User`s guide

Duet – User’s Guide

Maestro

Working with the Maestro Mixer

Do I need the Maestro Mixer?

The Maestro mixer serves to provide a low latency monitoring mix while recording.

Therefore if you’re using Duet to listen to iTunes or audio from another program, there’s no

need to use the mixer. Set To Hardware to None to disable the mixer.

It’s possible that the latency of your particular recording system is low enough to be

unnoticed. The system latency is determined by the recording software’s buffer setting,

and if your Mac is powerful enough, it’s possible to set the buffer to a lower value (shorter

latency) without encountering clicks and pops in the audio output. If the latency doesn’t

pose a problem while recording, the mixer may be disabled by setting To Hardware to

None.

Recording software settings

Before using the Maestro mixer, it’s necessary to change a few settings in your recording

software.

Software monitoring - Because the signal to be recorded is monitored through the

Maestro mixer, the outputs of software tracks actively recording should be muted - after

all, that’s the source of the latency. Most software applications provide an option to turn off

software monitoring of recording tracks. In Logic Pro, for example, the software monitoring

option is found in the same Audio preferences window used to select Duet as the hardware

device (Logic Pro > Preferences > Audio). Uncheck the Software Monitoring box.

Playback mix - In your recording software, set up a mix of all playback tracks and route it

to Out L-R. If a master fader controls the global output of the mix, it’s suggested to set the

fader to 0 dB.

Maestro settings

Maestro Mixer settings - Initially, set the Input, From Mac and To Hardware faders to 0

dB. Set the To Hardware menu to Out L-R.

After making the input selection and setting gain (as described on page 12), the signal

should be displayed on both the Input and To Hardware meters. If the Input’s Over LED

lights, reduce the input gain in the Maestro Control window. If the To Hardware’s Over LEDs

light, reduce the Input fader.

Now start playback from the session. The playback signal should be displayed on the

From Mac and To Hardware’s meters. Use the From Mac and Input faders to establish a

balance between the input and playback signals. If you’ve found a good balance but the To

Hardware’s Over LEDs light, reduce the To Hardware fader.