Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

1)  I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds.  I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA.  There was some slight distortion, faint but present.  Wondering if anyone has experienced that?  We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.

2)  I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler.  2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers.  Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?

Thanks!
Mike

My first thought on item #1 is - is the DI box overkill? Have you  
tried connecting the computer's headphone out directly to your mixer?  
Some mixers even have special "tape-in" inputs that are designed for  
these types of signals. If it were my setup, I'd definitely give that  
a try. And if you want iTunes to play through your Firewire gear, you  
should be able to go into the Sound pane of your System Preferences  
and change output from "built-in speakers" to the MOTU device.

-Shawn Thorpe
http://shawnogram.com/  - multimedia blog
http://booksandwich.com/ - book reviews and more
http://haikuoffrustration.com/ - submit your own!

On Oct 26, 2009, at 6:39 AM, mc_juno106 wrote:

> 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a  
> 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to  
> the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present.  
> Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough  
> that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left  
> it alone.
>
> 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler.  
> 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors.  
> Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of  
> the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru  
> the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
>
> Thanks!
> Mike
>
> 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Oct 26, 2009, at 10:33 AM, Shawn Thorpe wrote:

> My first thought on item #1 is - is the DI box overkill? Have you
> tried connecting the computer's headphone out directly to your mixer?
> Some mixers even have special "tape-in" inputs that are designed for
> these types of signals. If it were my setup, I'd definitely give that
> a try.

I agree. I have never used a DI box for a computer output - always  
run directly into mixers and PA gear.

> And if you want iTunes to play through your Firewire gear, you
> should be able to go into the Sound pane of your System Preferences
> and change output from "built-in speakers" to the MOTU device.

My favorite solution is SoundSource, by Rogue Amoeba.  It's free, and  
just sits on the menubar next to your Ethernet icon, allowing you to  
very quickly change inputs and outputs throughout your system.

Gregory

Agree on both counts.
re hum never noticed it myself.

ps.. I play iTunes through my Traveler Mk3 and works like a dream.

S.
On 27/10/2009, at 3:33 AM, Shawn Thorpe wrote:

> My first thought on item #1 is - is the DI box overkill? Have you
> tried connecting the computer's headphone out directly to your mixer?
> Some mixers even have special "tape-in" inputs that are designed for
> these types of signals. If it were my setup, I'd definitely give that
> a try. And if you want iTunes to play through your Firewire gear, you
> should be able to go into the Sound pane of your System Preferences
> and change output from "built-in speakers" to the MOTU device.
>
> -Shawn Thorpe
> http://shawnogram.com/ - multimedia blog
> http://booksandwich.com/ - book reviews and more
> http://haikuoffrustration.com/ - submit your own!
>
> On Oct 26, 2009, at 6:39 AM, mc_juno106 wrote:
>
> > 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a
> > 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to
> > the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present.
> > Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough
> > that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left
> > it alone.
> >
> > 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler.
> > 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors.
> > Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of
> > the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru
> > the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Mike
> >
> >
> 
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I posted this original article several months ago and totally apologize for not responding sooner.  Just been way too busy.  Thank you all for the responses, let me review my questions:

* * *
2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler. 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
---
I received notes from several people about using the System Preferences -> Sounds.  Once I set this to "Traveler", the Mac output automatically goes to the Traveler if it is connected, otherwise uses the laptop speakers.  Resolved.  Thanks!

* * *

1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present. Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.

---
This one is still a problem.  First, there was a mention to skip the DI box.  This isn't possible since we are "snake" -ing to the PA 100 feet away.  I have to convert to XLR.  Nonetheless, that isn't the issue.  If I plug a 1/8" from the headphone jack directly to my own PA, I get that buzz.  It seems like it has gotten worse, so much so that I can't use it any longer.

I will try the Mac headphone jack to tape input suggestion on my own PA, but that isn't an option at church.

I can, however, hook up the Traveler with firewire, take a 1/4" from the Traveler out and then to the PA and that works ok.  The downside is that to use Mainstage, I can't just use the laptop, I also have to take along the Traveler.

