Tom B

1 hour ago, jesse g said:

Hello Tom,

So I was routing all of my gear through a new Patch Bay and I got to the Octa-Captures  9/10 I/O port.  I usually don't use it but i wanted to add it to my Patch bay if I could connect it to my Lexicon MX200 reverb unit, which has 2 coaxial ports on the back.  I was just trying to find a way to use the Coaxial and SPDIF ports with my patch bay connected via analogue adapters.

I tried using RCA cables, but I kept getting this pulsing sound but no audio coming through.

I previously used the 3\4 analogue outs on my Octa-Capture, but they were now being used by another piece of hardware, and I didn't want the 9/10 SPDIF outs to go unused.

I just ordered 2 Coaxial cables and they will work along side SPDIF for the connection.

Glad to hear you ordered the coaxial cables.  I'm not entirely surprised the audio RCA cables didn't work for S/PDIF. Those cables aren't designed to work at the speeds required for transmitting digital signals.  BTW,  in the MX200 and Opti-Capture documentation, I see there are some settings to configure the S/PDIF.   Hopefully, you saw that info too.   

Edit: Additional info ...

For those who are curious about the technical details behind some of the popular digital transmission formats, 
here's an article titled  "Connections & Clocking For Digital Audio" at the Sound on Sound  (SOS) magazine web site.

The SOS article mentions the pitfalls of using regular audio RCA cables for S/PDIF connections. Scroll down to the S/PDIF section to read more.

The article references a document known as "IEC standard IEC-60958".  The Octa-Capture user guide says the coax in/outs use this standard.

Wanted to understand your main goal:

• Is the goal to connect the Lexicon MX200 to the Octa-Capture as an external effect?   
• Or, do you want to add general-purpose stereo Analog ins/outs using the Octa-Capture "Coax" ports 9/10 ?    

I skimmed the Octa-Capture manual.  As others have said, the "coax"  (9/10) are digital I/O ports.  One thing unclear in the  manual is whether the "Coax" ports are S/PDIF compatible.  The MX200 and the D/A converter suggested by Kurre are both S/PDIF.  I'm speculating they are compatible, but you should contact Roland or a knowledgeable retailer to make sure.  Perhaps someone will chime in here too.  S/PDIF is a digital transmission specification.  

If  the Octa-Capture Coax ports are compatible with S/PDIF:

• You will need two cables (in and out) to connect the MX200. Technically, you should purchase two 75ohm coax cables (w/RCA connectors) to make the connections.   However, as Zargg mentioned, you can sometimes get away with regular home stereo/video cables.  Keep them short if you try this. 
• The converter suggested by Kurre appears to provide stereo analog outputs only but no inputs.  In this case you would need one coax cable (same specs and caveats as above).   Maybe a coax cable comes with the converter.
• I believe the Lexicon MX200 can be configured to allow the analog stereo inputs to be converted to digital without effects.

Sweetwater carries S/PDIF Coax  cables.  I would imagine they are available at major music stores, audio retailers, and Amazon.

FYI  ... the "75ohm" coax cable is a specified to maximize digital signal integrity.  Using regular audio cable may cause digital transmission problems.   

Hope this helps -- rather than cause more confusion!    

Thanks @scook!   This is  very timely.  I have a new DAW arriving soon, and have been trying to figure out how to install the old SONAR VST and VSTi along with Cakewalk by Bandlab.  I've spent a lot of time this evening going through old posts.  Fortunately, my old Cakewalk Products account still works. 

Thanks @RexRed for asking the questions.  Looks like I should download the old command center on the new DAW too.

Regarding the new control surface compatibility modes:  Does this allow a controller, such as the SSL UF8 which has a Cubase MCU profile available, to work reasonably well with Cakewalk?  Currently, the SSL FAQ says the UF8 does not support Cakewalk.  

17 minutes ago, db100 said:

Yes but it includes 11 syntronik 2 synths right? So after their wording each of those 11 synths in it should trigger the group buy. Because with syntronik se collection i bought 11 syntronik 2 synths..

