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Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 15:19
by Stormcaller
Good Afternoon Cross Community!

I'm doing a gig next weekend where i'm going to need to do voiceovers with a microphone. I'm running a PG58 into a VCI 300 and have the mic level turned all the way up. I've experimented with different settings in the audio preferences but I cannot get the microphone to output through the master out.

I've tried the same thing in Serato and it works perfectly so I know it isn't my hardware, but I prefer Cross over Serato.

Can anyone tell me if there is a setting i'm missing?

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 16:51
by daniel clark
:cool: not familiar with the set up ,,vci 300 and pg58 :?: :?: ,,but the U-Mix Control Pro has a hardware related mic in put that adds mic to master out ,, totaly hardware ,, what version are you running and what audio setting have you tried , not shure how the other software accomplishes this ,,but that they key into figuring out why it might not be possible in Cross ,, not saying its not ,,but dont have enuff info :biggrin: :cool:

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 17:35
by Stormcaller
I'm using Cross 3.3.10 64 bit on Mac.

The Microphone level control is hardware, it controls the preamp, but after that the controller treats the signal as an aux line in on inputs 3 and 4 (It also as a phono in on 1 & 2 but I don't use those).

I'm assuming the input 1 and input 2 dropdowns are for timecode control, but I've tried setting setting them to an input and not getting anywhere, I'm assuming the aux input is supposed to be the drop down for the microphone but I'm both getting nothing when trying both inputs, and I see no obvious microphone controls within Cross.

At this point I am assuming that Cross does not support microphones, which would be unfortunate.

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 17:50
by Stormcaller
Just had an idea: Ill Gates uses a setup where he shares the output between Ableton and Serato, using one for samples and one for DJing/Video. I just found out it works with Cross too. I have Ableton routing the microphone to output, and Cross running music at the same time. Trouble is I have a 2009 MBP with a core 2 duo so I gotta be careful I don't max out the processor doing this. Its also another potential point of failure during a live performance that I want to avoid if possible.

Any ideas how to get this running natively would be appreciated.

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 19:42
by RoJeC
Have you switched a deck to use this input as source.

Also be sure to use appropriate levels. you shouldn't exchange levels just like that. Especially putting a line in a phono may result in permanent damage to the hardware.

Other challenge is to be sure your mono mic delivers stereo signal.

Mics and there usage just isn't easy when hooking up to devices. Grounding and feedback loops are waiting to make your life miserable...

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 19:58
by Stormcaller
OK, found that, it works but I lose that deck when I switch it to line. Not only that, it only works on one deck or the other one because the settings won't let me put it on both. It kinda works but it's a bit clunky as I have to make sure that deck isn't the one playing when I want to voiceover.

There is still the aux dropdown in the audio settings. I assume that is supposed to do something?

The preamp in my controller is obviously designed for this. It is presenting my mono mic as audio from a stereo line input so the levels are already perfect. What I want is to have that routed to the PA permanently and just use the switch on the mic.

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 27 Jun 2015, 20:33
by FigDJ
You can map it so every time you select the mic input it also bypass the crossfader and go straight to master.

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 28 Jun 2015, 10:32
by daniel clark
:idea: what are the possibilities of useing a mixer with a mic input and useing the master out from your computer and the mic input on the mixer to achieve what you want ,, as i said the U-Mix Control Pro has a mic input and controls ,,ie volume/talk over mute ,, but its done outside of the software and works ,, less strain /confusion,,,, :cool:

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 28 Jun 2015, 12:52
by Stormcaller
Because I don't want to blow a load of money on a new controller, and because Cross should be able to do this.

I'll add it to my wishlist for the next version of Cross (along with better/more simultaneous audio effects, MIDI clock out and an iPad remote that works in 64 bit), and will route the audio in Ableton in the meantime.

Edit: Or I could use this obviously superior MCing solution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NpsftoUKVA :)

Re: Microphone output

PostPosted: 28 Jun 2015, 15:22
by daniel clark
:eek: maybe this will be a good workaround ,, out put from comp,ie Cross out put going to sound system ,going to mixer and the mixers input for mic ,

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/numark-2-ch ... Id=2954023