Pathfinder

Is there an app that works with Win 10 or 11 that , like a System Librarian for Mac? I remember I used to backup these HW devices with a mdidi dump right into Cakewalk but sure do not remember how, I do have the older Sonar Disks and CWPA 8 discs if that would help me? 
Brain fog been too long but I need to change the batteries and I am afraid  I will lose the info.
I use the midiVerb 4 for vocal FX when I do an occasional gig here and there-I like the old reverb sounds it has. The Edirol SC-88VL is for fun but sure would like to have a bakup of the data.
Thanks. I will buy something if need be. 

I keep looking and the SSL is te only one I like, damn. Just in case I do NOT have a free USB C input but I do have 2 USB 3.2 A inputs open on rear of PC and I read this:

A standard USB 3.2 port, also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1, typically outputs a maximum current of 900mA at 5 volts, which translates to a total power output of 4.5 watts; this is the same as the older USB 3.0 standard. 

5 minutes ago, Chaps said:

Well, if you use the USB port connected to desktop computer, or a laptop that is plugged into a wall socket, that is AC power converted to DC power. I've never seen a charger warning that it may output too much power for certain devices, only that it has enough power to charge/run certain devices. The user guide for the SSL 12 says "SSL 12’s power is based on the USB 3.0 specification (900mA) so ensure you are connected to a USB 3 port and not a USB 2 port."  I would think any USB 3.0 charger would be compliant. It's too bad you don't want to connect to a computer because there are many advantages to doing so. Software/firmware updates, control of the device using software, and multiple inputs/outputs recognized in the DAW are what come immediately to mind.

The audio interface I use, the Steinberg UR24C can be powered by either connecting it to a computer, which can both power the device and connect to the computer for digital audio, or powered by an AC adapter, which also connects to the interface via USB. I connect with USB C 3.1 because it powers the device, gives me very fast transfer speeds, lets me blend all audio sources with software for the headphones, and lets me use Direct Monitoring with FX in my headphones. That series is worth checking out if you are still shopping around.

Steinberg UR-C Audio Interfaces

 

OK Wait, of course I want to connect to my PC and use my daw? I never liked any bus driven devices with the exception of the small enclosures for nvme m2 drives and such. Just an old stubborn Italian guy. I like Electricity to run my devic es and USB for audio data and midi data.........I know, I am a dinosaur. Thanks for all the info- it's appreciated.

10 hours ago, Chaps said:

Is the USB power only a problem because you don't want to connect it to your computer? You can buy USB chargers that plug into an AC wall socket that could power the device. They aren't very expensive. I have several of them.

I guess it would only take the power it needs, correct? SSL does not even comment if the ac adapter is safe or not. They just say use the included usb cable . It is 3.0 which is a plus.I guess they wanted to save money. 
IDK, I am an A\C guy or at least I want the option-But thanks for reminding me I have  ton of those, but still not sure.

Gets worse for me the more I read. If I use an ac adapter I will not have midi and I use midi a lot. It has regular 5 din or whatever midi i]o's but thats more cables and a small midi interface. Nope! Too bad, bad design imho. For me anyway

34 minutes ago, Mr No Name said:

32-Bit Conversion Explained - SSL Audio Interfaces

 

23 January 2025 15:15

This FAQ aims to demystify what 32-bit conversion technology implies, resolve the most common misconceptions and provide some insight as to why we use 32-bit converters in SSL products such as PURE DRIVE QUAD, PURE DRIVE OCTO, SSL 12, SSL 18, SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII

“Do I still need to worry about setting the input gain when using my SSL device that has 32-bit converters? I’ve heard 32-bit devices can’t be clipped...”

In short - yes, you do still need to set an appropriate gain to make sure your SSL device does not run the risk of clipping.

Why?

We use 32-bit fixed point (also referred to as ‘integer’) converters. The confusion comes from a small subset of audio devices on the market that happen to use a 32-bit floating-point recording system. These devices usually involve complex multi-converter systems per recording channel (most often two converters, covering different ranges) as a way to achieve an extended dynamic range at the A-D stage. Also, the digital stream from the A-D stage is presented in a 32-bit float format, which numerically allows for a dynamic range beyond that of the actual converter stage. Such products are designed to suit specific industry needs like field-recording, where astonishingly high dynamic range material needs to be recorded or where it is not possible to know beforehand exactly how loud your source is going to be. Imagine been tasked with recording a space shuttle lift-off and having to ask for another take because your recorder clipped...