On the IK web site, see the first item  about  How to Qualify  for the promotion.  It defines the "qualifying" products.  
On the same page ,  see the header "Qualifying Syntronik 2 Products"  which are the new and classic  synths  (essentially the same answer as cclarry).

As Jacques suggested, it might be best to contact IK Multimedia  for a formal answer.   I'm certainly not qualified to make the determination!

8 hours ago, User 905133 said:

Sorry to tell you this but well after I solved the problem on my PC and after I reported the problem to Support, I downloaded the the files again.  They were still malformed.  I did get a reply with a little video showing me how to fix it--one of two methods I already knew worked.  Maybe they fixed it after I reported it?  Is that what you mean by it "was fixed shortly after the issues were reported?"

8 hours ago, LAGinz said:

Correct. At least as of last night, Syner V downloads from Product Manager were still not installing correctly.

Confirmed the issue still exists.  I just finished installing Syner-V using the Product Manager, and some of the content was created in the wrong directory.

I fixed the problem using the procedure described in this post  by @Dave Schreier .

3 hours ago, LAGinz said:

Any way to have Product Manager install content in a custom location on your hard drive? I know you can move the content (and signal paths) after downloaded and installed, but I find that to be a somewhat PIA.

Here is the process I've been using  recently when installing Syntronik 2 content ...

When installing a specific instrument, the location of samples and other content can be set during installation
using these steps:

• In the IK Product Manager,  go to the "Sounds" tab.
• Find the instrument to be installed and select  "... More options"
• Select "Install to ..." 
• Enter a directory path.  Example: I created a root directory path for all Syntronik 2 on a 'samples' drive.   
• When the path is entered and "select" button pushed, the download and installation starts.

Before installing, the  location of the  installation files can be set using the IK Product Manager.  
I've been using the default location and periodically move the files to a USB back drive. 
The location can be changed using these steps:

• Press the preferences icon (gear/cog symbol ) right top of the window.
• Set the "Downloads Folder"
• Syntronik 2 fills the download location with many gigabytes of files which can be moved after installation

Hope that's what your looking for.  The explanation by "User 905133" should achieve similar results. 

1 hour ago, ALC said:

On the IK store, I added AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 (showing discounted price at $49.99) to my cart and it automatically applied MESA220 promo code for $22 off, for $27.99 total, without using any JamPoints.  I have MESA/Boogie 1 from before--not sure if that's a prereq.

Thanks for the info!  I also got the $27.99 price offer in the cart.  I'm going to demo before buying.  I also had previously purchased MESA/Boogie 1.   

More information about the $65M investment can be found at Caldecott Music Group  (Bandlab's parent company).

Apparently, the $65M investment was led by Vulcan, Inc.  -- a company cofounded by Paul Allen to manage his businesses, assets, etc.  Paul Allen, who also cofounded Microsoft, passed away a few years ago.  

The Scarlett is a two-channel channel device (2in-2out). There is not a separate Windows/Device channel for the Scarlett headphone out. The headphone audio is determined within the Scarlett. 

In order to hear the Cakewalk metronome,  set the Metronome channel output to Master (there are other ways to do this too).  Remember to mute the metronome channel when  mixing.    

I believe the 2i2 allows the DAW (i.e. Cakewalk) output to be mixed directly with the Scarlett input channel(s) using the 2i2 "Direct Monitor" switch (for low-latency audio).   As an alternative to "Direct Monitor" --  depending on your setup and how much latency can be tolerated -- the  input can be  monitored by enabling input echo on the Cakewalk channel.  You will  want to disable 2i2 direct monitor for this scenario.

I have a Scarlett 2i4, but I believe  this applies to the 2i2 also.

See this Cakewalk forum topic for tutorials for more details.  In that topic,  @John Vere  has tutorials for audio and metronome setup.

Hope this helps.

