Hi, and thank you for the reply.

Yes I have read about the loopback function on page 59.

However I am still unable to make it work.

When I engage the loopback function two things happen.
1) The sound I hear from my headphones change so it sounds like I am in another room.
2) Nothing gets recorded.

Apparently this could be a problem due to input monitoring on both logic and Totalmix.

I also spoke to the salesperson whom I bought it from who then consulted their RME dealer regarding this matter. He told me the only way I could record it is through a process where I go out again through the headphone jack.. He said this would not be a good solution because (1) I won't be able to monitor with my headphones anymore and two the channel would only be mono instead of stereo or something along those lines.
He told me the babyface effects were not designed to actually be recorded to only to be used when monitoring the recording so the performer has confidence.

I'm not entirely confident this is the case. That's why I registered in this forum to get advice hopefully more from the source (RME people).

So, if the saleperson was wrong, please help me. I would be very surprised to learn that all the fancy EQ, echo, and reverb is only for monitoring...

Thanks you, greatly appreciated.

Matt

This wrong. As the manual clearly states the internal loopback function sends the hardware output directly to the recording software - including the effects on this output (= bus). You don´t need an external cable. When you press the Loopback button this output goes directly to Logic instead of the signal at the hardware input (Mic, guitar). It doesn´t matter if only input 1 is connected - the Loopback sends the complete bus (stereo or mono to the software inputs).

If the routing with Analog in 1 confuses you and your monitoring source is not output 1/2 but the headphone out 3/4 (without a Loopback option because no corresponding input), try the Loopback with another bus:
- copy the mix from your monitoring output (right click)
- paste the mix on output AS1/2 (= digital SPDIF or ADAT 1/2 - when you switch between the two busses no fader on the inputs and playback channels should move
- press the Loopback button in AS1/2
- now choose input AS1/2 in Logic in a new channel (it´s input 3-4, not 5/6! - because the heaphone output 3/4 has no corresponding analog input)

You get the following routing: The mic signal on hardware input 1 passes through TotalMix gets all effects (except the input EQ) and goes from output 3/4 directly to the recording software. The peakmeter in Logic should move exactly like in the TotalMix output channel AS1/2 when you move the output fader in TotalMix. If you see a signal on the peakmeters you can record. Afterwards click Solo in Logic and listen to the recorded track. Should be the same like on TotalMix output 1/2 (or 3/4 when you copy the mix from there).

I think your problems result from a double routing through TotalMix and Logic to the headphone out. An easy routing should be like this:
- all inputs to output 1/2 (all playback faders all the way down)
- output 1/2 includes all the effects - Loopback activated
- Logic record channel: input 1/2
- Logic mixer output goes to TotalMix output 3/4 (your headphone output)
- Route only software output 3/4 to Phones 3/4 (all other faders all the way down)
- Output 3/4 gets now the recorded TotalMix signal with the effects plus all Logic effects and tracks
- Output 3/4 should not have any effects! They will not be in the recording chain.

best regards
Knut

Wow, this is a great service for an early Sunday morning. But more information please. Can you record a bus via Loopback in Logic with the effects?

You are right, but we live in times where pros need tools not toys. RME tries to give them what they need.

best regards
Knut

It´s for both. If the home studio guy wants to work like a master engineer and print effects to the recording he can do it.

best regards
Knut

I wanted to confirm one more thing. I gather from your response that the EQ is not imprint-able on the recording?

He did not mention 'input'. Just in case - Option DSP EQ for Record. Page 15 and chapter 25.3.

OK, it seems you have your monitoring with all effects on the headphone output 3/4. You can check this by clicking O-Names in the View Options. "Main" should change to PH3/4.

PH3/4 does not provide a "Loopback" option, because there is no corresponding input (see above). If you want to record this mix you have to copy it to another output and route (= loopback) this channels to Logic.

Here is one way to do it:
- right click "Main" (PH3/4) and copy the submix
- right click output AS1/2 and paste submix: Now you have the same signal with the effects on AN1/2
- click "Loopback" in AS1/2
- Switch to Logic and choose input AS1/2  (= input 3-4) in the track, where you want to record the headphone mix
- route this channel in Logic to Babyface output 3/4, switch to TotalMix and click Mute in PH3/4 in the 2nd row (software output) to avoid a signal loop.
- Record in Logic (except the EQ of the AN1 input)

Click "Main", set the volume fader of PH3/4 (2nd row) to 0dB and unmute this channel to listen to the recorded track. 

Next step could be a setup to keep PH3/4 and AS1/2 in sync for all changes on levels and effects.

best regards
Knut

Could it have to do with the FX return and FX sends cause I have some of them turned all the way down... and the actual "out" on my babyface is turned all the way down too...

There is a big and rather heavy (as in weight) manual coming with Logic that should explain how to route tracks into audio interface channels. fryingpan

At this point I seriously suggest you get someone to set this up for you. This sophisticated piece of equipment is your crafts' tool and you should *understand* how it works instead of just going by the letter.

This is *not*: a) lift the hammer high above your head. b) lower the hammer with force towards the nail. c) hit the nail on the head. This is: Make the hammer an extension of your arm and start building the cupboard.

Be creative, try around until you get a grip on it, or just do your arts and get a tech!

You see the green peakmeter in output AS1/2 flashing at the same time you play a signal on input 1? Is the volume fader of AS1/2 at the same value as your headphone output (= Main in the Control Room Section)? If there is a signal it should be recorded in Logic when the Loopback button is active.

Yes, this is the software playback channel 3/4 in the 2nd row. You can route this channel to your headphone output later to listen to the recorded track.

best regards
Knut

Ok I can record the effects now but I couldn't before cause the FX Return was set at "-oo"... I turned it all the way to the right "o.o" and I am getting the effects now. Thank you so much.

Two more questions:

- What should the default setting for FX Return be then? All the way to the right?
- How can I record the EQ? I have I have "EQ for record" checked. But it's not affecting the recording.

Thanks!!!

Mattchen,
What Canadian city are you in? If you're near a Steve's Music or L&M (guessing)
you are probably near an experienced RME user. maybe one of us could help get you over this hump with a meetup and set up.
T-dot? Vangroovy? Montreal?

yep, EQ recording now too... everything is working. Thanks a lot!

The step by step guide is in the first posts of this thread as well as in the manual. The 'back and forth' of this thread was caused by the OP not knowing how to use Logic. If you know the basics of ProTools then it will be a piece of cake for you.