Alesis HD 24 and D8b

[NigelC]

I have looked at old posts and cannot work out the right answer, so to add to the many posts here is mine!

Have a D8b running 5.1, an Alesis HD24 and an iMac.

Now I will be connecting them all via MIDI (through a MOTO 828), synching via BNC and running audio into the D8b via ADAT cards.

I have read elsewhere you cannot get the D8b to control the HD24 properly, the play and record buttons work but not FF, RW or the Jog Wheel.

Assuming I use the LRC that came with the HD24 that gets me round that perhaps.

But what about controlling Logic via the D8b, will all the transport functions work on the sequencer as controlled by the D8b, and if Logic is the master will it also control the HD 24 via the transport buttons on the HD24?

In a nutshell will the Mac/Logic be able to control everything transport wise?

If not what can I do to remedy this?

[Davo]

Hey Nigel,

I run my d8b with an HD24 and a PC running Nuendo. Audio moves 24 channels through an RME Digiface. I have midi via a MOTU midi express and word clock via a Lucid Genx6. It took a bit of mucking about to get everything happily working to my satisfaction, but you should be able to get similar results with Logic & a Mac.

My setup is: d8b midi I/O on ports 1 of the midi express, HD24 midi is I/O on ports 2 on the midi express. The HD24 is set to generate MTC but NOT MMC. In this configuration, with the console set in non-HUI mode and my DAW/Nuendo not operating, I can use the limited transport control from the d8b to the HD24 as well as track arming. You also have use of the d8b's direct locate, loop & locate point memory features. The LRC serves for FF, rewind and a quick way to return to zero.

Now..... with Nuendo running, I have MTC coming in on midi port 2 (from the HD24), MMC in on midi port 1 (from the d8b)and MMC out on port 2 (to the HD24). I have Nuendo set for MTC as the "time code source" with MMC selected under "machine control". With Nuendo set to external sync, this configuration works nicely using the d8b in either HUI or regular mode. The normal console mode will arm the HD24, while the HUI layer will allow you to work with some physical control in the DAW. I often switch back & forth between the two if I'm tracking to the HD24 while playing back out of the computer. I've noticed, however, that a glitch can occur when moving quickly around transport functions - the computer sometimes loses midi connection with the console. This could be an issue in Nuendo, a gremlin in my setup, or just the nature of doing too much at once..... whatever. I have to close and restart Nuendo to regain connection. Not a huge deal. When I'm mixing down and no longer need the HD24, I set Nuendo to internal sync and also to send MTC on port 1 of the midi express (to the d8b). The console is set for HUI mode with no drive engaged on the HD24. This sends time code to the d8b for automation - yes! In my setup I get 24 channels of digital via the RME from Nuendo on the Tape In layer, with the possibility of DAW automation control on the HUI layer. Works for me.....

One more trick I often use: I use the converters on my HD24 as input to Nuendo for overdubs. To do this without having sync to/drive the HD24 (remember, a drive must be engaged for the unit to pass signal when in record mode) I set the system as if using just Nuendo (HUI layer, internal sync, MTC out on port 1). This allows the HD24 to sit idling, passing signal, while serving as a 24 channel AD/DA converter. You have control of track arming from the console, full d8b automation as well as DAW control and returns from the computer.

I hope this helps!!

Davo

[NigelC]

I am still strggling with the MIDI setup.

I have the D8B, HD24 and MOTU Midi Express (Port 1) connected in a loop (Midi Out to In in a circuit). Is this the right way, or do I need the D8B and HD24 on separate Ports of the Midi Express?

I have the HD24 set to generate MTC but not MMC
Logic is set to sync to external MTC

I have attached screenshots of logic if this needs changing can someone tell me to what?





Ultimately I want to control everything via the D8Bs transport controls

[NigelC]

Can Davo if still around please clarify, using your method could you operate the HD24 fully via the D8B controls or did you still need to use the LRC?

[anyhorizon]

The LRC serves for FF, rewind and a quick way to return to zero.

[Davo]

The HD24 & d8b need to be on separate ports on your Midi interface.

My configuration when using just the HD24 with the d8b:
Set the HD24 to generate MTC but not MMC
Midi Express set to "Live Keys" (I'm a Midi idiot - all I know is it's a sort of "everything connects to everything else" setting)
Midi I/O Midi Express port 1 - d8b
Midi I/O Midi Express port 2 - HD24
In this configuration the d8b will arm tracks, do basic transport functions (play, stop, record) and allow locating via the "set time" and "store locate point" functions. Jog, shuttle, FF & rewind on the d8b WILL NOT WORK with the HD24. Use the LRC for FF & rewind. The d8b is used in regular/non-HUI mode.

I have found these settings to work when using the HD24 & d8b along with Nuendo/DAW. (overdubs, synced transfers, etc.) This is in addition to the above settings. Your Midi connections & settings on the HD24 remain the same in all configurations!!
Nuendo/DAW set to receive MMC on Midi Express port 1
Nuendo/DAW set to send MMC on Midi Express port 2
Nuendo/DAW set to send MTC on Midi Express port 2
Nuendo/DAW set for Midi as the time code source & to allow/make use of MMC (as opposed to Sony 9-pin or none)
In this configuration the HD24 continues to be the MTC generator - it does not like being on the receiving end of MTC. As I said in my initial reply, I've found this to be generally stable with one glitch - when moving quickly through transport functions with the d8b in regular (non-HUI) mode the computer can sometimes loose connection with the console. This requires shutting down & re-opening Nuendo. Things are a little more stable running the console in HUI mode - Nuendo is then in more of a master role as far as transport functions go.

When using just the d8b along with Nuendo (HD24 as only an A/D, D/A converter - not synced or tracking along with the DAW) I add one additional setting:
Nuendo set to send MTC on Midi Express port 1.
This then generates the time code required for automation on the d8b. The d8b is used in HUI mode. This is a rock-solid configuration and allows full access to ALL d8b transport functions.

Hope this helps!!!

Davo