Another thanks for the Superior Drummer 3 (SD3) instrument definition. This makes identifying the default SD3 kit pieces so much easier in the PRV.

1 hour ago, Doug Rintoul said:

I have a minor issue I have not seen addressed before. I had no problems with installation and authorization. But the Syntronik 2 instruments (presets) are not showing up in ST4. The new libraries are there, but when I click on any of the new libraries, no instruments are displayed. Note that I only have Syntronik 2 CS installed. I also have ST4 4.1.5 installed. Anyone else see this? Here is a screen shot with Triptych selected. It is supposed to have one preset in CS.

 

Update: I did a Rescan All in ST4 and that fixed my problem. Seems like the first rescan after installing Syntronik2 CS had an issue.

Confirming ... I experienced the same issue and applied the same fix after installing Syntronik 2 CS. The first SampleTank 4 (ST4) rescan after installing failed to find the new presets. After reopening  ST4,  rescanning  fixed the issue.  I have Syntronik 1 Deluxe and installed Syntronik 2 CS only.

2 hours ago, cclarry said:

Both are good...but of the two I'd take The Stealth Limiter

37 minutes ago, Fleer said:

I second that. 

I have two  promos left.  Perhaps I'll get both the Stealth Limiter and Saturator.   

I have a couple promo items left.  Any thoughts on the Stealth Limiter and/or Saturator-X?  I already have  similar plugins, but sometimes having an alternate choice is useful. 

I just noticed  the "12-days of UAD sale" coupons  now have an expiration date of Nov 30.  Seems like the sale is continuing for a few more days.  Thought I was done buying last night!

2 hours ago, Hurricane said:

What finally worked for me was a combination of deleting several ST4 .plist files (which was recommended by IK Support but didn't change anything)  AND then using the old Authorization Manager to re-authorize my Syntronik 1 serial (which I did just on a hunch and it worked).  I tried re-authorizing my serial number 2 days ago, but that alone did not fix things. 

Thanks for the additional information and suggestions. 

Where are those ".plist" files located?   I haven't been able to find any ".plist" files related to IK products. The ".plist" extension seems more related to Apple.  I'm on a PC.

I’m seeing similar problems with Sample Tank 4 and Syntronik (legacy). I have not installed any components of Syntronik 2.

After installing  ST4 "Alternate Keys" (Group Buy), all my "Syntronik Deluxe" synths (i.e. instruments) became “unauthorized” in SampleTank. Most of the synths are now missing in Syntronik (legacy) too.   

I tried "Restore Purchases" in the Custom Shop and restarted the apps (i.e. Product Manager, Sample Tank, etc.) several times. This did not restore the missing synth activations. Also, installed the latest Sample Tank 4.

For my case, based on information on the IK Forum, I discovered a temporary but somewhat unreliable work-around: Open the old IK Authorization Manager and enter the new Syntronik 2 CS license key. The key is located under “My Products” on the IK web site.  After doing this, all my Syntronik Deluxe instruments were restored in Sample Tank. However,  the Syntronik 1  App was still missing about half the instruments.   [Edit] I skipped the “Restore Purchases” in Product Manager since this action removed all the synth instrument authorizations.

For those who installed Syntronik 2  and have missing instruments: According to posts on the IK Forum (last night), it appears that the license key for ”Syntronik 2 CS” needs to be registered using  the IK Product Manager. However, this did not work for my case, thus the work-around above.  Please  check the IK Forum for the latest.

I have reported the problem to IK Support, but discovered the work-around after sending the support request. 

My knowledge about this problem is limited.  Hopefully one of the IK experts will chime-in with more information.

2 hours ago, RSMcGuitar said:

Welp... they got me!

47 minutes ago, InstrEd said:

I'm leading down the same path 😮

I downloaded the Vox Continental demo last night, and had a lot of retro-music fun with it.  I'm not even a keyboard player!  I'm considering the V-Collection 8 --  it looks like a nice collection for a wide range recording projects.  Hopefully the other instruments in the collection are just as good.  I'm still rationalizing the expenditure!   

