I bought a used Octatrack MK I a few years ago and used it a bit for a few months and then left it untouched for over a year.
Today I set it up again because I want to finally really learn it. I remember quite a bit about using it, but I figured it would be best to start from scratch, so I put on Coockoos Octatrack tutorial #1.
A few minutes in he starts recording into the Octatrack. I’ve followed all the steps, but I’m not getting any signal from any input. The lights aren’t flashing, and I’m not hearing anything. Just to make sure I didn’t miss anything, I watched a few more basic “how to record on the Octatrack” videos, but I only found out that I’ve already set it up correctly.
Could this be some elusive setting I’m missing? As I said, the channels are set up correctly, as are the recording setups. Also I did double check the TRS cables I’m using, and they’re definitely working.
Let me emphasize again that the input lights aren’t even lighting up, so it’s not a monitoring issue I guess. The signal isn’t even going through.
Also, I did a factory reset and it didn’t help.
In fear of being dumb suggestions: Have you confirmed that there is audio coming out of whatever is connected to the OT? Have you confirmed that the cables work? Have you confirmed that another device receives audio from the thing you are trying to record, like device to mixer, or device to audio interface?
The input should light up no matter what the mixer settings are set to. No lights flashing to me mean that either nothing is coming in from the source, or the OT inputs are busted, but since you allude that it worked before it was left untouched for over a year, I am sensing that the OT is not broken.
Thanks!
Yeah, I’ve tried three different audio sources: My interface, a bass guitar, and my Waldorf Iridium.
I also tried the same cables with a different machine and they do work.
Also, I can confirm that it’s not only the input lights that aren’t working. There’s also no audio coming through.
My guts still tell me that it is not broken and that something is amiss. I can’t think of anything else to suggest other than to triple and quadruple check all kinds of volume, gain, and master/cue level parameters, mutes, in the machine, because, trust me, things can get overlooked in the OT easily.
In addition, you could start the OT up on start menu by holding FUNC while powering it up, then run TESTMODE and see if that catches anything. Maybe EMPTY RESET could reset the OT to its default and you could start testing the inputs and outputs then. Check the manual, page 112 for more info.
It’s long since I had an octatrack, but seem to remember that the inputs are unbalanced. I noted you are using a TRS cable to the inputs, so maybe try an unbalanced cable? Could be that you are accidentally grounding your inputs, which would result in no sound.
Not saying this is definitely the cause, but worth a try to find out if this the reason for the no sound experience
I did a factory reset (empty reset) twice. I also tried test mode, and everything was ok there.
I also tried a mono cable when I plugged in my bass guitar, and there was no signal either.
I guess I’ll have to take it to my tech guy then for a hardware check up. Such a shame.
I tried the same cable with the Iridium and I didn’t get a signal either.
Plugged the bass directly into my interface and it worked, so the cable is fine.
Here’s an update:
I’m trying to play back a sample with the Octatrack, and I’m not getting any sound.
Unless I’m doing something extremely wrong, my best guess would be that it’s a hardware issue.
Set DIR to max. When set to 0, no signal gets through.
So DIR all the way up (127 iirc) makes it possible to hear what’s coming.
Also put the Gain up until you see some leds blinking.
Is your input cable stupid 2x mono? Or 2x balanced/stereo?
My remark was based on my 10 year-long experience. Trust me. I have seen my OT “broken” so many times. Until I found the parameter that was messing with the signal, that is.