It seems like since this used to work - and now has a hum - that it must be a Mac issue.  But I thought I'd ask anyway if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks,
Mike



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi, Are you using active or passive DI and have you got a ground lift option. Radial supply a very good DI designed for Laptop interfacing. Always worth using really good DI's. Headphone outs is not a very reliable way to work, MOTU much better quality and stability. You can configure iTunes to use the MOTU. You can also play any MP3's etc without even using iTunes, or you can import them into Mainstage if you want. Good luck, Gil

--- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, "Mike and Delonna Hyland" <hy5@...> wrote:

>
> I posted this original article several months ago and totally apologize for not responding sooner.  Just been way too busy.  Thank you all for the responses, let me review my questions:
> 
> * * *
> 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler. 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
> ---
> I received notes from several people about using the System Preferences -> Sounds.  Once I set this to "Traveler", the Mac output automatically goes to the Traveler if it is connected, otherwise uses the laptop speakers.  Resolved.  Thanks!
> 
> * * *
> 
> 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present. Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.
> 
> ---
> This one is still a problem.  First, there was a mention to skip the DI box.  This isn't possible since we are "snake" -ing to the PA 100 feet away.  I have to convert to XLR.  Nonetheless, that isn't the issue.  If I plug a 1/8" from the headphone jack directly to my own PA, I get that buzz.  It seems like it has gotten worse, so much so that I can't use it any longer.
> 
> I will try the Mac headphone jack to tape input suggestion on my own PA, but that isn't an option at church.
> 
> I can, however, hook up the Traveler with firewire, take a 1/4" from the Traveler out and then to the PA and that works ok.  The downside is that to use Mainstage, I can't just use the laptop, I also have to take along the Traveler.
> 
> It seems like since this used to work - and now has a hum - that it must be a Mac issue.  But I thought I'd ask anyway if anyone has any suggestions.
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I agree with Gil's recommendation of the Radial.   It's not cheap ($200) but I've used it to run laptops and iPods into console XLR channels and it works great.   

Is your church PA running stereo??

If it were me, I would bring the traveller and run into two DI channels via 1/4 inch cables from Traveller.    

I have a sweet pad patch .... not sure if it's here on my laptop.   Oh here's a link to it, but you have to create a new account with this (cool) website.   Read the whole thread of comments to be in the know on a small quirk the patch does (no big deal).    You also need to read the whole thread to see where to put the file in your computer for it to work.

http://www.logicprofiles.com/welcome/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=321

Pete



--- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, "Mike and Delonna Hyland" <hy5@...> wrote:

>
> I posted this original article several months ago and totally apologize for not responding sooner.  Just been way too busy.  Thank you all for the responses, let me review my questions:
> 
> * * *
> 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler. 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
> ---
> I received notes from several people about using the System Preferences -> Sounds.  Once I set this to "Traveler", the Mac output automatically goes to the Traveler if it is connected, otherwise uses the laptop speakers.  Resolved.  Thanks!
> 
> * * *
> 
> 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present. Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.
> 
> ---
> This one is still a problem.  First, there was a mention to skip the DI box.  This isn't possible since we are "snake" -ing to the PA 100 feet away.  I have to convert to XLR.  Nonetheless, that isn't the issue.  If I plug a 1/8" from the headphone jack directly to my own PA, I get that buzz.  It seems like it has gotten worse, so much so that I can't use it any longer.
> 
> I will try the Mac headphone jack to tape input suggestion on my own PA, but that isn't an option at church.
> 
> I can, however, hook up the Traveler with firewire, take a 1/4" from the Traveler out and then to the PA and that works ok.  The downside is that to use Mainstage, I can't just use the laptop, I also have to take along the Traveler.
> 
> It seems like since this used to work - and now has a hum - that it must be a Mac issue.  But I thought I'd ask anyway if anyone has any suggestions.
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I think that it is pretty clear to me after experimenting now that I am going to get a noisy output from my Mac, whether I use 1/8" to 1/4" into the PA, or 1/8" to RCA into the PA.  Since I like Mainstage alot, I want this to work.

So, the next question is (as suggested by Gil), does anyone have a suggestion for which Radial DI to use?  I see on their web site (and also music store websites) that there are a lot of options of DI boxes.

Also, the suggestion of using MOTU, I am not sure I understand.  I am guessing you are referring to a protocol (as opposed to a company, as in the "MOTU Traveler").

Thanks,
Mike




Hi, Are you using active or passive DI and have you got a ground lift option. Radial supply a very good DI designed for Laptop interfacing. Always worth using really good DI's. Headphone outs is not a very reliable way to work, MOTU much better quality and stability. You can configure iTunes to use the MOTU. You can also play any MP3's etc without even using iTunes, or you can import them into Mainstage if you want. Good luck, Gil

--- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, "Mike and Delonna Hyland" <hy5@...> wrote:
>
> I posted this original article several months ago and totally apologize for not responding sooner. Just been way too busy. Thank you all for the responses, let me review my questions:
> 
> * * *
> 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler. 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
> ---
> I received notes from several people about using the System Preferences -> Sounds. Once I set this to "Traveler", the Mac output automatically goes to the Traveler if it is connected, otherwise uses the laptop speakers. Resolved. Thanks!
> 
> * * *
> 
> 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present. Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.
> 
> ---
> This one is still a problem. First, there was a mention to skip the DI box. This isn't possible since we are "snake" -ing to the PA 100 feet away. I have to convert to XLR. Nonetheless, that isn't the issue. If I plug a 1/8" from the headphone jack directly to my own PA, I get that buzz. It seems like it has gotten worse, so much so that I can't use it any longer.
> 
> I will try the Mac headphone jack to tape input suggestion on my own PA, but that isn't an option at church.
> 
> I can, however, hook up the Traveler with firewire, take a 1/4" from the Traveler out and then to the PA and that works ok. The downside is that to use Mainstage, I can't just use the laptop, I also have to take along the Traveler.
> 
> It seems like since this used to work - and now has a hum - that it must be a Mac issue. But I thought I'd ask anyway if anyone has any suggestions.
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

The Radial Di is http://www.radialeng.com/di-jpc.htm . When I referred to MOTU I was referring to USB/Firebox breakout boxes in general. Have you tried using a cheapish firewire or USB i/o; there are loads and loads of these and no more expensive than the radial di. I use a Presonus Firebox with mainstage on a 2.2 macbookpro. Just set all the apps the use to use the external audio and hey presto. A word of warning use the latest mainstage download and check the firewire/usb in the shop with your laptop; there are some out there that don't like the mac usb ports. 

Good luck, Gil

--- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, "Mike and Delonna Hyland" <hy5@...> wrote:

>
> I think that it is pretty clear to me after experimenting now that I am going to get a noisy output from my Mac, whether I use 1/8" to 1/4" into the PA, or 1/8" to RCA into the PA.  Since I like Mainstage alot, I want this to work.
> 
> So, the next question is (as suggested by Gil), does anyone have a suggestion for which Radial DI to use?  I see on their web site (and also music store websites) that there are a lot of options of DI boxes.
> 
> Also, the suggestion of using MOTU, I am not sure I understand.  I am guessing you are referring to a protocol (as opposed to a company, as in the "MOTU Traveler").
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hi, Are you using active or passive DI and have you got a ground lift option. Radial supply a very good DI designed for Laptop interfacing. Always worth using really good DI's. Headphone outs is not a very reliable way to work, MOTU much better quality and stability. You can configure iTunes to use the MOTU. You can also play any MP3's etc without even using iTunes, or you can import them into Mainstage if you want. Good luck, Gil
> 
> --- In Logic_Cafe@yahoogroups.com, "Mike and Delonna Hyland" <hy5@> wrote:
> >
> > I posted this original article several months ago and totally apologize for not responding sooner. Just been way too busy. Thank you all for the responses, let me review my questions:
> > 
> > * * *
> > 2) I use Logic Pro on a MacBook Pro, firewired into a MOTU Traveler. 2 1/4" jacks from out 1&2 from the Traveler to my monitors. Sometimes I need to hear things out of iTunes, and those play out of the small MacBook speakers. Is there a way to make iTunes play thru the firewire, and therefore thru my monitors?
> > ---
> > I received notes from several people about using the System Preferences -> Sounds. Once I set this to "Traveler", the Mac output automatically goes to the Traveler if it is connected, otherwise uses the laptop speakers. Resolved. Thanks!
> > 
> > * * *
> > 
> > 1) I used Mainstage last week at church, mostly pad sounds. I took a 1/8" to 1/4" jack from the headphone output to a DI box - then to the PA. There was some slight distortion, faint but present. Wondering if anyone has experienced that? We felt it was low enough that the audience wouldn't notice when the band was playing so left it alone.
> > 
> > ---
> > This one is still a problem. First, there was a mention to skip the DI box. This isn't possible since we are "snake" -ing to the PA 100 feet away. I have to convert to XLR. Nonetheless, that isn't the issue. If I plug a 1/8" from the headphone jack directly to my own PA, I get that buzz. It seems like it has gotten worse, so much so that I can't use it any longer.
> > 
> > I will try the Mac headphone jack to tape input suggestion on my own PA, but that isn't an option at church.
> > 
> > I can, however, hook up the Traveler with firewire, take a 1/4" from the Traveler out and then to the PA and that works ok. The downside is that to use Mainstage, I can't just use the laptop, I also have to take along the Traveler.
> > 
> > It seems like since this used to work - and now has a hum - that it must be a Mac issue. But I thought I'd ask anyway if anyone has any suggestions.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > Mike
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>