Our friends at Sound Devices do offer products aimed at field-recording applications that deploy 32-bit floating point recording formats, if you’re curious to find out more about the technology.  

https://support.solidstatelogic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/24642897272221-32-Bit-Conversion-Explained-SSL-Audio-Interfaces

 

looks like a decent interface tbf.

EDIT: BUMMER_USB power only-that lets me out. Too bad really because i like the small size and the features? Damn it~

 I was looking at the volt476P also, but the reviews were NOT thilling.

I was looking at getting an inexpensive AI even though I have the Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen. Per my last post it is , well not user friendly.

Anyway loaded at a $400+ SSL12 and liked the software I saw, adat expandable. Also because it is much more portable n will run on usb if needed.
So I record everything at 24bit 48k. 
I really want to try this SSL12  but have no idea what the bit difference would mean, as far as What to change, etc. or do I change anything.  Seems like I be recording some empty bits or something?

Is their a simple answer.? Like, doesn't matter, you can only do 24 so it will be 24!

\Thanks

18 hours ago, mettelus said:

I think I sent you down a rabbit hole with the Control software. I just looked at a couple videos and the 18i20 doesn't seem to have any hardware FX with it (I bookmarked the video below where he stated this point blank). That pulls things back to either using FX on tracks in the DAW (if latency is tolerable), or using hardware FX on the mixer (if they are available).

 

Actually you got5 me to check out many videos. I was up until 3am est.... enjoyed every minute. She didn't  🙂 

Well for me I do nOT find focusrite control very intuitive. Never had issues with Roland Octa-capture, Echo Layla 3G, Audiophile 2496 (using 2  together
 and some others.

I have downloaded some videos mentioned , I have an old Groove3 account.  I found mixcontrol, which I now see does not apply to me. 
I will keep at it, watch all the videos and thanks for all the help............

I MUST ADD, I looked at Mixcontrol and if I had that I would not have the issues I do now because that looks so similar to the otghers I have used. But I don't!
 

OK perfect! Thanks again

Sure

8 minutes ago, mettelus said:

Doesn't the Scarlett also use MixControl software? I have the Saffire, and the routing in MixControl lets you set up various mixes (and has internal FX), so you can monitor/record mixes as you see fit. On a cell here, but Focusrite's download page shows a Scarlett MixControl for the 18i20. Have you tried that? 

Sure does have it. I never even looked at it.......until NOW-Thanks again

No I haven't, But I sure will. Ia ma good guitar player(better be at least good 45 yrs) and better than average singer, which was alays my place.
I am well versed with computers but recording stuff, even ag fter all these years, I am sub par for sure.

Thanks so much......Have to go read......Which I do enjoy. I know many, maybe mostm, would rather sing dry when recording-not me though. Maybe insecurity.
 

I sure hope i can explain this correctly. I have the 18i20 3rd gen, CWbyBL of course, Regular monitors and also 2 DXR10's in my little home cave. I use a small 12 channel; mackie mixer to play\practice\etc in the room using any combination of the speakers. When I record I use DT770 pros., no ext speakers. so it's like I have a PA setup in my room to play with CW But also the ability to record. At present, ALL outputs , well 2-8 come out of the 18i20 and into the corresponding inputs on the mackie mixer
Am I missing an easier or better way to do this? {laying in the room like i am at a live show is important to me. I know the 18i29 will run both pair of powered speakers if i connected them to 1234.

The only downside I see to using the 18i20 without the mackie mixer is I NEED\well WantFX on my vocals in the room when jamming or learning and when recording,.

I have an old but cool Alesis Midiverb 4 in the FX loop of the mackie mixer which gives me FX on vocals when recording with headphones or just playing thru speakers.
I guess the FX thing is the hurdle I cannot figure out. BTW everything works fine , sound great (I don't mean me I mean the sound) 
But is their a better way with what I have? Sorry for the novel friends...............I guess the FX is the biggest hurdle.

EDIT: I should add the FX on vocals I am speaking of are NOT RECORDED, they are only for playback when recording or playing.

I forget to ***** the most the important thing for me to my previous post. For my purposes, where the only LIVE AUDIO recorded are my Vocals and guitars, rest all VSTS, Good ole Sonar Platinum serves me just fine if I have to go that route. But I will continue to use CWbyBL until we can't!

But I would BUY Sonar Perpetual license tomorrow if it were available.........It's been said before but I truly do NOT see the logic behind this strategy.

