My setup:

MacPro (10.5.6), Cubase 5, XS8 connected via mLan.
I am a midi composer = every track is either coming (digitally going via mLan to Cubase 5) from the XS or from some softsynths/soft sampler.
The XS8 mLan audio unit part is used for monitoring purposes/audio interface (playback) for the softsynths/softsamplers.

My question is: would I benefit from an external separate firewire audio interface (again used for monitoring purpose)?

I do not record external sources.

trif.

>> My question is: would I benefit from an external separate firewire audio interface (again used for monitoring purpose)?

Not sure I’m clear on what you’re asking, but I have XS8 and use mLAN firewire connector to PC & Cubase 4.x.  I record both audio and midi, much like you do.

I’m using a small mixer, with a couple of nearfield Mackie monitors connected so I can “monitor” the mix, etc. 

Is that what you’re looking to do?

Yes. I have currently the same setup.
I have been thinking to implement my RME fireface 400.

It doesn’t seem like you would get much benefit out of an extra piece of gear.  You can monitor everything you are dong now through the Motif XS8 and control everything via the Cubase software. 

Maybe a Steinberg CC121 which has channel strip controls and a moving fader for mixing inside Cubase would make more sense.

It seems you are mixing “inside the box” so another external i/o does semm to have a benefit.

Yes, Indeed, I am doing everything in a box.
Thanks.

the cc121 is already with me - and I like it a lot.
The CC121 has increased my work flow enormously.

trifidmaster - 15 February 2009 03:59 PM

Yes, Indeed, I am doing everything in a box.
Thanks.

I agree with Yamaha_US that there isn’t really any added value to having another f/w audio interface in the rig, given what you’re doing.

Were you trying to justify having a new MR816?  (~;