rd2rk

When you uninstalled Native last time, did you manually check for traces? There's a Line6 folder in the Program Data directory that has Native stuff. If uninstall doesn't remove it and it's corrupt, that could be an issue. Try uninstall again, check for traces, run a registry scan with something like CCleaner, check in Power Settings to make sure that Fast Start is turned off, then reboot. And then there's Norton. I stopped using it ages ago when it messed with several of the programs that I used every day. Do you also have it on your notebook? Try disabling it, see if that helps. Is there a way to mark a program as "safe"? I had a look in the Knowledge Base, and this seems to occur most often with certain DAWs. What DAW are you using?

I don't know - I just TRIED to get an error from Native by disabling BOTH ethernet AND wireless cards AND removing the cable. Fast Start is disabled too. I shut down and restarted, opened the Reaper project with Native and everything is groovy (dope for you youngsters). There's something else going on here...... Have you got the latest version of Native (I do). Only thing I could think of (besides demonic digital possession).

No.

I suspected as much. I'm relieved ! I thought I was losing it!

Comparing the Soundcraft and Zoom mixers: The Soundcraft is a more professional grade LIVE MIXER - better preamps, sliders/rotaries and effects, and the "Grouping" capability is handy for controlling overall levels of sub-mixes, such as when you're mixing a fully mic'd drum kit, a horn section, or multiple backup singers. But you're not doing that, and it's NOT a RECORDER. The Zoom is a RECORDER, and more convenient/portable than a computer for live recording*. It might not have as good pre-amps, sliders/rotaries or effects, but they're certainly good enough for your needs. The additional feature of being able to setup 5 custom monitor/headphone mixes is WAY more important in your scenario than the sub-mix capability. I understand your financial reasons for discounting the importance of a decent monitoring solution, but looking forward, the Zoom's features will serve you better than the Soundcraft. If everybody brings their own headphones, you don't NEED the expensive Yamaha (or whatever) monitors, you can start with just the mixer/recorder and get those later. Baby steps, YMMV, etc. * My setup, to accomplish pretty much the same thing as the Zoom, requires a computer, a midi controller for tactile control of DAW track functions, and the 18i20 for mixing, and I still only get the same 5 custom monitor mixes. And that requires a mouse to configure. I'm SERIOUSLY considering taking my 18i20 down to GC and seeing what they'll give me in trade for that Zoom!

I'm confused - Using one ASIO Driver at a time is a Windows thing, not DAW specific, unless I'm missing something? How do you use more that one ASIO Driver at a time in Reaper?

I try to differentiate by saying "soundcard" when referring to the Windows Sound Panel setting (which gets streaming audio sources to your mix), and ASIO Driver when I mean the soundcard that your DAW uses, but it can be confusing. In solution 1 you're using the 2i2 for both streaming (Windows Sound Panel) and DAW (Sonar ASIO Driver). In Solution 2 you've physically removed the 2i2 from the setup, and you're using the Helix for both.

Make sure both devices and the computer are connected through an EMI filtered power strip, to the same house circuit. One that doesn't share with appliances, fluorescent or rheostat controlled lights. If that doesn't do it, try different USB cables. According to Frank Richotte (L6 boss, over on TGP) the Helix is very sensitive to USB cable quality.

