talent. For instance, Out 3-4 or HP.

Example Setup (see attached too)
Hardware Connections:
S3 Outputs 1-2 --> Main monitors (Control Room)
S3 Outputs 3-4 --> Headphone Amp>Headphones (Talent)
Monitor Source --> S3 Inputs 3-4
Talkback Mic --> S3 Input 1
Talent Mic --> S3 Input 2

S3 Settings:
In 1 Direct Out --> Out 3-4, Talkback On, 40dB
In 2 Direct Out --> Out 3-4, Talkback Off, 40dB
Save/TB Settings -->TB Engage = Mix to Mon
Mon Prefs ---> In 3-4, Mon to HP on, Dim = -15dB
MAIN --> Select on*, Cut off, -30dB
ALT --> Select on*, Cut off, -40dB

*Hold Shift/Multiselect button in bottom left of S3 and press Sel switch to multiselect both MAIN and ALT outputs.

Pressing Mix to Mon switch will dim your source. So, even if you had talkback and monitor source both feeding MAIN Out 1-2 (like in your example) there shouldn't be a feedback problem unless you have your dim level set to 0dB (no dim).

Does that make sense? Let me know if I missed something.