Cubase SE + Alesis QS8 + EMU 0404 = ?
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Posted on Mar 21, 2007 11:58 pm
ninjenn
Member Since: Jan 08, 2007
Hi There. I guess my account was finally activated. I am looking to make my computer, Cubase SE, an EMU 0404 Audio Card and my Alesis QS8 work together to record audio. I have tried numerous websites and stuff, and basically the audio isnt getting from the keyboard to the sound card, for unknown reasons.
I have the red and grey cables from the audio card plugged into the left and right aux ports on my keyboard. (I have also tried this with the speakers plugged into the aux, and the audio card plugged into the primary left and right, but it still doesnt work, and then I get no sound from my keyboard speakers.
Does anyone here have any advice for me?
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TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Mar 22, 2007 11:23 am Hello there. Welcome to HRC.
Your post is a little confusing, as I'm not sure what's going on with your "speakers" - are they powered monitors?
Anyway, you probably should have the outputs (left/right) from your keyboard going into the 1/4" ins on the EMU0404, (why not throw in a midi cable for later? It will open up the world of VSTi's to you...), and then the outs from the soundcard going to your monitors (use balanced cables if possible).
Are you getting a signal showing in the Patchmix program? Even if you can't hear it?
I'd probably start with Patchmix. Make sure your routing is correct in the program, and make sure that Cubase is recognizing the card (I'll assume that you've installed the very latest firmware and drivers - NOT just the ones on the CD). There's usually some kind of 'set up soundcard' type program associated with the DAW (see your Windows start menu/programs/Cubase folder) that you may need to run. Many people here use a small mixer to help with patching cables, but you don't have to have one. Fill out your profile, and that will give us all a better idea of your set up.
So, what's the monitoring set up?
Mar 22, 2007 01:41 pm Hi,
I was able to get midi to work with a separate interface (a Midi Uno cable). That isn't what I want though, for now. :)
OK, hooked up the left main and right main to the ins of the EMU 0404. Now, there is no sound from my keyboard, BUT the "Main Mix" panel in Patchmix IS moving around when I press keys.
So, I need to find someway to HEAR what I'm playing now, and make it record.
Do you want screen shots of any of my setups? Patchmix? Cubase?
Thanks for the help!!
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 22, 2007 01:58 pm Sounds like plugging plugs into your main outs (on the keyboard) disables your onboard speakers. That sounds normal.
Now, if you have meters moving in patchmix, then good, you've got sound going into your computer.
Next, you have to have the outputs picked in cubase, so cubase knows to send output to the correct output jacks on the 0404.
Signal coming out of the 0404 will be line level, not powered. Meaning, if you speakers don't have amplifiers built into them, you'll need an amp of some sort to power the speakers. If you're plugging passive speakers directly into the 0404, then you won't hear anything.
I think the recording part will work too, if patchmix can see signal. You may have to tell cubase what inputs to listen on, and arm those tracks. I'm not familiar with cubase, but I think they're pretty similar.
Mar 22, 2007 02:39 pm My Alesis doesn't have onboard speakers..... I have to use separate ones (that have standard audio cables).
My computer speakers use a 15-pin connector to connect to my computer.
Maybe it's just that I need a different speaker setup to hear it?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 22, 2007 02:50 pm I don't think I've seen 15 connector speaker jacks. You got me on that one.
Without know what the speakers are, I don't know how I could say if they'd work or not.
Maybe the alesis puts out powered signal, which if that's the case, then you don't want to send that into the 0404. Those inputs don't want anything more than line level.
I'd be checking my specs, to make sure.
Basically those steps i mentioned above need to be fulfilled.
Input signal is coming in, so that's good.
Signal going out the 0404 needs to happen, and that probably can be seen on an output meter, in software.
signal goes to an amp of some sort, either by itself, or inside a powered speaker.
amped signal gets sent to the speaker, so you can hear it.
I've used a home stereo in the past, to drive monitor speakers. It can be done, if you don't have a better solution. I've also used a bookshelf system too, in a similar fashion.
Mar 22, 2007 03:14 pm These are my computer speakers: accessories.us.dell.com/s...mp;sku=313-4726
Well, pretty damn close anyways. I don't have the full surround sound system, but the sub connects to the PC using a regular little connector (my mistake) and the little speakers connect to the sub with a 15-pin connector.
The speakers for my Alesais are Roland MA-8.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 22, 2007 03:24 pm I'd try with the MA8 first. They are powered, so you don't need an extra amp.
Connecting from the 0404 outputs, to the ma8 inputs should give you sound, if signal is coming out from the 0404. If there's no sound, then I'd say something is the software isn't quite set up yet.
Also, if the 8's are powered, then most likely, the alesis is not, meaning it's putting out line level. This would be more the norm, as most keyboards don't send out powered signal.
If you get this all running smooth, then you can swap out for the bigger system. I would think it's self powered too. I just like to start small, and work up when one part is working. Don't complicate it at first.
hth
Mar 22, 2007 03:42 pm I cannot connect the MA8's to the EMU0404. The cables are NOTHING alike.
Keep in mind, my alesis and the roland speakers are almost 8 years old.... they undoubtedly have changed over the years. I am more than willing to buy new equipment to get this working.... as long as it doesn't cost me a lot.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 22, 2007 04:23 pm They both should be line level. The ends may be different, but the signal should be the same.
I'd hate to see things get purchased, if you already have the means to make it happen.
a couple cords would be cheaper than new monitors, etc.
Course, you may be ready to upgrade. If so, then Whoo-Hoo!
Mar 23, 2007 11:41 am Yeah, the QS8 and the 0404 do, but I need to hear what I'm playing on the keyboard.... and that's what I can't make it do.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 23, 2007 12:38 pm re-reading this:
Quote:
Well, pretty damn close anyways. I don't have the full surround sound system, but the sub connects to the PC using a regular little connector (my mistake) and the little speakers connect to the sub with a 15-pin connector.
You would need a converter, that has 1/8" stereo on one end, and (2) 1/4" TS jacks on the other end. Plug the two 1/4" into the l & r outputs on the 0404, and the other end into the 1/8" stereo plug that lives with the speakers.
The sub is the amplifier for the sub, and the satellites. That's why the speaker connectors are different: they need the sub's amp to work.
If your software is set up correctly, this should work fine.
Mar 23, 2007 12:46 pm OK, I have to work the next couple days, until Monday. So, on Monday I will run out and buy a converter for that, and then I'll be back. :)