You'll need to install the ASIO drivers from the Focusrite website. Remember that to change ASIO drivers in Sonar you first need to disable the inputs and outputs assigned to the old driver. The first solution allows you to record two tracks in Sonar. You could have one track be a specific instrument (guitar? vocals?) panned all the way left, and the other track be a mix of everything else you have running thru the mixer panned right (using the mixer's level controls to emphasize different instruments). OR two tracks with emphasis on different instruments in each (using the PAN and level controls on the mixer). A simple live jam recording setup. And you can always add overdubs later on separate Sonar tracks. The second solution allows you to record TWO specific instruments, say, Vocals and Guitar, on separate tracks, and a THIRD track with a mix of the remaining instruments from the mixer with differing stereo placements and levels of the instruments. A much more interesting mix with emphasis on the Lead instruments. The preset I attached (save it as a template) demonstrates the second solution and, of course, if you wanted to do an instrumental with second guitar or keyboards (or?) you could use a DI Box to take the instrument to the mic input (set the mic input to LINE or INSTRUMENT as necessary). You could then overdub vocals by setting a fourth track (or as many tracks as you want) to the same inputs you used for the earlier tracks. It's not perfect, but until you get your ZOOM it's pretty darn flexible with the equipment you have. Also, keep in mind that the effects that I used on the three Paths were purely for demonstration purposes. You could bypass any of them and use the tools available in Sonar (or aftermarket VSTs such as the FREE Blue Cat Audio package or very affordable WAVES VSTs) for mixdown. The more Instruments you can record on separate tracks the more options you have at mixdown. EDIT: The path I set up for guitar uses the first processor, since you likely want more effects for guitar. The second and third paths share the second processor, since there are less effects to use up DSP.

Next level: Guitar to Helix Guitar In Mic to Helix Mic In Take the 2i2 out of the chain. Take the Helix 1/4" outs to the Katana AUX In. Helix Big Knob controls level. Mixer Stereo Outs to Helix Returns 1 and 2 (bass, analog drums (mic'd w/submixer), drum machine, analog keyboards). Helix USB to Computer. Helix ASIO Driver in Sonar, Helix Driver in Windows Sound Panel. The attached Demo Helix preset has: Path 1 = Guitar In - TS, Twin, Trem, Delay, Reverb, Compressor - Sonar Track Input 1/2 Path 2 - Input from Mixer - Compressor - Sonar Track Input 3/4 Path 3 - Mic In - Delay, Reverb, Compressor - Sonar Track Input 5/6 Max Mixer.hlx

To try out the full range of amps/cabs (just for fun, right?), you could plug the 1/4" line outs (set to LINE in Globals) into your stereo. Step up from there would be studio monitors.

Since you've once again failed to provide useful details (what MODEL Yamaha recorder - IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!) I'm making assumptions, but, assuming that you've described your needs completely and don't move the goal posts again, here goes nothing - Run EVERYTHING - mics, Helix ANALOG Outs (1/4 or XLR), guitar amp line outs/headphone out/mics, drum mics - EVERYTHING - into the "mixer". Use the PAN controls on the "mixer" to determine what gets recorded to which of the 2 available tracks. Take the stereo outs from the "mixer" into the 2i2. Connect your Katana AUX input to the 2i2 outputs. Take the USB from the 2i2 into Sonar (2i2 is your soundcard - forget using the Helix for this. It's too complicated to explain without writing a book). Use the MONITOR button on the Sonar tracks to determine what you hear thru the speakers. Record and playback with Sonar. In Windows Sound Panel, select the 2i2 as the Windows soundcard. That'll get you streaming from YT, Amazon, Spotify, mars, whatever, through the 2i2 alongside the output from Sonar. No cables to move, quality playback through the Katana. Done! I'm sorry if my tone seems negative. The only one here who truly "gets it" has offered excellent and very expensive solutions that you won't be able to even consider for at least a year. This solution is workable with your existing equipment, experience and knowledge level. Good Luck and Have Fun!

"Note that it records each channel separately and plugs into your DAW via usb. " I know, I read through the manual looking for some reason not to like it. Couldn't find a one.

