Cubase Mixer issues

[mitchiemasha]

If there is no output on output 2 and 3 but they are showing as busses in cubase, you simply haven't selected the right outputs for that specific Virus channel in VC.

If you want to use the multiple hardware audio outs of your Virus and to not send audio via USB, you'll have to reroute the audio back into cubase using wires and a soundcard.

Imagine it like this, cubase makes a midi note trigger and other controller information. That goes down the USB cable to the VIRUS. The Virus then generates the sound and sends it out the master output. In VC you can control different Virus part to go out either of the sockets on the back. Doing it this way you can't add any VST effects to the Virus unless you route it back in Via a sound card.

HOWEVER. This is TI. Cubase makes the midi note trigger etc that goes down the USB to the VIRUS. The Virus generates the sound (edit: the digital sound not actual audio) and sends it back up the USB cable into cubase (there's 3 of these channels available via the USB). You can now stick any number of VST effects your PC will allow, manipulating the Virus sound. Cubase then sends it's master out back down the USB and out the master output. Using the Virus as a Synth and a soundcard, this might be what's confused you, imagine it as 2 different things but via 1 cable, at the same time.

It really is a lot simpler than it sounds though. It does everything automatically for you when you click the right option. Much easier than how things used to be, routing synths through soundcards and figuring out controller messages, correcting latency etc!!!

I don't use my Virus as a Soundcard, there's no connection on any of the audio outs.

[MBTC]

Originally Posted by mitchiemasha

If you want to use the multiple hardware audio outs of your Virus and to not send audio via USB, you'll have to reroute the audio back into cubase using wires and a soundcard.

I think this is what he is attempting to do here -- route the audio from the analog outs to Traktor (some of this was captured in another thread though, which is why it may not be clear here).

It's good to have both methods in the toolbox, but if the USB is working well for you then it can certainly make things simpler (not to mention frees up audio inputs on the audio interface).

But I just wanted to clarify to him that what you are telling him about the USB setup and what I'm suggesting is two different things. Clicking the box with the arrow on the VST Rack will not create the audio busses for you automatically in Cubase 8 Pro.

So for reference, fallward if you're looking at MM's approach, you're dealing with USB1 L+R, USB2 L+R and so forth. If going with the bus approach I've mentioned you want to stay away from those altogether and use Out1 L+R, Out2 L+R etc. My approach uses USB only for the MIDI data (notes/automation/patch changes etc.).

Advantage of analog outs is tends to sound better, latency is all but non-existent, and USB 1.1 streaming between the Virus and the PC is removed from the equation. The disadvantage of analog outs for 3 stereo connections you need a total of six quarter inch cables running to your audio interface, you have to create and deal with busses.

Advantage of USB is that it is that if it works well for you, it is much less fiddly, requires less cables, and generally feels more integrated like working with soft-synth instruments in any given DAW. Also with the Snow you have 3 USB outs and only one set of analog which gives mixing versatility if you're working with simple enough sounds to actually get 3 at a time out of it. Disadvantage of USB is that it just doesn't work well for some folks.

My personal experience was that I got things working well enough with USB but there was still some detectable latency, all of which went away when I went analog outs. Since I have to use analog outs for other hardware it wasn't a problem for me. It might be for others.