DAW AI MYSTERY! Solve please!!

Question

Here's the skinny
I use a two year old iMac, Logic Express, Garageband and an M-Audio Firewire Solo AI.
Here's the problem(s):
With GB, I can only use the iMac headphone out to get sound (speakers or cans), but the volume is great.
With Logic Ex, I need to use headphone out on the M-Audio unit. Not only is volume BRUTAL (barely audible despite settings), but the recording levels are almost non existent (explains the poor headphone volume I suppose).
Is this a Logic setting I've overlooked (I'm a bit of a Logic N00b)? I'm using the same AI for both GB and Logic and getting two entirely different level results.
Also, why would I only be able to use iMac's headphone out for GB, but require the use of the AI headphone out for Logic?
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Jay.

Answer 1

Hi
GB has settings that allows for different input and output combos.
Logic doesn't do this alone (unless you create and set up an Aggregate Device to use multiple input/output devices, but that's another subject you can search for in these forums when you need to).
Not to worry, you don't need to do this if you are trying to use your audio box alone.
Logic recognizes the audio and MIDI settings made with the Audio MIDI Setup utility.
Get and install the latest driver for your unit and Mac OS version as per their instructions (install with your box unplugged or off).
After driver install connect your box/turn it on and let it boot.
Prior to launching any application launch Audio MIDI Setup (found in your Finder Utilities folder) and select your box as the input and output device and make the appropriate settings made available for your box by the driver.
Logic should now be able to recognize the setup and allow you to select it as your audio inputs/outputs.
From page 99 LE8 manual...
Goto... Logic Express > Preferences > Audio (or use the Open Audio Preferences key
command), then click the Devices tab, or click the Preferences Toolbar button, choose Audio from the pop-up menu, then click the Devices tab.
In Mac OS X, all audio devices are accessed via Core Audio, an integral part of the
operating system. Core Audio is a high-performance, low-latency audio system that
allows audio interface hardware to be used by several applications at the same time.
Logic Express is compatible with all audio hardware that offers a Core Audio driver.
Hope this helps.
Cheers