THANKS A LOT! Here I am, trying to help, and what do you do? GIVE ME G.A.S., that's what! I don't NEED that recorder. It doesn't really do anything my current setup doesn't allow me to do. I haven't looked at hardware recorders in years. BUT I WANT IT! It's cute, and portable, and all the controls for everything, tracks, monitor mixes, EVERYTHING, are RIGHT THERE! I HATE YOU! OK, I'm calmer now. Where were we? Oh, yeah - "...how to make the best use of what I have, even if it doesn't satisfy all my wants." As EVERYBODY has so far said, your biggest problem is monitors. The Katana just ain't gonna cut it for that. I get that you don't want to sell it, but you CAN dump the 2i2. That should get you $100. Along with all the other things we don't know about you is where you live. Are you near a large city, or out in the sticks somewhere? Check Craigslist, you may be able to find a deal on a cheap power amp and small unpowered speakers - 8/10 inch - or a decent home stereo amp with largish speakers. Just to get you through till your ship comes in and you can afford proper monitors or modern powered speakers and that cute little recorder......DOH! There I go again. I HATE YOU! But seriously, we can get you up and functioning with what you've got, but you NEED a decent monitoring system. I've got a Sony bookshelf system, 6" speakers with a 10" sub, cost a couple hundred, 700w, sounds decent. Not as good as my studio monitors, but functional. All sorts of similar stuff on Craigslist and ebay.

We still don't know what model of Katana you have, but they're easy to sell. We still don't know what kind of board you have, but you should sell it soon - they're getting harder to unload. We still don't know if your computer is even up to the task. You can get a decent set of monitors for $500. Better/cheaper if you can find a good used pair. As I said, your home stereo is probably better than the Katana for monitoring. Pay for your monitors by selling the Katana and 2i2. The Helix can be used as a basic interface. Run your other analog instruments (guitar?) from the guitar player's pedalboard or DI (or the Katana Line OUT - unless you've got the K50, which has no line out - in which case SELL IT NOW!) to the Helix AUX in, and put that on a separate path from the 1st guitar so you can add amp cab and effects. The AUX in is NOT 1M impedence, which is the reason for something between the guitar and Helix AUX. You could (if the Katana is the 50) also use the Katana's Headphone out. Either use a stereo to mono adapter to the AUX in or use a pair of Helix returns instead of the AUX in. If you must record the whole rest of the band at once, run the mixer out to the Helix AUX in (or returns) on a separate path. If you're using a Drum Machine and synths, you can save analog inputs by using the MIDI drum machine and synths that come bundled with Sonar. Your DAW can only use one ASIO driver at a time. It's either the 2i2 or the Helix. Sell the 2i2. For your purposes it's no better than the Helix (if it's first gen, not as good as the Helix). In any case, you want an interface that can double as a mixer, and that's why I suggested the 18i20. They run around $600 (2nd gen), less if you get a GC discount (15% off = $510 and tax). If you spent $1000 on the 18i20 and monitors and got $400-500 for the Katana, 2i2 and mixer, that would be an investment of $500-600. In the meantime, if you want to use the 2i2, in Sonar, to select a different driver you need to first DESELECT the current driver's inputs and outputs. You can then select the other driver. Other questions? BE SPECIFIC!

I'm late to the party, but here's what I think you should do. First, you're setting up a home studio, and have grand aspirations but no grand design. Dump the 2i2 and the mixer. Get an 18i20. This replaces the mixer and the 212. There are other brands, but that's what I'm familiar with, and what the following suggestions are based on. You don't need the MIDI interface either. If you need a boatload of MIDI ports, get a MIDI Solutions MIDI Hub. Don't try to mix everything thru the Katana. Why do you even need a Katana, you have a Helix! For straight guitar, any modern FRFR speaker will sound better with the Helix than the Katana. I had one. I sold it. Get some studio monitors, at least 6". Even if you run everything thru a home stereo system it's better than the Katana. With the above configuration, you can record EVERYBODY, from separate inputs, on separate tracks, including the members you haven't hired yet. EVERYBODY can have their own CUSTOM headphone mix (yes, that's EASY to set up with the 18i20). Now to the computer. You need AT LEAST a current gen i5 with 16gb memory and ssd drives. Plug the Helix and the 18i20 into the COMPUTER, NOT A HUB!!!!! If it's a desktop, use the REAR USB PORTS! The front ports are most likely a HUB! Dump Sonar, it sucks. It was my first DAW, and it pains me to say that, but Bandlab hasn't fixed it's core problems. Get Reaper. For 65 bucks it'll allow you to fully maximize ALL of the above equipment, it's very dependable and does pretty much everything any modern DAW does, and better than many much more expensive DAWs. "But it's not ProTools!" ProTools sucks. Expensively. Get Reaper. Lastly, save us all a lot of time. Don't just say "I have a car!" Tell us if it's a Prius or a Lotus. It makes a difference when we try to make suggestions. I'm cranky today. My coffee hasn't kicked in yet. I need to go chase some kids off my lawn......

