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MOTU Audio Express
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MOTU Audio Express
Da_Caluva Da_Caluva

«  Dangerous. »

Published on 04/17/11 at 04:14
Specifications are attractive.
Hybrid USB / Firewire, opportunities to mix four different ways depending on the outputs, headphone output (on paper) assignable to different outs plus a separate way. Displaying all levels enjoyable.
Mixer can optionally be used standalone

J'utilis (ais) e this interface with my MacBook Pro 2009 Mac OSX 10.6, Ableton Live. Input synth Roland SH-32, in main output a pair of Mackie MR 5 Mk II.

Use?

A digital piano / synthesizer input to my DAW, general listening (movies, MP3s). I also wanted to use the separate headphone jack for practicing with live mix, but this is impossible.

UTILIZATION

Current version of drivers seem stable, but they may be the cause of my problems, as I describe it) below.

I spent my weekend looking for threads talking about problems with the MOTU, have not found one, started by someone who had been eager to be reimbursed.

GETTING STARTED

Here we are at the heart of the problem.

After unpacking the model, made my connections, installed the drivers. The card is not detected. I have to reinstall the drivers again for it to be.
Initially, only one speaker works. After poking around in some forums, I restarted the bike and put it to factory settings. Ok, I have my two speakers. I rule so that their input is minimized. First sound that comes out (vlc), my speakers are a big hit, my building is vibrating and my ears hurt. Too loud. FAR TOO LOUD.

So this is my main problem (and also not the only one) with my Audio Express. When the output volume control works (and it does not always work).
Concrete example: I use my synth to the maximum level, and levels of entry as well. The program comes with the interface, CueMix, shows me a level of about -12 dB for these tracks (nothing Folichon so). I kill the direct output of the mix, in order to bypass my DAW. And there is a disaster.
For my monitors out a suitable volume vis-à-vis the neighborhood of their expected lifetime, and my ears, I have to get my Master Fader (or my fader tracks) just above the minimum value.
So it becomes impossible to work properly. Improper manipulation 'and I burst my speakers.

In short, I feel that the main outputs, line outputs normal (+4 dBu), are 40 dB above what one would expect. I want to clarify two things: that these tests were conducted with the input settings of my monitors near zero, and the use of my old interface, a Tascam MK-II, produced in volumes much more acceptable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this model for 4 days, and I spent two to try to hack.
I admit to not having tried the other model and I had trusted the advice of my enthusiastic seller.

The interface looked quite attractive, and comes from a prestigious brand. Very excited about the purchase, I quickly became disillusioned, and uncertain if my problem is related to poorly made drivers or main out too hard or if I just inherited a defective model, I hesitate to tell you to avoid like the plague, but is rather upset, I'll do it anyway.

GO YOUR WAY. CURRENT.

I go tomorrow, and go to either an M-Audio ProFire 610 or Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP comparable price.