No audio signal in Logic Pro 9 from external microphone/line input via external soundcard

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Level 1

1 points

No audio signal in Logic Pro 9 from external microphone/line input via external soundcard

I'm running Logic Pro 9.1.8. I am using the Alesis iO2 as an external soundcard into Logic.

I've recently setup my studio equipment after having it in storage, and am encountering the following issue, whereby I am unable to get an audio signal/playback in Logic when trying to record using an external microphone via an XLR input on the Alesis iO2, or using a guitar plugged in via the line input jack. I am extremely confused as I have never had this issue before.

Some more info:

Signal is fine and audio heard when using MIDI in Logic, and playing back audio files etc (there is just no live signal being produced or recorded from microphones/guitars plugged in via the Alesis iO2)
Signal is produced on Alesis iO2 metre, I can see the signal going into the Alesis itself, just not coming out of Logic.

I was starting to think it may be some form of software issue with Logic. However, I opened guitar rig 2 as a stand alone VST to see if there was the same issue, and there is - still no input/output on my Macbook, just on the Alesis iO2.

I've setup multiple audio tracks in Logic, using different mics, XLRs, jack cables, different inputs, and now I am completely puzzled.

Why would I not be getting an audio signal/live input playback in Logic from my Alesis iO2, but all other aspects of the audio are completely fine and working?

I can only think that since I've had my studio gear packed away, and continued to use my Macbook, I may have accidentally deleted some file/piece of software required for this playback? Or the update on my computer (OS X El Capitan 10.11.2) is not agreeing with Logic now?

At the risk of sounding like a fool, I am (usually!) fairly competent with this equipment, so I've checked input/output setting on my macbook, in logic, disconnected things, reconnected things, tried many different variations, and now I'm completely clueless as to what this issue is!

Please, any help would be hugely appreciated, as I'm unable to record any music currently!

Thanks

MacBook (13-inch Mid 2009), OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 12:52 PM

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Answer 1

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 4, 2016 1:33 PM in response to chicojoey

I know you mentioned this... but you have set the Alesis as the Input & Output Device in Logic's Preferences/Audio.

The thing to do it look at what's different... you have the same computer, same hardware but a New Operating System! There have been quite a few problems using USB in both Mavericks and El Capitan, especially El Capitan. Does the Alesis use bus power, if so, one thing to try would be using a powered USB 2.0 hub between the Alesis and the MacBook. Hopefully you have or can borrow one to try this fix out, it has helped quite a few.

p.s. even though the Alesis is "seen" it may not be fully functional.

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Answer 2

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 5, 2016 1:19 PM in response to Pancenter

Thanks for replying.

Yes, I've set the Alesis as the Input/Output Device in Logic's Preferences/Audio. And yes, the Alesis is bus powered, via a USB cable.

OK, I don't have a USB hub, but I will invest in one (I don't have enough free USB ports as it goes in any case!) and hopefully this will resolve the issue I'm having. If not, I'll perhaps have to look at receding a few OS X to see if I can fix this. El Capitan has been quite problematic in general for me anyway, so I don't mind losing it.

Apart from the operating system playing up, could there be any other possible reasons this is happening that anyone can think of?

Thanks

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Answer 3

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 5, 2016 2:41 PM in response to chicojoey

If you do get a hub, make sure it's a powered USB 2.0 hub (not USB 3.0)

Going back to an older OS may solve the problem.

The very latest El Capitan resolved some of the (many) USB issues but not all of them.

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Answer 4

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 9, 2016 4:00 AM in response to Pancenter

OK, so I tried a USB 2.0 powered hub, but still the same issue unfortunately.

Looks like I'll need to try going back to an older OS. If this problem occurred as you mentioned for some people running Mavericks, would the logical step down for me to be to go down to Mountain Lion? How exactly do I do this without a Time Machine backup, or the discs for Mountain Lion?

Thanks

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Answer 5

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 9, 2016 10:56 AM in response to chicojoey

Ok, From most reports I've read it looks like Mavericks should work for you.

