Yes, the motu can be seen as a fully digitally controllable patchbay. You dont need a computer at all even. But for making a new preset its a lot easier to do it with pc.
In my setup I use my mixer connected to he outputs of the motu. Change a preset on the motu and all my inputs are routed through the mixer and then back into the motu for recording on pc.
Similarly, when I have a daw project with recorded channels I can easily route that over my mixer as well and record back.
Furthermore, this way, when I want to record a signal not affected by my mixer at all I can do this easily in this setup. Thus maintaining the shortest signal path possible.
And after having used physical patchbays this systemfor me is a lot more flexible, less time consuming, less extra cabling and no broken patchbay channels issues. And when you need to check the routing in case of an issue: no need to search for your flashlight
I have spent way too much of my life planning optimal signal routing for my (live-focused) setup. To the point where Iāve spent most of my time messing around with that instead of actually creating. Its a real problem, only funny in the tragic way.
Iāve gone a lot more ITB on my iPad because of this, using Drambo/AUM/AUv3-FX for much of my sequencing/synthesis/fx. Alongside that, I use a 4-channel interface, a Pioneer AS-1 and my Tanzbar 2. Also a Beatstep as a midi controller.
Anyways, I know this isnāt quite where the thread is at, but I wanted to point out one option is to reduce complexity and gear consumption. In the end it really depends on what you want to do, and for most of us the goal foremost is to create music. I know for me I often get lost in the immediate goal of hooking things up instead of actually creating full pieces with what I have.
I donāt have nearly as much gear as some of the contributors to this thread. It could end up there, someday.
This thread has been a journey!
The dialog has been helpful to me to think about what it is I want to do. One of my goals is to be productive for an hour or two, focused on 1 surface (my desk), without too much time spent fiddling with signal.
For me, I like ābreakoutā gear - (didnāt we used to say breakout when we meant ānot computerā/.) - right now. I know there are many who love working on iPads. Thatās awesome for those who enjoy it.
Hands down, it sounds like a patchbay is in my futureā¦
When using patchbays with stereo equipment, such as a digitakt or a synth with left and right outs:
do you āsumā the instrument signal with y-cable, (TS pair to trs), sending both left and right to 1 patchbay point, or do you use two points for these kinds of instruments?
All the videos Iāve seen on patchbays show them patching 1 point per instrument - so Iām assuming thatās what theyāre doing in the backā¦
I probably have hundreds of routing ideas, sound design concepts, etcā¦ notebooks filled with them.
The worst kind are those that involve gear I donāt even haveā¦ although theyāre not all that many.
But yeahā¦ it has kept me up at night, in which case the best solution for me is to get out of bed and just scribble away until I get sleepy again.
