Connecting an analog instrument, like AH or A4, to a computer via USB/OB needs an D/A conversion step within the instrument. Correct? If so, Both DT and DN being fully digital, i would suggest that no D/A conversion step is needed with these two instruments. Correct again?
I’m asking these question because i cannot figure out exactly what’s happening, when im recording my DT/DN via USB/OB into a recoding software. I would suggest that it is a fully digital path, but the recording result sounds very different from what i hear on the DT/DN directly…
i managed to gain a bit more insight with the help of some private messages from some very kind members here. Thank you guys!
The question about the (analog or digital) domains still remains. Let’s take the Digitakt for instance. Sounds reside as samples within the machine, so digital. Processing - that is Amp, Filters, Panning, LFOs - is done digital. FX and compressor aside, the processed digital signal must then be D/A-converted into the analog domain and routed to the analog mixer inside the machine, allowing me to hear the sound via headphones. So, when interfacing the machine with USB, things happen again in the digital domain (USB transfers only digital signals). What exactly is streamed out of the USB port? Is it the original processed digital signal or is it the A/D-converted signal from the mixer’s main out (again, let aside FX and compressor)?
figured it out, guys. The DT and DN provide an USB audio interface each on their own. Without the use of OB the internal D/A-converted analog sound of the mixer output is again A/D-converted and provided over USB. So, in this case the signal is converted twice and goes through digital->analog->digital domain.
When using OB, additionally to the D/A-converted analog sound of the mixer output, all internal track signals and FX send signals are provided over USB from their internal, original digital domain. So, in this case - as Kenneth mentioned - no domain conversion takes place…
That is probably not correct. They would not spend on extra converters just for that purpose. Also the signals are likely summed digitally inside without an analog summing stage. This is why you can route any given combination of tracks to the main outs on the Digitone keys.
That is probably not correct. They would not spend on extra converters just for that purpose. Also the signals are likely summed digitally inside without an analog summing stage. This is why you can route any given combination of tracks to the main outs on the Digitone keys.
that is absolutely correct: forgot to add “probably” and “likely” in my previous post when i claimed to have it figured out. Sorry for any misunderstanding…
Still skeptic there’s two rounds of conversion for usb audio. Where did you get that information?
No specific information source, just by observation/listening. Recording without overbridge, that is just via the device’s audio interface, into Audacity gives audible, quite different results compared to the same recording with Overbridge/Ableton. Same settings on the Elektron machine, same playback of the recordings (MacBook/headphones). The latter recording being superior - that is pretty close to what i hear on the device directly via headphones - than the former…
I have to apologize here for making assumptions that may have lead to misconceptions. And being new into the whole music machine and Elektron world does not excuse for not doing my RTFM-homework properly.
@PeterHanes thank you for pointing out the info of the Appendix in the OB2 manual, that answers essentially all my questions around analog or digital domains. Including the mixer in the Digitakt…
Short description of my setup: I’m using DT and DN. I don’t use a separate Mixer, so I’ve connected the output of the DT to the input of the DN with TRS cables. Headphones connected to headphone output of the DN, so i can hear the sound of both machines. Volume of each machine adjusted to my liking, in order to hear a balanced mix.
Recording setup Nr. 1 : No use of OB! DN connected to my Macbook via USB. I see the DN as an input audio interface in Ableton and configure it as input audio device. Create an Ableton audio track and record from configured device.
Recording setup Nr. 2: Use of OB. Both DT and DN connected to my Macbook via USB. No input audio device configured in Ableton. Create two Ableton midi tracks and link the Elektron plugins for DT and DN to it. Create another two Ableton audio tracks and select “Post Mixer” in “Audio From” for each DT and DN. Route the “Audio To” to a separate audio track and record the Ableton Master from there.
The recordings from setup Nr. 1 and Nr. 2 sound different (playback on Macbook via same haedphones). Sonically, not because of gain mismatch. The drum and percussion part from the DT in Nr. 1 sounds washed out and dull. Nr. 2 sounds cristal clear and very close to the original sound I hear directly from the headphone out of the DN.
No assumptions and absolute statements, only my personal observations