You do have the Digital/Analog switch on the front of the unit set to ANALOG correct? This has to be set to analog for any of the input jacks to work otherwise it a straight through s/pdif interface.

Have you tried the mic through both XLR inputs?

You have selected the correct Input in Logic's channel strip of the track being recorded on. Should either be 1 or 2 for mono, or 1-2 for a stereo track. Actually, this is usually the default but it's something to check.

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Answer 6

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 10, 2016 11:07 AM in response to Pancenter

Yes, the Digital/Analog switch is set to Analog, and I have tried a mic through both XLR inputs, as well as a guitar being plugged into the guitar/line input jack, but still no joy unfortunately. I've also selected the correct Input in Logic's channel strip.

So now I'm stumped!

Is the only thing left to try to downgrade OS now? I"m running the latest OS (El Capitan 10.11.2) currently.

Thanks for your help.

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Answer 7

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 10, 2016 11:52 AM in response to chicojoey

Your 2.0 hub has an external power supply right.. and since the unit has been in storage you've flipped all the switches a few times to clean the contacts, and the USB cable is good... I see no other choice than to down grade the OS, do you know anyone with a Mac running an older OS that you can try the unit with, just to be sure this is not all in vain.

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Answer 8

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 12, 2016 11:51 AM in response to Pancenter

Yes to those, the USB hub has an external power supply, I've flipped switches countless times, and the USB cable is all good.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone running a Mac with an older OS that I can easily meet with to test the soundcard.

How do I go about downgrading to Mavericks?

Many thanks

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Answer 9

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 12, 2016 1:36 PM in response to chicojoey

I don't know as I never upgraded to any of the newer operating systems, Logic 9 and Snow Leopard work perfectly for me, I've since upgraded my system with a UAD-2 card and UAD plugins.. I mainly record people singing and playing instruments these days, a solid system is important to me so I jumped off the upgrade path some time ago.

You might start a new topic on downgrading the OS, quite a few people have done it, I'm sure you will find some help.

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Answer 10

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 13, 2016 9:20 AM in response to Pancenter

I had Logic 9 and Snow Leopard, and as you say, it worked perfectly, goodness knows why I still think it's worth upgrading my OS, it never does any good, only causes hassle! Well I will downgrade back to an OS that will hopefully work with Logic again.

Thanks for all your help, you've been very useful.

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Answer 11

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 17, 2016 9:13 AM in response to chicojoey

So I downgraded my OS back to what it originally was when I first bought my Macbook (Leopard 10.5.8), all original factory settings etc, reinstalled Logic and I've still got the same problem unfortunately. I've got no idea what the problem could be. I tried testing the issue in Garageband too, and it's the same there, so I'm beginning to wonder if it is a hardware issue? Although I still don't understand how it could be if every other function seems to be working fine.

Please, any suggestions anyone? I am clueless.

Thanks

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Answer 12

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 23, 2016 8:27 AM in response to chicojoey

Any ideas at all?

I even tried creating a new aggregate device in the Audio MIDI setup system and selected that in Logic, but I'm still having the same problem!!

What could the matter be? I'm completely clueless with this now, someone please help!

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Answer 13

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Jan 23, 2016 10:04 AM in response to chicojoey

I've been sitting here going over every scenario but cannot cpme up with anything to speak of.

Can you post a screen shot of Logic's Preferences/Audio the one that shows the I/O buffer

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Answer 14

chicojoey Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 23, 2016 10:25 AM in response to Pancenter

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Answer 15

Jan 23, 2016 12:00 PM in response to Pancenter

Pancenter wrote:

I've been sitting here going over every scenario but cannot cpme up with anything to speak of.

Can you post a screen shot of Logic's Preferences/Audio the one that shows the I/O buffer

Given its an io2........ Hardware failure given this comment by the OP?

However, I opened guitar rig 2 as a stand alone VST to see if there was the same issue, and there is - still no input/output on my Macbook, just on the Alesis iO2.

Seems like its a system wide problem and not related to Logic...........

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