Logic not seeing signal from ADAT converter

Logic can number inputs differently than the hardware, check all of the inputs.

Also make sure the SM-8 is set as the Master Clock and The Saffire is set to take it's digital clock sync from the SM-8's optical out. (unless you're using external wordclock of course) Only a single optical cable is used, optical out of the SM-8 to the Saffire optical in.

Even though you're seeing input in the Saffire Mix-Control it could still possibly be a clock issue.

It could be a setting in the Saffire mix control in which case maybe someone with Mix-Control experience can jump in here.

Hi - worth a check is the Audio MIDI Setup in Utilities on your Mac. With your audio interface turned on you should see it amongst the audio devices. Check the input and output sliders are all turned up for the available channels. I spent along time messing about trying to get ADAT channels working with my MOTU 828 MKiii - this was the problem....

Matthew

Hi Matthew.

I just got my Saffire Pro 24 and I have the same issue.

ADAT is working well in Saffire MixControl, but nothing in Logic.

I checked in audio midi setup and you're right, all channels are turned down. BUT also everything is in grey ! I can't move any fader to the right, nor type anything in the boxes.

What can I do ?

My ADAT is an Alesis TXT20.

Thank you !

Mandubien wrote:

Hi Matthew.

I just got my Saffire Pro 24 and I have the same issue.

ADAT is working well in Saffire MixControl, but nothing in Logic.

I checked in audio midi setup and you're right, all channels are turned down. BUT also everything is in grey ! I can't move any fader to the right, nor type anything in the boxes.

What can I do ?

My ADAT is an Alesis TXT20.

Thank you !

Forget Audio MIDI setup.... let me repeat that Forget Audio MIDI Setup. It has nothing to do with anything.

For one, a direct digital transfer ADAT -> Saffire -> Logic should not have adjustable volume controls, that's why they're they're not moveable. Proper digital audio transfer is direct, what's on the ADAT should be exactly what's recorded in Logic.

This is between the ADAT, the Saffire Pro 24 (and Saffire MixControl) and Logic, nothing else.

You have Logic's audio preferences both Input and Output set to the Saffire, correct?

You have a single lightpipe cable coming from Digital Out on the ADAT to Digital In on the Saffire. The Saffire should be set to external sync, so that the Saffire's digital clock is syncing to the ADAT.

How many Inputs does an audio channel strip show. Does it show all of the Saffire's Inputs?

What I don't know about is MIXControl, there my be adjustments there that pass the signal through, first I'd get everything set up properly first.

I finally make it yesterday ! Actually there was not any issue, it's just that the inputs in Logic are different than the inputs in mixcontrol. So I tested every input and now it's working fine.

But I still got another issue : my adat works only at 48 kHz. So I set up Logic and the Saffire at 48 kHz as well, but I get a continuous buzz in every output of the Saffire. It's like a big distorted sound every time.

I heard that it could come from the firewire port of the mac, which is not a texas instrument anymore. I will try the firewire -> thunderbolt adaptor to check this out.

This is very important...

In MixControl (or maybe on the Saffire hardware) you have to tell the Saffire NOT to use it's internal clock but to use the clock coming in from the ADAT.

It doesn't matter where you set Logic, Logic will respond to what the Saffire is set at.

Close Logic, get the hardware set up correctly then open Logic and you should be ok.

I called Focusrite customer service. The (very nice) guy asked me to try different setups, and it looks like the problem comes from the ADAT.

When I plug 2 overheads mics into the Saffire and record them at 44.1 or 48, it really works like a charm ! Clear signal, no buzz, very good sound !

When I switch on the ADAT, big buzz, distorted sound.

And actually I tried to set the Saffire as slave, but it's simply not possible at all. It automatically return to internal. So I guess it confirms that the ADAT has issues.

I will try using a Behringer ADA8000 (friend of mine has one), device that I know (and this one has a master/slave switch).

Thank you very much for your help. I will post as soon as my theories are confirmed (or not ^^)

Are you using an Optical cable From Digital/Optical out on the ADAT to the Optical In on the Pro 24?

Absolutely

Ok, and the Saffire won't lock to the external clock coming in on the ADAT lightpipe cable?

The optical cable is in good condition? Aas the optical output on the ADAT covered, if not could it have accumulated dust or dirt inside.

The ADAT clock should be set to Internal.

One thing you need to understand, and there is no option with this. The Saffire HAS to lock (slave) the the ADAT's digital 48kHz sample clock. A digital transfer must run off the same clock, the recording device syncing to the playback clock.

Exactly. I can't change the Saffire clock to ADAT. It automatically goes back to internal.

The optical cable is brand new, the output on the ADAT is fine as well. I set the clock to internal, but it does not change anything on the Saffire.

I'm going to check if there isn't any other thing I must do on the ADAT in case...

Hi, Make sure you have the latest version of Saffire Mix Control installed.

Please click the link below to download the latest beta version:

http://beta.focusrite.com/releases/saffire_mix_control/

Please contact Focusrite techincal support if in need of more assistance:

http://us.focusrite.com/answerbase/contact

Best Regards,

So I checked other forums, and the problem may be that the ADAT works in 16 bits and the Saffire in 24 bits.

Is there a way to use the Saffire in 16 bits mode ?

Mandubien wrote:

So I checked other forums, and the problem may be that the ADAT works in 16 bits and the Saffire in 24 bits.

Did you install the beta MixControl?

You've been given mis-information, the bit depth is not the problem. Are you playing the ADAT tape when trying to set the Saffire to sync to ADAT? When the Saffire is set to internal clock, change the Sample rate to 48K, then start the ADAT tape playing then try setting the Saffire to ADAT sync. (have you tried other tapes)

The reason I know this works is I've transferred many ADAT tapes in both 44.1 and 48kHz formats. This was years ago and I was using a Lexicon Core 2 audio card. (an amazing audio card back in the day)

One thing I do remember, the 44.1 tapes synced instantly but the 48kHz tapes were a bit flaky at times.

I use version 3.4, the last available on the Focusrite website.

I use the ADAT only as an A/D converter, I don't use any tape actually. I'm a drummer, so I need 11 tracks in total to be recorded in Logic (3 directly from the Saffire, and 8 from the ADAT).

So if I understand, I first switch on the Saffire, then set it up at 48 kHz and internal. Then I switch on the ADAT, and try to set the Saffire's clock on ADAT ? Is it correct ?