Have you ever run into a situation where you don’t have enough inputs to record a band or instrument?
For example, let’s say you want to mic up a drum kit. You have a total of 12 mics, but only 8 inputs on your interface.
Feels like you’re kinda stuck, doesn’t it? Instead of capturing the full glory of that drum kit, you’re gonna have to toss those 4 extra mics instead.
But let’s say you have a 2nd interface laying around. One that has at least a couple more inputs on it. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could connect these 2 interfaces together to work as one?
Well, you can! There’s a variety of ways to connect your 2 interfaces together. And today we’ll explore 2 of the most common and useful ways:
ADAT/OpticalÂ
With ADAT you can physically connect your 2 interfaces together via optical ports. This is a great way to get your interfaces to share audio back and forth.
Or if your interfaces don’t have optical ports on them, instead you can use…
Aggregate Devices
Did you know that your Mac can actually “connect” different interfaces together using only software?
By creating an Aggregate Device with your Mac’s audio MIDI Setup window, you can create a brand new combined interface for Logic to use 🙂
When it comes to connecting multiple interfaces, the details can get pretty confusing. So today’s video will walk you through each step of the process.
So enjoy all the inputs and outputs at your disposal today!
Thank you for this information Chris, very helpful. I have a question: When Aggregate Devices, do you connect them together both adat in and out, and also Firewire/Thunderbolt/USB cable from each Device to the computer?
Thanks, Jens
Hey Jens, great question! With setting up an Aggregate Device the only requirement is that all interfaces are connected to your Mac. They don’t need to be connected to one another with ADAT or any other means. A great option for interfaces without optical ports.
Thanks, good to know.
Ps. I did try it out with adat in and out connected, + firewire caple from Enseble (old version) and USB cable from Synphony Desktop connected to the Computer. It seemed to work, but I will leave the adat from now since it isn´t neessary.
Jens
I have an Apollo X8 with another cheaper 8ch interface connected via ADAT. Works fine. Thinking of taking the cheap unit and ADAT to another 8channel unit while using the X8 standalone. Any problems/drawbacks using aggregation with this scenario? Ie, X8 aggregated to another 8ch interface that has an 8ch ADAT extender (24 in/out)? Then if needed I could ADAT another unit to the X8 for 32ch. Just curious if there was any probable going this route? I don’t want to spend the $ for another Apollo. Thanks for your help!