I have an XS8 and Firewire Saffire Pro 40 with Cubase. When I want to track a Motif composition, I multi-track record via firewire direct into Cubase. Easy enough. However, there are times when I want to either capture stereo Motif output or record live with stereo Motif output. I want to figure out how to easily switch back and forth between :

1) Firewire multi track recording into Cubase
2) Motif stereo out recording into Cubase with all effects present

The reason this is a challenge right now is because the main OUTS of my Motif go directly to small monitors I use for monitoring the Motif when I want to play solo piano or work strictly on Motif sequencing. Therefore the only output from Motif that goes to my Saffire is via firewire. Perhaps there is a way to send the Motif’s main stereo output via Firewire with effects, but if there is I don’t know how to do it and would appreciate insights.

Some have said to use ALT 3/4 but as far as I can tell, ALT 3/4 does not send effects and I don’t know an easy way to route entire stereo output of a pattern or song to ALT 3/4 for easy audio feed to saffire via 1/4” cables.

Hope this makes sense. Any insights how to configure this for easy switching back and forth between multi track and single stereo out with effects for cubase recording appreciated

You are using the built-in FW interface of the XS8, is that correct?

yes thanks

Have you considered using S/PDIF between your Motif and your Saffire?

That’s a digital version of the main L/R output.

The default routing of the FW interface has the main outs assigned to FW channels 1 and 2, leaving the other 14 for whatever you want. You can of course, reassign the channels as you see fit.

You also can choose what FW outputs from Cubase go to the main outs, by default it’s 1 and 2 again; 3 and 4 go to the aux outs and 5 and 6 are routed to the A/D in to access the effects processor.

So, if you do nothing you will always record the main outs with effects as long as you select channels 1 and 2 as the inputs to a stereo Cubase track. Any of the 16 parts in your Mixing can be selected to not be in the main outs and this would be used when multitacking. If you are using the VST editor all the routing can be accomplished there.

So the short answer is it’s all in your mixing setup.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I have an XF with FW16e and the Saffire Pro 40 and like you, the monitors are conected to the main outs. I do not have to rewire anything when multitracking.

Thanks all. Makes sense! Phil, that is a great idea. I had not thought of that. Will give it a shot! Thanks!

philwoodmusic - 28 August 2017 06:51 PM

Have you considered using S/PDIF between your Motif and your Saffire?

That’s a digital version of the main L/R output.

Will this one work?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D5H8VR8/ref=asc_df_B01D5H8UTW5145135/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B01D5H8UTW&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167146065113&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5909573293405038715&hvpone;=&hvptwo;=&hvqmt;=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl;=&hvlocint;=&hvlocphy=9029555&hvtargid=pla-297381686136&th=1

Something like that should be fine.

Durability could be an issue with an Amazon Basics product, but if you’re leaving it plugged in all the time, it won’t be a problem.

The SPDIF output is before the master volume control on the front panel. I used it with my Saffire 40 before I got the FW16e.