They, CW have no idea if and how many folks have just passed by and said the heck with this subscription stuff. I don't mean OLD CW users I mean new folks!

There is way to tally or even guess at that number. You cannot use traffic because musicians talk to each other on sites all over the world...................

On 1/22/2025 at 4:33 PM, Bristol_Jonesey said:

It's pure conjecture. 

I am sure SOME users have jumped ship but to say the MAJORITY of them have is totally disingenuous.

I agree but definitely, MANY of US are NOT buying subscriptions we are using CWbyBL...I can say right here and now I will NEVER buy a subscription. I have had reaper for many years and also own a version of Studio One. 

I also think they  are making a huge mistake. I am ready to buy Sonar right now. I'll deal with upgrades and paying for updates when u it happens.

Sadly for me and I know many others I also started in rh very early 90's with CW. It's like an old friend.

I asked a simple question. It was answered by 2 people at the very beginning. 

Yet I have justify WHY I wanted to know this? I am unfollowing this thread now and thanks to the folks that actually simply answered my question. It's appreciated!

I do NOT use any hardware input devices. I was only asking if I could somehow view what midi channels that are being used in a project.

i understand I cannot-

That is ALL I was asking.

I got my answer at the very beginning.

Thanks

3 hours ago, Promidi said:

Actually you are right.  CAL can set track parameters , but not return them.

One work around is to sort tracks by MIDI Channel, then scroll down to the last track and check its MIDI Channel.  Then Undo

Forgot about that. It will make things easier than what I am doing now-Thanks very Much

4 hours ago, David Baay said:

ProjectScope does not show any channel info, and CAL mostly deals in embedded event channels. It does have a function for setting the forced Output channel on a track, but does not appear to have a function to return the current value. It may be possible to work around this but it would take a lot of iteration to check all the tracks and keep track of which channels are used on which tracks and whether they're forced or embedded. My CAL chops are too rusty to justify the effort to attempt this.

Now I'm curious what the use case is...?

Hello David, I have been plyinguitar for appx 55 years. I played as a single, with backing tracks throughout those 55 years when ever I wasn't in a a trio, duo or full band.

Anyway I have a zillion, well a lot of midi sequences, many downloaded from various sites over the the years. Some of my own.

I normally always have keyboard ch 1, bass ch 2, drums ch 10 and after that it whatever was already in the sequence  that I decided to keep in . Normally I turned everything else off because It was my vocal and my guitars (acousti and\or electric. I am trying to update them all to the newer VSTS I have.
Planned on doing some weddings and small one night gigs...........
Hence, a view or app to see midi channels would speed up the process greatly.

13 hours ago, Promidi said:

You could probably write a CAL script to do this.

I wish I could. I use some of the Cal scripts all the time, don't know how to write them though. Probably not important enough for others though. just my oldbad  habits and how I  work.

OK kind of figured this. I understand thanks very much appreciate the responses!

Is there any way to do this, as title states?

Thanks

14 hours ago, David Negus said:

I just updated CbB and it is crashing every time I go to insert a audio track. The wheel goes round and round then I have to close the program.

This needs fixing immediately. 

We need another update to the update.

Works fine for many of us. I would send the dump file to NoelB. as he mentioned in this thread!

I have zero issues with the update and I do have many different types of apps, from Photoshop, to games, plus reaper, Sonar Platinum and Studio one. etc. and around 500 VSTS.

No problems with CWbyBL...........At All!

8 hours ago, sjoens said:

The 1202 doesn't have USB but you can pass it thru the 18i20 to work with your DAW, tho it's a little convoluted.

Yes I have been doing that forever. Works fine. Although, as mentioned I am just not thrilled with the Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen. Some respects it's overkill for me and on the other hand some shortcomings for me.

Thanks

1 hour ago, sjoens said:

They're good for the price but you really have to research things nowadays to know what you're getting.  Go thru the manual and watch video reviews.  No FX returns and cutting out input gain seem to be common anymore.  FX returns usually require a stereo input channel forcing you to by a bigger mixer.

Like most USB mixers, the ProFX only has 2 channel USB for the main output, so can't multitrack with it.

For now I am just sticking with what I have, the od Mackie 1202VLZ4. Pretty disappointed- I mean it really felt like a plastic toy besides no FX loop.

I have no idea why I thought I needed built in FX. I am happy monitoring my vocals with the midiverb 4. I was always the lead singer\guitar player in all the bands I was in-trios and all. I had to have FX on my vocal monitor. I know many do not like that but I do. Always have. Always got my way also  🙂