mettelus

Larry covered pretty much everything already. I have a 1st gen Saffire, which also uses MixControl and a couple other thoughts came to mind. First, a couple more references. Since I tend to misplace hard-copy manuals, the pdf for the 6i6 is here. The video I usually give to folks is from Graham at TheRecordingRevolution.com and is here (a little shorter, and mix focused). In MixControl, a couple additional things: Inst vs. Line (pre-amp inputs 1&2), Hi Gain vs. Lo Gain (Line inputs 3&4) - Using Inputs 3&4 on the back of the Scarlett (used for Line inputs), be sure to set the input levels appropriately in the MixControl Router section. For the cassette deck, you will probably want these set to "Hi Gain" which is the default. I am not familiar with the SC-8850, and that may be "Lo Gain." If using the pre-amps (Inputs 1&2 on the front), be sure to set the Router inputs to "Line" if using either of these, and "Inst" for the mic. As Larry mentioned, be sure all gains are set to zero on all equipment before making/breaking connections or powering on equipment. In MixControl, you can also stereo link the even/odd inputs (the interleave/infinity symbol below the faders in MixControl). When working with Inputs 3/4 from a unit, this will give a stereo output. They are hard-panned left and right by default respectively. On some older cassettes, the right track can be lower volume, so leaving them split and recording them as mono channels into CbB, leveling them, then bouncing to a stereo track may be better. You may also find it easier to record the cassette into CbB first (as a separate step to recording instruments/vocals), then using the faders inside CbB to control playback levels via the "DAW output" sent to the Scarlett. On my unit, actually opening MixControl makes routing into a DAW smoother (even if MixControl is not "actively" used). I typically power on my unit, open MixControl, verify it "locks" on the MixControl GUI, then open a DAW. Again, I have not used the Scarlett, but the Input settings (#1 above) are in the Router section of my MixControl at the bottom.

Technically I am also first gen (my Saffire had no second gen), and never had an issue with MixControl routing. Granted, it does take a bit of a walkthrough to first learn (some videos are good on this), but most routings are static (DAW, inputs, outputs, etc.). To that end, my advice would be to take advantage of the "Save as" function. You can save only one routing setup into the hardware itself, but can save any number to the connected PC. 95% of the time I use *my* default routing, but for multiple outs, loopback, etc. I have those stored on the PC, so switching is a simple matter of loading the one desired. Also... those Mix tabs at the top are for up to 16 routing setups, which may be sufficient unto itself.

This statement summarizes the crux of many issues. "Unfinished features" comprise a much bigger list, and historically the old forum (especially under Gibson) became inundated with work arounds (e.g., "You can achieve that via this convoluted method, so it is already there!") rather than acknowledgement (e.g., "Oh, good point, we can definitely do that better!") and following through on it. This constantly came across as "I have given you a work around, so will forget you ever said anything." That mindset and its implied statement do not coincide with sales, usage, or promotion of a product; and Gibson epitomized this. The former "Feature Request" forum was filled with a plethora of good and detailed ideas, but was locked, and subsequently slid out of public view. I used to review them off and on and think of "what could have been." It amounted to a lot of heart-felt time and effort by users wasted. The "200+ hours" from the article in the OP strikes home for me as well. Granted, he tried to delve into everything he could, but new users are often beset with a similar time investment. Practical guides for new users is important, especially where common tasks are readily exposed with underlying functionality polished. [Side comment, potentially related] One thing I find concerning is that this new forum seems to be populated predominantly with members from the old. I *assume* this is open to everyone (perhaps in error), so find it odd that more new members are not present.