Digitakt, Modal Cobalt 8X, Behringer Model D, Shruthi Mutable instruments.
I usually use everything seperately because of my table space.
I have a Motu M4 interface and I guess the 2 inputs on the digitakt.
I found that I’m not a huge fan of overbridge since I prefer the raw sound of how I processed in the digitakt (the send track makes it awkward for me to work for some reason).
Incorporating the new Digitakt update, what is my best bet with this in terms of midi and audio routing?
I’ve never tried hooking up this many at once. I don’t mind eliminating the shruthi for now.
The 2 inputs at the back of motu are line level so I don’t have anything to drive them.
So confused right now in terms of using the keyboard for both digitakt and model d, then resampling or using it as an FX through. My Modal also has audio through
I’d suggest getting a patchbay, or a mixer with some aux sends.
Instead of endlessly looking for ways to connect your gear (there’s different possible ways to interconnect them) you’d be better off just putting all relevant in- and outputs on your patchbay so you can just patch everything the way you like it.
Maybe you need a new audio interface, something with 8 inputs or so and ADAT in/out for future updates. I own a presonus 1810 and I am very happy with it (Only ADAT in though)
The patching is handy and cheap, I got one and I am happy with it. I can route the 8 inputs and 4 extra DC coupled ( audio and CV)outputs however I want
I’m going to go against the grain here and say you are good with what you have!
Every synth you have outputs stereo line level, except the Model D, which is mono line level (out the back). You can connect any of these to either the two front inputs, or the two rear inputs on your M4 interface.
If you are not using everything at once - just plug and unplug as needed from the the M4. With this few devices, a patchbay is hardly needed - especially if you don’t have all the synths set up all the time.
You can use the Digitakt as a USB audio interface (with the 1.30 update) - but it is only two in, two out. This works fine, but isn’t really much an advantage over using your M4.
If you decide you want to use more than two devices at a time… then you need to decide how you want to record them on your computer:
If you only want to record the stereo mix, then you should buy a small external analog mixer - something with 8 to 12 analog channels. Many of these have very easy to access input jacks on the top of the mixer - so since you probably won’t leave everything connected all the time - these are convenient and for such a small set of gear you don’t really need a patchbay.
If you want to record each device separately, and then (re)mix on the computer - then get an interface with more channels. However, it is usually expensive and unwieldy to have enough interface inputs to cover all your devices, and larger interfaces usually have the jacks on back - and this is where a patchbay comes in handy.
Personally - I have way more equipment (Digitakt x2, Analog Rytm, Hydrasynth Destop, Micromonsta, Micromonsta x2, Pulsar-23, Random Machine, Serge, Beebo… and I’m sure I’m forgetting something) - and I use a MOTU UltraLite (6 in, 8 out). I just plug things in as I need them - and I reconfigure for each project. Since my equipment isn’t all set out all the time (I put only what I’m playing on my work surface) - A patchbay is no help.
What are your goals? I think that might help to get the best answers.
Did you want to be able to use the Digitakt to sequence the 3 synths, or just use one synth at a time with the DT? Your post is a bit confusing because it says you want to hook them all up, but also that you only use one at a time because of space. Are you looking to use the C8x as a midi keyboard for the DT, or just use the keys on the device?
A couple thoughts below. Beware, I’m making a bunch of assumptions.
If you want to hook everything up at once and sequence/clock from the DT, you will need a midi-thru box since (as far as I can tell) the Cobalt and Shruthi don’t have thru. You could go DT out > Boog In, Boog thru > one of the other two synths (but then you’re blocked)
I’m assuming that you want to run the boog through either the DT or C8x to take advantage of the internal fx? I’m not sure if the Cobalts line-in is pre or post filter, but that might be worth considering.
If you want an easy way to add inputs without breaking the bank, there are some small powered mixers out there for cheap. I bought a Moukey MAMX3 to consolidate a few mono synths that I don’t need on exclusive channels, and I’m astonished at how good it is for the price (it’s still pretty new so I can’t comment on long term durability). Its also really small, so I just Dual-Locked it to the bottom of my desk, plugged shit in, set levels, and haven’t thought about it since. Something like it might be good for you if you’re setting up/breaking down every time