My KIA dreams about being a Ferrari!

If all you care about is leveling (averaging, nothing too loud or too soft), take your loudest preset and your softest preset and use the above methods to average them. I wonder if it would be possible to implement something like what radio stations use to do this? I forget what it's called, but it's a real thing.

When you select a preset, the Stomp can (if enabled) send the corresponding PC (MIDI Program Change) #. This can be used to call a preset on a device downstream (any MIDI enabled device like a Strymon). Sysex messages are much longer than simple MIDI messages. They're typically used in advanced MIDI configurations, complex synth and lighting, etc. Not what the Stomp is made for. Why doesn't a Toyota Prius have a 500 HP engine?

The Channel Volume on the Amp can affect the tone by changing the levels that the effects that come after the amp see. The best thing to do is change the Output level at the very end of the chain or, if it's a mono preset, add a gain block at the end.

If you've gotten your second MIDI cable, plug your FCB into your Presonus (INS to OUTS, OUTS to INS), fire up the editor, open the sysex I sent and load it into the FCB. Be sure to follow all the directions, including holding down the DOWN pedal for at least 10 seconds to SAVE the sysex to memory. Then unplug the FCB OUT cable from the Presonus and plug it into the Helix. If you've got Helix -Global-MIDI - MIDI PC RECEIVE set to MIDI then you should be good. Works for me! Let me know.

I DL'd and installed the Cubase Elements 10 Trial. Helix is connected via USB. FCB is plugged into Helix. Everything works in Cubase. Pick a time when we can communicate without having to spend hours waiting for each others replies. We WILL get this working. EDIT: Might want to tell me what time zone you're in. I'm in Colorado, US, MST.

Correct.

I've got four possible ways to connect MIDI instruments to my computer - Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Interface (direct); FCB1010/UNO floorboard(thru);HX Floor(thru);DIN to USB Interface. Testing four devices - Seiko DS-250 Synth;Alesis eDrums;FCB1010/UNO;Helix. Using MIDIOX, testing each midi interface separately, no problems UNTIL I connect the interface that the eDrums are on. As soon as I connect (in MIDIOX) whatever interface that the eDrums are on, the endless data stream begins. It doesn't end until I disconnect (in MIDIOX) the device that the eDrums are on and clear the display. Using a VSTi MIDI Monitor in Reaper, no problems at all with any configuration, regardless of what MIDI interface I use for the eDrums. Conclusion: There's no problem with the Helix as MIDI Interface, with any MIDI device EXCEPT eDrums, and ONLY when monitoring with MIDIOX. Regardless of whether I'm using USB or DIN. MIDIOX has a problem with eDrum data, regardless of the interface used to connect the eDrums. Since your Beatstep is more like a drum machine than a synth, that could be the source of the problem. Why you're getting strange results in Mixcraft I can't tell you, as I don't have Mixcraft to test. If there's a free demo version of Mixcraft that isn't MIDI or VST crippled, I'll give it a try later, if for no other reason than that I've never used it (Reaper, Sonar, LIVE, Protools, Cubase another one I can't remember, but not Mixcraft - it'll be FUN!).

As you know, MIDI OX is not really supported. I've seen the Never-ending event stream with som controllers, not others. What exactly are you trying to control on the tablet? What controller are you using into the HX?