4 hours ago, LAGinz said:

So do I WUP my SSL Collection for $40.50 or pay $29.95 to add this? Ahh…these are the issues that trouble men’s souls. Possibly irrelevant but, gee, I wonder how this thing sounds?🤪

I have the same issue (i.e. expired SSL Collection).  However, this new SSL Channel looks like a nice upgrade and worth replacing the old SSL versions. I suppose it's time to try the demo.  I see @simon suggested everyplugin.com  to help with the decision.   

4 minutes ago, abacab said:

I think 50% off is the deepest I've ever seen Arturia go...

That's what I gathered.  I'm wondering whether the 50% discount is only available through BestService.  So far, the retailers I normally deal with are listing V8 at full price.  

Is the  "V Collection 8" pricing ($279) exclusive to  BestService?   Wondering whether other retailers are (or will be) offering similar Black Friday deals.

I've been looking for a good Vox Continental emulation, and understand Arturia's version is well regarded.  Seems like the V8 bundle is a good way to get the Vox plus some other really good keyboard plugins.   

Is the question about the time sound travels from the source (e.g. bass) to the ear?  Or is it about quality of the signal/sound from the bass because of the cable?  Here are some thoughts about both.

In addition to the explanation by @jackson white  above, a good rule to remember is:  The speed of sound is approximately  1ms per foot  -or-  3ms per meter  (the speed of sound varies with temperature, air pressure, humidity).  The length of the cable, practically, has nothing to do with the time it takes the sound of the instrument to reach the ear. 

As mentioned by others above,  the sound quality of the instrument (e.g. bass, guitar, etc.) can be affected by the capacitance of the cable. The longer the cable, the higher the capacitance which causes high frequency loss. The amount of loss  is dependent on many factors including:  length of the cable, the impedance of the pickups/controls  and amp input.  I suggest looking for high-quality  guitar "instrument" cables, with lower capacitance (per foot/meter).  I tend to use Mogami  5 or 6 meter "Instrument" cables for recording guitar.  But, that's certainly not an absolute rule.  It's often a matter of personal choice.  Frankly, I've gotten great results with cable runs that are much longer. Try some different lengths and see which ones you like!  Some folks like a bit of high-end roll off.   

Hope that helps!

Edit:  By the way, active pickups tend to have lower output impedances which allow significantly longer cables.  

32 minutes ago, Jacques Boileau said:

I had this which I had previously used with REW software and was able to use it with arc. But I needed to install ASIO4All. Luckily, it is only needed for the measurement part and I removed it afterwards. It comes with a calibration fiel. It worked flawlessly.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/acoustic-measurement/umik-1

But if you want to use the mic for other things than measurement, you might be better off with something like this Dayton:

https://www.daytonaudio.com/product/911/emm-6-electret-measurement-microphone

It comes with a calibration file too and will work great with arc I am sure.

Others (search this thread) have successfully used this Dayton using a conversion cable. It is cheap for sure, but sometimes you get what you pay for, so research it first.

https://www.daytonaudio.com/product/1117/imm-6-idevice-calibrated-measurement-microphone

Thanks for the information. The Dayton EMM-6 is  (approximately) in the same price range as the IK MEMS and Sonarworks SoundID measurement microphones. 

I plan to get the ARC System software as a GB freebie.  Other than the IK MEMS mic',  what other measurement microphones have folks used successfully?  I've been looking at a couple of options.  

9 hours ago, Grem said:

Get Syntronic at $199. Then you could max out all the extras with your freebies.

Then you could get ST4 Custom Shop and use that too!!

Or you could get ST4 as a freebie when you buy in at the $199 level. 

When you buy in at that level, your options are wide open!!

Good suggestion!  Unfortunately, I got into the Group Buy a few weeks ago at the $149 level and upgraded my Amplitube collection first.  Sorry for not making that clear in my post.  The good news, I can still pick up a couple of nice synths with the freebies I haven't used yet!