Not long ago Diana and I decided to switch from Windows to Apple and we both bought Macbook Pro computers. I do not like to use computers in my synthesizer studio for the most part. In years past I had used a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) built from a Windows 98 PC, a Digi-001 audio interface, and Pro Tools LE 5.1 for recording. The computer was noisy, slow, and needed to be booted with a profile for recording that disabled the wireless network. When the power supply in the PC blew out, I decided to replace the whole shebang. I went with a Tascam SS-R1 compact flash recorder and that serves my needs quite well. My main use for recording is to make MP3s to upload to this website. Twice I have mastered a CD with some of my stuff.
Getting the Macbook Pro opened up new possibilities for software DAW work, since it is such a great multimedia platform. All I needed was a way to get audio in and out. After some research I settled on a TC Electronics Desktop Konnekt6. It provides two channels in and out.
The Konnekt6 comes with Cubase LE4 and nice control panel software. I really like all of the hands-on control this unit offers. There’s even a button on the control surface that minimizes and maximizes the control panel on the computer screen. The big knob is the volume control for playback, as it’s often connected directly to monitor speakers. I route the output of the Konnekt6 back into my Mackie mixer on a stereo input channel. That way I can play it back and record it into MP3 on my Tascam, and even add effects from the MPX-1 at that time.
Cubase LE4 is overkill for my needs. I find it as daunting as Pro Tools was to use, and I don’t have much fun figuring out how to make it do what I want. The neatest feature I’ve discovered is the built-in VST effects. I do like to use digital post-processing, for which the Lexicon MPX-1 goes a long way. Now I’ve got more to explore, if I can find the patience. In any case, the whole setup works quite well and the Mac interface is great, especially the touchpad! Not much need for a mouse any more.
Here’s a photo of the setup:
