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Using an interface for live performance. (MOTU Ultralite content).

M Sterling

M Sterling

Sep 23, 2010
1,758
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Pittsburgh, PA
www.youtube.com
#1
Hey guys,

I've been using my laptop for amp sims and effects when playing live lately and I was wondering if there is a better way to hook everything up. Right now my signal is:

Bass>pedalboard>input 1 on MOTU ultralite mk3>firewire to laptop ('08 macbook pro)>Ableton to host VST's and loop>TRS out from the Main L output on interface>effects return on a markbass LM3.

My question is if it would be better to come out of the headphone output or one of the other outs on the back of the interface. And if I should be using the effects return or just going to the input of the little mark. Here is a picture of the front and back panel to show you what my options are. Thanks a lot for any input you can give.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnsINk_BZoLGmtxYXWL6CFpt5RQOdMVnhE1INdkhAslmlHwVpcP-bzoIap-A.jpg
 
#2
I do the same thing! I wish I had your interface! As far as routing, it depends on future plans. I run keys/tracks and click in my setup in addition to the bass to a cab and the house. My outputs are usually 1/2=keys/track 3=click 4=bass to house 5=bass to power amp.
I'm using a friend's focusrite saffire 40 which has two headphone outs, so I can also run two separate headphone mixes, mixing on the internal mixer, which allows for low latency routing and monitoring.

You can do something similar in cue mix if you wanted to run in ears as well, just have the house send you a stereo mix (or mono if they don't have enough auxes) and route it into a pair of inputs.

As far as how to hook it up to your markbass, it doesn't matter if it sounds good. I ran into the input when I was using mine, but now I run a power amp.

You might be doing this already, but inside ableton you can get a killer tone and punch/sustain/volume if you make a signal path like: High pass eq set to ~30Hz if on a 5 string, ~40Hz on a 4 string--> compressor with med/slow attack, med release, 4:1 ratio, threshold at ~6dB of reduction on loudest notes--> limiter set so it keeps your level near 0dB upon initial attack, taking off your loudest peaks by ~2-3dB

You'll have way more presence and consistency while not losing your attack and punch, and you can turn your amp up way louder, because you are absolutely certain of your loudest volume due to the limiter. I used to have volume problems (I'm in a fairly loud band) where my cab would fart out on the lowest notes if I had the volume set to where I could hear myself. Now I have no problems. I actually have a ton of headroom. As far as the frequency of the high pass, you needn't worry about the lowest fundamentals coming through, as the part that cuts through and you hear in a mix is the harmonic content. I play tuned ADGCFBb and actually have mine set to 35Hz, even though the fundamental of A is around 28Hz. I can promise you, my low notes come through in spades. You'll also find the compressor working better, because it's not dealing with a bunch of sub 25Hz content from your fingers hitting strings and such.

Shew! This was a lot longer than I expected it to be! I hope I was helpful in some way...
 
#8
Hi, sorry to resurrect a zombie thread but I have a quick query about using my MOTU Ultralite (mk3).
Basically I'm wondering if I can use it purely as a compressor, i.e. Bass>MOTU (powered by DC adaptor) >Amp.
I've been fiddling around with my gear for the last couple of hours and can't seem to get it working. Any tips at all? Or is this even possible?

Cheers!

Edit: And if it is possible is it even worth doing??
 
#9
LeopoldBoom said:
Hi, sorry to resurrect a zombie thread but I have a quick query about using my MOTU Ultralite (mk3).
Basically I'm wondering if I can use it purely as a compressor, i.e. Bass>MOTU (powered by DC adaptor) >Amp.
I've been fiddling around with my gear for the last couple of hours and can't seem to get it working. Any tips at all? Or is this even possible?

Cheers!

Edit: And if it is possible is it even worth doing??
Click to expand...


Scratch the first part! I got working as a standalone compressor. After many more hours of fiddling it dawned on me that Cuemix FX might be of some help and baddabing baddaboom, it works.
I guess my second question still stands though - would anyone recommend this setup? Any potential drawbacks/hazards inherent in using the Ultralite in this way?
 

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