RAM external sampling

Torn_Leek · 2015-02-09T20:24:38.000Z

I had this problem and the only thing I could get to work was connecting the MD directly into the computer audio, which sucks because it lowers the quality of the sample and it’s a hassle to constantly have to disconnect the dual 1/4" to 1/8" from the audio interface to connect it to the computer’s audio jack.

jeffe · 2015-02-09T23:48:13.000Z

[quote=““Torn Leek””]
I had this problem and the only thing I could get to work was connecting the MD directly into the computer audio, which sucks because it lowers the quality of the sample and it’s a hassle to constantly have to disconnect the dual 1/4" to 1/8" from the audio interface to connect it to the computer’s audio jack.

[/quote]

Even though you had to deal with this, there is a way to make it work properly, and your problem might not be the same as what’s going on here.

You’ve just got to make sure a lot of things fall into place.

In your case it sounds like your audio wasn’t routed properly via software to the output - also if done correctly, the quality of the sample really shouldn’t be noticeable (unless you have an extremely crappy onboard soundcard).

platypus · 2015-02-10T01:53:40.000Z

""jeffe"":

[quote=“platypus”]I tried recording with the ILEV both at 0 and at 64. The only thing the computer is connected to is the USB routed from the audio interface. Technically the MD outs are only connected to the audio interface. I may be misunderstanding what you are saying though.

You are. If your MD outs are connected to the audio interface, then they are connected to your computer.

I really think you are doing too much at once - so eliminate as much as possible.

Make sure computer audio is coming through the focusrite using headphones.
If you can’t do this - then stop - and get it to work.

Now…
Focusrite outs to MD in.
Headphones into MD.
ILEV at 64. Turn MLEV to 0.
Turn up the cue volume on yer RAM machine to make sure your getting sound into the MD.
If you can’t get this far - stop - make sure you get this to work.

Then…
Push the RAM record trig.
Wait a few seconds while it samples.
Push the RAM play trig.
You should hear your sample.

From this point you can try to further the setup, routing it back to the focusrite or whatever - but point is, do one thing at a time.[/quote]
I’ve had sound through my headphones the entire time. Atlhough when I try Cue I can’t tell if there’s any external audio playing through the MD since it’ already playing on the computer. Is it because I have both the Main Outs and Input A/B connected?

Also, I haven’t muted anything else.

TrabanT · 2015-02-10T16:10:40.000Z

if you are using a focusrite 2i4 (or probably the 2i1) and use the chinch out, then these outs are FAR TOO QUIET to be picked up the the Ram Record MD… try the headphone out instead, there you could also just quickly check that you are hearing the output (because you plug your headphones into the headphone out of the focusrite first to eliminate problems)

TrabanT · 2015-02-10T16:13:18.000Z

try this: headphones into MD.

smartphone out into MD in

record (smartphone) with MD (ram record) , play back with MD, report back to this forum

jeffe · 2015-02-10T16:13:29.000Z

""platypus"":

I’ve had sound through my headphones the entire time. Atlhough when I try Cue I can’t tell if there’s any external audio playing through the MD since it’ already playing on the computer. Is it because I have both the Main Outs and Input A/B connected?

Also, I haven’t muted anything else.

It could be - I am not sure, that’s why I’m trying to drive the point home to simplify your setup so you don’t have to wonder - set it up so you know what should be happening.

If your MD is only going out to the headphones, then you know you’re not hearing anything through the computer - so yes, disconnect the main outs.

Really, take the steps I’ve laid out and try them one at a time, with nothing else connected, and don’t move forward until you’ve got each step working properly.

platypus · 2015-02-10T17:20:04.000Z

I figured out the problem! Apparently the cable my roommate gave me had a bum 1/8" connector. Had to listen with headphones and tweak around with it to even get sound through the headphones without the Main Outs plugged in. Thank you guys so much for your patience and helpfulness! Cheers

TrabanT · 2015-02-10T19:15:08.000Z

glad you had it figured out! … now we want proof that it worked, so please post a track

platypus · 2015-02-10T23:00:05.000Z

I shall get back to you after that new cable makes its way to my mailbox

platypus · 2015-02-17T03:15:36.000Z

Mkay nevermind, it’s actually NOT the cord.
I can hear the playback fine but for whatever reason the signal is super weak even with the ILEV all the way up, and when I try to record a loop all that plays back is crackling static. I know everything is set up perfectly and my audio interface is brand new; perhaps it is the Machinedrum that’s faulty? I’m wondering if I should reach out and contact Elektron support.

TrabanT · 2015-02-17T08:09:32.000Z

did you do the “not with your audio interface” suggestion previously mentrioned in this thread?

platypus · 2015-02-17T20:14:59.000Z

""TrabanT"":

did you do the “not with your audio interface” suggestion previously mentrioned in this thread?

