Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes when we are trying to work down at the VAMS studio, the equipment decides to act up. Here are some troubleshooting tips that can help get you back working. Of course, if you are having difficulties and have already tried to remedy the problem on your own without success, please call or text (texting is better) Joey so he can help sort out the problem. 604-781-3599
1. The iMac becomes unresponsive
Sometimes when people are working with the Mac, they will notice that the machine becomes unresponsive and slow. The best way to remedy this problem is to:
A. Turn the computer off (Do not restart the computer...instead, shut the computer down).
B. Once the computer has been turned off, turn the Mackie mixer off, wait 5 seconds, and then switch the Mackie mixer back on.
Every time the computer has become unresponsive, this procedure usually corrects the problem. However, if the computer is still unresponsive after completing steps A and B, you can also try running the Apple Jack utility. To run Apple Jack, simply restart the computer and then hold down the command key and S key.When the terminal screen appears, type in "applejack" and then follow the instructions on the screen.
2. I cannot hear sound from the mixer
If for some reason the mixer is unable to playback sound when you are trying to work in Logic or other audio software please follow these steps.
** Before trying the steps below, please make sure that the Mackie Mixer is set up in the following way; In the Control Room/Phones area of the mixer located on the top right side of the mixer, MAIN MIX button should be pressed down (engaged). FW 1-2 should not be pressed down, Assign to Main Mix should not be pressed down, Control Room (speaker volume) knob should be up (this will affect the volume playback). Channel 15-16 fader on the mixer should be brought up to "U" which is Unity Gain and the Main Mix Fader located to the very bottom right of the mixer should also be set to "U" or Unity Gain - Of course this can also act as your main volume fader in conjunction with the Control Room volume knob. ***Please do not change these settings for any reason.
A. Close all audio programs first.
B. Make sure that the volume on the mixer is turned all the way down. (the knob called control room volume).
C. Power down the mixer and then turn it back on again. This should re-engage the mixer's driver.
D. Start Logic or any other audio program (including iTunes) and check to see if the problem has been remedied.
E. If the audio is still not working, check to see if the audio program that you are running is properly configured to work with the Mackie mixer. In Logic, you can check this by clicking on preferences - then audio - to check that the Mackie (ONYX-i 3024) is set to be the audio interface. You can watch this Logic tutorial on how to set up the audio interface if you are experiencing any problems.
Sometimes when people are working with the Mac, they will notice that the machine becomes unresponsive and slow. The best way to remedy this problem is to:
A. Turn the computer off (Do not restart the computer...instead, shut the computer down).
B. Once the computer has been turned off, turn the Mackie mixer off, wait 5 seconds, and then switch the Mackie mixer back on.
Every time the computer has become unresponsive, this procedure usually corrects the problem. However, if the computer is still unresponsive after completing steps A and B, you can also try running the Apple Jack utility. To run Apple Jack, simply restart the computer and then hold down the command key and S key.When the terminal screen appears, type in "applejack" and then follow the instructions on the screen.
2. I cannot hear sound from the mixer
If for some reason the mixer is unable to playback sound when you are trying to work in Logic or other audio software please follow these steps.
** Before trying the steps below, please make sure that the Mackie Mixer is set up in the following way; In the Control Room/Phones area of the mixer located on the top right side of the mixer, MAIN MIX button should be pressed down (engaged). FW 1-2 should not be pressed down, Assign to Main Mix should not be pressed down, Control Room (speaker volume) knob should be up (this will affect the volume playback). Channel 15-16 fader on the mixer should be brought up to "U" which is Unity Gain and the Main Mix Fader located to the very bottom right of the mixer should also be set to "U" or Unity Gain - Of course this can also act as your main volume fader in conjunction with the Control Room volume knob. ***Please do not change these settings for any reason.
