So I searched all around and only found one other post relating to this, with the question never revolved. I feel silly even asking such of what a straight forward process this should be, but its not working.
How do I run an external audio source (into the In Right/In Left) 1/4" TRS input on the Rtym, and get it to play through it?
Heres my current (but failed setup)…
Ableton with Saffire Pro 24 DSP.
I have the two main left and rights going into two main L and R audio channels in live on one track.
I then have an audio track in live, which I route out of the saffire through output 2 (Mono) into the In Right/ In Left input on the Elektron.
However when the audio is clearing playing, its not heard when ran through the elektron. At first I though it was the mono signal from the audio interface to the Rytm, but I tried sending a stereo out to the stereo in on the Rytm, and still no sound. I know all I can use it for is the compression, but I’d like to use it just to add cohesion to my tracks which I mainly use the elektron for.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated! I’ve checked the basic settings and manuals but it mentions nothing on this.
True, looks like AR is expecting to receive a LINE LEVEL signal in its external audio input. I connect my modular Eurorack synth to the AR audio in and always had to lower the modular level to get the same volume as AR. Maybe you need to boost your signal via an MIC preamp. Search your audio interface reference manual for the information on what type of signal is coming out of the output channel you use to connect to AR, it had to be a LINE LEVEL, not instrument. Also you can check your audio interface software and look for a GAIN knob. Also there may be a Gain know on the unit itself. Sometimes under certain circumstances in Ableton you have a full level but in audio interface software you have a gain knob turned all the way CCW thus you get a lower level signal, sometimes I come up with this situation, as well as with mono/stereo issues in the audio interface software. Hope this helps.
Super weird. I have thought and tried all the above. The i/o from Ableton to my Saffire 100% works. I can even see the meter, let alone hear it if I plug headphones in. I’ve tried at all inputs, including the preamp ones with the phantom power on and gain to the max. I the think problem has to either be with the mono cable to stereo in. Because in the manual, the one mention it has, even though its not referring to this exact problem, they mentioned getting a 1/4" Y stereo splitter.
Or, its some setting we have to adjust in the elektron??
I scratched my head a long time before getting something.
First, I believe you really have to get a stereo input to get some sound.
Then, it seems there is no way to parameter the input gain within the AR.
In the end, there is not much you can do with the input signal… (yet ?)
I tried to play a bit with this but so far I found it not really interesting.
I’d be curious to know how people use this input so far.
I believe that’s for the Analog Four/Keys, not the AR where the external input goes directly to the compressor master effect.[/quote]
ahh yes - i looked at the signal flow diagram in the manual and you are totally correct
then i tried looking for more detailed info about routing or gain staging for the ext. input, and couldnt find shit - except pg 63, where it basically says “plug it in” and thats about it… lol
sorry guys - but yeh, if you can plug some headphones into an output on your (whatever device) so you know there is sound coming thru, then connect that to the AR inputs, its supposed to just go right into the compressor
but doesnt that mean you would not be able to hear the input sound if you are just using the AR individual outputs? because the master effects only go to the main stereo outs?
routing issues can be tricky, but sometimes it helps to think of it like flowing water when you are tracing signals
I don’t get it! I realize the external audio in only is routed internally through the compressor, but I dont mind that. Of course the bit crusher, and reverb woulda been sick… but anyways, i’m just looking to give my tracks/permormances more “cohesion”, hense running everything from Ableton through the AR. Arg…
Still cant get it to work. Have tried all above. Manual doesn’t mention it. Will update.
It should just work with no setup, regardless if its a stereo or mono signal (I’ve used both)…are you getting audio in Ableton of the Rytm pads/drum machines? Crank up the makeup gain of the compressor (and the mix as well), just to test if you merely have a low signal.
Sorry for the late reply, was out of town and am now just finally getting back to this.
Okay, so yes all the outputs work just fine. I even tried cranking everything up, checked the incoming signal, and silence. I dont get it. It has to be some simple setting im overlooking. Any help please! I just want to have my whole mix run through the rytm in hopes of adding cohesion.
The only possible thing I can think of but I have no clue why it would make sense is the type of cable. In a video I saw, I forgot by who, someone connected external audio from a single 1/4" Y-Splitter to go into the 2 individual L R input channels. Could you see this making a difference?
As opposed to mixing all the tracks hot, Ive found that mixing all the other tracks “cold” and raising a combo of master distortion / compressor / volume and whatever input levels you have the AR going into better helps bring the external input signal into play.
I find that the input on the Rytm is rather lacklustre so I just bypass it and don’t run anything through it. The Analog Four, on the other hand, has a great input. Not sure why there’s such a disparity.
JBhelp, i’m going to try the same setup like yours so does it work properly ? Routing my eurorack system into the single jack input , i have a eurorack mixer that goes from modular level to line level with a TRS split cable. Does it runs trough the master outputs then? Its so confusing to read all this