Yep yep, no luck sadly. Although buying a Focusrite Scarlett was partially for this aspect of the MD to begin with. Ah it’s very disappointing.

TrabanT · 2015-02-18T07:12:22.000Z

do you have any tracks muted in the MD ?

— what sound source did you try to record when not the focusrite? a keyboard? a micophone ? mobile phone? a sampler?

Veets · 2015-02-18T12:15:35.000Z

If you can hear the signal but it is super weak, first try to raise the output gain on your outboard or raise the input gain on the MD. There are some RAM sampling volume parameters that you can tweak for input gain and I believe the manual has a walkthrough.

Another possibility (I don’t know this for a fact) is that there is an input amp on the MD that has gone south. 99% of the time it is a setup/user issue as it all can be a bit fiddly, but maybe this is the 1%.

platypus · 2015-02-19T04:50:00.000Z

""TrabanT"":

do you have any tracks muted in the MD ?

— what sound source did you try to record when not the focusrite? a keyboard? a micophone ? mobile phone? a sampler?

No tracks muted. I’ve recorded with the focusrite: Shure SM57, Korg ER1 mk2, Arturia Microbrute. No problems with any of them.

""Veets"":

If you can hear the signal but it is super weak, first try to raise the output gain on your outboard or raise the input gain on the MD. There are some RAM sampling volume parameters that you can tweak for input gain and I believe the manual has a walkthrough.

Another possibility (I don’t know this for a fact) is that there is an input amp on the MD that has gone south. 99% of the time it is a setup/user issue as it all can be a bit fiddly, but maybe this is the 1%.

It’s not even that it sounds weak, it doesn’t even sound complete, you know what I mean? Like it’s extremely tinny. I tried to mess with the output gain and also have tried the input gain for the RAM samples, tried everything I could find online and in the manual. At this point if it was user error I would give whoever could fix it my house! Haha.

jeffe · 2015-02-19T05:34:40.000Z

What cables are you using to sample?
If you are using a Y-cable, I am looking for a house actually.

Please explain your sampling set up in as much detail as possible.

TrabanT · 2015-02-19T09:06:19.000Z

hey, as much as I wanna help, I think I am going to abandon this thread, because, and please dont get me wrong here, and I say this with peace and love …

this thread is (for me ) full of misunderstandings

platypus · 2015-02-19T20:02:23.000Z

""jeffe"":

What cables are you using to sample?
If you are using a Y-cable, I am looking for a house actually.

Please explain your sampling set up in as much detail as possible.

Dual 1/4" to dual 1/4" running from input a/b to front of focusrite 6i6. Tried some other combinations into back output too but nothing. Focusrite connected through USB cable to computer. That’s about it. Trying to keep it simple.

TrabanT · 2015-02-19T20:41:16.000Z

unless i am mistaken, and I hope I am … I assume you may try to record the inputs from the focusrite, to the inputs of the MD … which will result in dead silence … again, i am off here … pics please , no wait, I am outahere

jeffe · 2015-02-20T20:20:20.000Z

""platypus"":

[quote=“jeffe”]What cables are you using to sample?
If you are using a Y-cable, I am looking for a house actually.

Please explain your sampling set up in as much detail as possible.

Dual 1/4" to dual 1/4" running from input a/b to front of focusrite 6i6. Tried some other combinations into back output too but nothing. Focusrite connected through USB cable to computer. That’s about it. Trying to keep it simple.[/quote]
Well you can still simplify FURTHER. You’ve really, really got to understand this point.
Why use two cables? Use one.

Now - as for the FRONT of the focusrite, are you using the inputs or the headphone outputs?
I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are using the headphone out. If that’s the case, that is a stereo jack, not a mono one, and you shouldn’t be using it unless you are using a y-cable PROPERLY (one thing that happens a lot is people use these backwards).
Anyway, if you are using the headphone out with a single cable, going into the MD input, which is mono, you are effectively and problematically cramming two signals into that one channel. Often times, this causes the signal to cut itself out.

I’m pretty sure that’s what’s happening.

You should be using your focusrite in the correct way, using the main outputs. But we were trying to eliminate the focusrite to show that your md was functioning properly, but I think you were doing that wrong too.

Anyway, I still think you should forget the focusrite for now, you’ve got a bit of learning to do just to get the MD to sample properly in the first place. I don’t think you are incapable of doing it, but you’ve got to do it one step at a time and you keep bringing in this focusrite and using it incorrectly and so it’s hard to tell where the problem is.

You need a MONO signal going into ONE input. If you use your phone to test, use a 1/8" plug that goes to TWO mono 1/4" plugs.
If you insist on the focusrite, then you need ONE 1/4" cable in the main out of the focusrite ON THE BACK, going into input a of the MD. Then there is a whole slew of software options on both the computer and md that can still get in the way - again why i recommend leaving the focusrite until you’ve figured out the md is working.

What is the address and when can I move in? ;]