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Let me preface this by saying that I have next to no knowledge about gear or recording techniques. I am here because I need help setting up my equipment and I have no idea how to even begin. Also, I apologize if I am a.) posting in the wrong place, b.) repeating a previous post, or c.) not supposed to be posting here at all.

I bought a bunch of equipment recently because I want to be able to record myself singing and playing keyboard. However, I quickly realized that all of this stuff is beyond my understanding, as I can't even get all of the different parts working together. At this point, all I want to do is be able to hit "record" and have sound be captured. Anything more complicated than that can wait until I actually have everything working. I have what I guess is an okay bunch of stuff for a total novice like myself:

Mac Leopard OS
Logic Express
Firebox
CAD Trion 6000 mics
Rubicon monitors
Yamaha MO6 keyboard

I don't have any other information aside from what the various pieces of equipment are called.

It is extremely frustrating to not be able to do what should be the simple task of setting everything up so that it actually works. If anyone has any familiarity with some of this equipment and can give me even just a super basic guide on setting it up, I would greatly appreciate it.

Comments

JohnTodd Sun, 12/19/2010 - 06:03

I just dont know about the Mac, I'm a PC guy. I don't know if any of this will help, bu there goes:

That Firebox just plugs in via firewire. Getting Logic to recognize it shouldn't be too hard.

Look in your menus and settings or preferences or setup area for the word "ASIO". Around there should be another choice for the FIrepod. It may say firepod or something else. Try it. Also, not to be terse, but read the manuals! The Logic manual will tell you how to get signal into the software. Firewire is a general standard in the industry, in fact, it was invented by Apple, so I'm sure Logic would support that with no trouble. Once you solve that problem, the rest is gravy, except for years of practice and study! LOL!

Your other gear seems quite fine for your purposes. Should work out nicely for you.

Try this link:
http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/Logic_Express_7_Install-f85a71abb33789f26f9d7098cf78df46.pdf
THat's an install manual. Look at teh section called "MIDI and Audio connections"

Man, I hope this helps. I'm taking shots in the dark not having a Mac. I just hate to see an eager beaver hamstrung by something that should be a simple thing to do.

Best wishes;
Johntodd

anonymous Sun, 12/19/2010 - 07:00

Okay, I have my firebox recognized by Logic and all seems to be well. I can't figure out how to get my mic working though, and the various manuals are somewhat vague on the subject. I'm messing around looking at preferences and settings, but so much of the information is just gibberish. Oy, this is a bit overwhelming and a little intimidating. I just wanted to make some music, not fly this thing to the moon. Also, what is "phantom" power and what does it have to do with microphones? Is the mic powered by ghosts?

JohnTodd Sun, 12/19/2010 - 08:16

Phantom power is required for condenser mics. They must have power. Phantom power can be supplied by the Firebox, but make sure it is switched on. THere's probably a button to push or switch to flip. Dynamics do NOT need this, and ribbon mics are DESTROYED by it, so be careful.

As for getting the mic to work. The CAD you have requires phantom power, maybe that's it? Does the XLR cable work? Try another. Make sure the gain is turned up at least a little. And be careful about switching phantom power on when the gain is way up - could send a loud sound into your speakers/headphones! Then you'll have to change your underwear. :)

HOWEVER: Don't plug in the mic when phantom power is on. There's a chance it could damage the mic. Rather, plug in and then switch phantom power on. Switch phantom off and wait 2 minutes before unplugging the mic.

TheJackAttack Sun, 12/19/2010 - 20:37

So the audio hardware setup according to the manual is:
Choose Logic Pro > Preferences > Audio (or use the Open Audio Preferences key command), then click the Devices tab.

Then in your "arrange" window when you expand the track there is an IO button. It is there that you choose what input goes to what channel.

I'm just reading the manual on this as I have neither Logic or a Mac.

anonymous Mon, 12/20/2010 - 03:38

Alright, I've got the interface set up and I can set up a new vocal track, but the little meter that indicates how loud the incoming sound is barely raises at all, even when I am speaking directly into the mic. I have tried turning up different things and adjusting the volume however I know how, but I'm not sure where the sound is getting lost. I know the mic works okay, because I can record my voice just fine in garage band.

mdb Thu, 12/23/2010 - 11:20

Frostilicus, did you get it working okay?

I previously owned a Firebox and use Logic Express exclusively.

Open the Firebox control panel and check off the +12dB box to increase the gain on the channels.
Open the Firebox Mixer (leave it open).
Make sure all your faders are at the top (0, or unity gain) and none of the channels are muted or soloed.
Playback to phones should be "1/2", playback = "1/2" and Mixer output = "Main".
Be sure the Firebox is the input device in your project preferences within Logic.
In Logic on the track you are using, pick the input for that track to be the input # used on the Firebox (channel 1, 2, etc.).
On the active track, click on the "I" and the "R" for both record and input monitoring.
In Logic's "transport bar", click the Low Latency Mode button to enjoy low latency monitoring.
Put the channel fader in Logic to unity "0" and turn up the gain knob on your Firebox (phantom power ON),

You should get plenty of signal into your DAW. Make sure your stereo and main outputs in Logic are up.