A. Close all audio programs first.
B. Make sure that the volume on the mixer is turned all the way down. (the knob called control room volume).
C. Power down the mixer and then turn it back on again. This should re-engage the mixer's driver.
D. Start Logic or any other audio program (including iTunes) and check to see if the problem has been remedied.
E. If the audio is still not working, check to see if the audio program that you are running is properly configured to work with the Mackie mixer. In Logic, you can check this by clicking on preferences - then audio - to check that the Mackie (ONYX-i 3024) is set to be the audio interface. You can watch this Logic tutorial on how to set up the audio interface if you are experiencing any problems.
If the sound is still not working (after you have turned the mixer back on), make sure that the fader channel (15-16) on the mixer is pushed up to U (unity gain), that the control room volume knob is turned up, that the main stereo output fader located on the right side of the mixer is pushed up, and that the FW 1-2 button is disengaged. In addition, under system preferences (click on the apple located at the top left corner of the screen), click on system preferences, click sound (icon looks like a speaker) and make sure that the Mackie ONYX-i 3024 is selected for both the input and output.
Finally, if there is still no sound, it is possible that the AC power cord plugged into the subwoofer located under the desk could have accidentally become disconnected. Plugging the power cord back in will solve this problem.
Finally, if there is still no sound, it is possible that the AC power cord plugged into the subwoofer located under the desk could have accidentally become disconnected. Plugging the power cord back in will solve this problem.
3. How come I can't hear software effects even though I have added an insert effect plugin?
You many not be hearing a software effect on playback because the software monitoring option has been turned off. If software monitoring is turned off, any effects such as reverb, guitar pedals including the tuner, will not work in realtime. This may be a problem if you would like to record a signal (such as a vocal) and hear an effect (such as reverb) at the same time. To change the option, click on Logic Pro located at the top left corner of the software. Next, choose preferences and then audio. Next make sure that software monitoring is checked.
There are also times when you do not want to have software input monitoring on. This video helps explain a little better. **Note: Please leave 24 bit recording checked as you will get better results recording your projects in 24 bit.
You many not be hearing a software effect on playback because the software monitoring option has been turned off. If software monitoring is turned off, any effects such as reverb, guitar pedals including the tuner, will not work in realtime. This may be a problem if you would like to record a signal (such as a vocal) and hear an effect (such as reverb) at the same time. To change the option, click on Logic Pro located at the top left corner of the software. Next, choose preferences and then audio. Next make sure that software monitoring is checked.
There are also times when you do not want to have software input monitoring on. This video helps explain a little better. **Note: Please leave 24 bit recording checked as you will get better results recording your projects in 24 bit.
4. I hear awful noise coming from the monitors. What should I do?
That awful noise you heard was probably because the mic was on, thus creating a feedback loop. When you have the studio monitors on at a loud volume and have the mic set to be very sensitive (ie. the gain set high), the mic will feedback which caused a very unpleasant sound. The avoid this problem, turn the studio monitors down (or even mute them) when using the mic or turn off the mic when using the studio monitors.
5. Volume playback on mixer. Why is the fader not working like it used to?
I wrote a note at the studio on how to make sure that the main mix fader allows control of general volume. Someone changed the setting on the mixer. These settings should never be changed. At the top of the troubleshooting guide, there is a extensive guide on how the mixer should be setup. Please refer to this guide to assist you in setting it up properly.
That awful noise you heard was probably because the mic was on, thus creating a feedback loop. When you have the studio monitors on at a loud volume and have the mic set to be very sensitive (ie. the gain set high), the mic will feedback which caused a very unpleasant sound. The avoid this problem, turn the studio monitors down (or even mute them) when using the mic or turn off the mic when using the studio monitors.
5. Volume playback on mixer. Why is the fader not working like it used to?
I wrote a note at the studio on how to make sure that the main mix fader allows control of general volume. Someone changed the setting on the mixer. These settings should never be changed. At the top of the troubleshooting guide, there is a extensive guide on how the mixer should be setup. Please refer to this guide to assist you in setting it up properly.
