I am sure there are many questions of a similar nature on the forum already, but that is part of the reason why I am asking

In essence, I want to use my hardware effects during the mixing process. I am using a Reaper based PC system (soon upgrading to a Mac with Logic though...), and a Mackie Onyx 820i as an interface/mixer. Now, I had an oldish SOS podcast on the other night, and they touched upon this very issue, saying create a buss, send the signal to any spare outputs on the soundcard (in my case, the Main Outs on my Onyx) and to the inputs on the unit (Lexicon Relfex), then outputs from unit to spare inputs on the soundcard (tracks 7 and 8 on my Onyx). So I connected it up as explained, but all I got was feedback, as the output from tracks 7 and 8 goes to the Main Outs. If it makes any difference (I am about to try it, as it just occurred to me), the 'Assign [Main Mix] to FW 7-8' button was on.

I then tried via the 'Aux 1&2 to FW 5-6', but the output from the FW link goes straight past the Auxs.

If I take the Main Outs to the hardware unit, then output that to an Aux return assinged to FW 5-6, would I still get the ear splitting feedback? Another potential solution is to get a cheap USB/FireWire interface/soundcard, then try it the above way with different gear. For example, the Lexicon Alpha or ESI Maya44. If anyone knows anything about these, then please do say.

And finally, whilst on the topic, the aforementioned podcast covered how to hook up a reverb unit (see above), but is the principle the same with something like a compressor, normally routed in series as opposed to the parallel routing of a reverb? Do I still create a buss in the day, and if no, what do I do instead?

Thanks for any help I may receive, and also thanks to anyone who reads this mammoth question! It is a problem I have been trying to solve for a while!

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Learner
'I don't care if it's got 90 tracks, what does it sound like baby!' - Ray Charles

Dont use the main outs on your mixer - thats the feedback route - use the aux sends

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.. is this thing on?

Hi Audioface

If I'm correct in assuming that the 820i provides eight inps, but only two outs via FWire then unfortunately I can't see how you can make external processing work given your current setup.

In your example above you don't have two 'spare' outs from Reaper on the 820i (your only outs are used for monitoring the whole mix). Therefore when you split a signal off for external processing, how do you monitor this single track or stem alongside the rest of your mix on the desk? To be able to do this successfully you need more than two outs via FWire back to your desk, at least two for monitoring the mix, and then the others for output of individual tracks or stems to external processors, which are returned to the desk to be monitored alongside the main outs, and then returned in to the program to be recorded if desired (taking roundtrip latency into account)

Your setup would work however were you to only monitor one side of your mix from the software and use the other out as a single mono send for the signal to be processed, or you only wish to apply the external processing to the whole mix.

I think this is where you are going when you suggest a second interface, this should be possible on a Mac with Logic by creating an 'aggregate' device (although check this out thoroughly before you buy), but not on a PC running Reaper I think.

I can see exactly why you are finding this confusing - and I've never used an 820i - therefore hopefully others will pitch in to audit my advice.....

Loopy

I will have a look into this device aggregation, as I see how this would be a problem in terms of monitoring on a REAPER system, as you have correctly identified! I have my monitors coming through the Control Room outs, hence why I have the Main Outs free, but no, they are not 'spare'. Thanks for the tip Urthlupe

Stan, I had briefly thought of this and rigged it up, but I had no signal at all coming through the units. I will give it another go though, in case I made a mistake.

Watch this space for results Thanks for the replies peoples!

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Learner
'I don't care if it's got 90 tracks, what does it sound like baby!' - Ray Charles

Quote audioface:

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I am using a Reaper based PC system (soon upgrading to a Mac with Logic though...),
!

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Don't waste money on Logic, stick with Reaper and buy something useful for your studio.