Now that we have successfully set up our midi side of the chain, let’s talk about the audio side of things. 

As midi is essential to produce the sounds you want, a descent audio system is evenly essential 

I started out a few years ago with 2 Behringer UMC 1820’s

These Audio Interfaces were combined, 2 audio outputs from unit 1 gone into the next unit 2 inputs, They served me well for the time being but they had one BIG problem. It is possible that it was on one of the units or the software that was running anything but nice on windows, 10 but I never got ADAT working, and only 1 ADAT in- and output. 

This being said the units worked perfectly until I needed more inputs

My growing collection of midi synthesisers was already taken up 12 inputs and 2 more were already on the way and I wanted a Roland TR-8S …

A short time after somebody (who has become a very good friend over the last few years) posted on one of the Facebook groups I follow a question on how to setup midi devices. After some posts he PM me and we found out he lives in the same country. We made an appointment and I went over to his place and wired the complete studio, midi, audio, trying to explain the things I try to on this website as well. His brother at some point, during the wiring and setting up of the studio (they were also beginners just like me when it comes to actually making music), pointed out that he had a brand new Mackie SDR 24/96 sitting over there doing anything. It came out of the box twice. Once to unpack it and “oh no this is nothing for me” kinda reaction. The second time to take pictures to sell it online. I am a sucker when it comes to old retro gear and I could not resist after hearing the price he wanted for it. Both brothers have become very close friends and the three of us gather around from time to time. 

Motu is (for me) one of the most innovative manufacturers on the market today

The setup is done via a built in web configurator that opens in ANY browser. 

The app that you have to install also contains the drivers to let the unit transfer audio between the unit and USB or Thunderbolt OR AVB ethernet. 

In other words on the newer (not only the latest) Mac’s with built in Ethernet port the Motu interfaces can communicate directly over ethernet.

IF you have a AVB router/switch, those thing are at the moment way to expensive for me as I have 2.5 GB ethernet switch, prices for 2.5 ethernet AVB switches I only dare to look at when I use the toilet… 

In the mean while I had some problems with synthesisers that came in brand new but made horrible hummm noises on the inputs of the Behringer Audio Interfaces 

After installing the 828es plugged those synths in 828 es inputs, hummm disappeared … Next step get rid of the Behringers

Until today I don’t know why those synths made noise on those interfaces, same cables were used to connect them with the new unit.

I tested the 2 ADAT ports of the 828es with the Mackie SDR and after a few YT video’s it all worked.  So I new the Motu interfaces worked together with the Mackie.

Getting low on inputs the Motu 24 AI ( analog inputs ) took my interest  

The nice thing is, it uses the same interface as the 828es so I was already familiar with how to set it up.

Also having 3 sets of ADAT, this is the worthy companion for the Mackie SDR. 

These two audio interfaces are hardwired ethernet connected directly to each other, no switch or router needed or used. 

Via AVB streaming 24 inputs of the 24 Ai are routed to the 808es in 8 channels per stream. The analogue inputs of the 24Ai are connected to 3 patch panels with XLR to TRS adapters, 8 channels per panel. The 3 ADAT outs are connected to the Mackie’s ADAT in’s and vice versa. 

We will take a look at the audio interface setup on one of the next pages.