KeyboardEric

I called them about a year ago with a different issue. and had a positive experience. This time I could not find a U.S. phone number on their web site, and there was only the chat/email option. Not as good of an experience this time around.

Turns out this doesn't matter too much. That can be set up as either Stereo or Mono and it works either way. 👍

I was able to get it to work this morning! Turns out I had some cables plugged into the wrong physical channels. Woops! 😳 Thanks to all here for chiming in with their seasoned advice. I've learned so much from this forum over the years. No thanks to FR Tech Support 😆 🙏🙏🙏

That could very well be it. The Focusrite Control software appears simple but maybe I'm missing something... I suppose I'll keep researching it. I'm not able to route the Track 3 audio to output 3 even though I'm fairly certain I have it set up to do so... it appears there is signal being sent to Output 3 in the FR Control software, but that track's audio is playing through both 1+2. I suppose it's possible the chat-man at FR was right.🤔

Thanks for your feedback! I can hear track 3 as its being routed somehow to outputs 1+2 (I think). I cannot control the individual level of track 3 like I can 1 and 2 via the analog mixer. I think I have my Focusrite set up correctly since I'm seeing the signal coming through via output 3 there. I'm able to mix all the outputs separately via the Focusrite Control (inside of the software UI), just not track 3 by itself with the analog mixer. I think there is a Driver issue within Reaper or the Focusrite Control software needs to be tweaked. Maybe I can try searching for updates...

cheers! your assumptions are accurate. I'm pretty sure I have Reaper configured to have the Output Range to 4. At least that's what it's showing in the Preferences under Audio - Device. Yes, track 3 is getting routed to 1 and 2. I think this is my issue. I've unchecked Master Send on all three of my tracks and routed them using Hardware Outputs. 1 and 2 are working the way I envision but 3 gets routed to 1 and 2. Under "Add Sends", there are only 2 listed and also Parent Channels showing are 1-2 or 1, 2. No 3-4 anywhere there... Hope that narrows it down. Maybe there is a better way to do this? Thanks for the thoughtful responses.

It's a generic analog mixer, a Spirit Notepad with four mono channels and 2 stereo. By no means high end gear. I'm actually routing outputs from the 4i4 to the inputs of the mixer and then sending a stereo out signal to my studio monitors. It seems to be compatible so far... but maybe I'm going out about it all wrong.

yes, same with Reaper! This is what I'm attempting to do.

I just mean to control the volume level of the DAW track(s) using the corresponding faders on the analog mixer. Sorry for the misnomer. It's kind of an experiment to see if I could possibly perform this way live - being able to manipulate some individual levels before sending them to the house engineer. Maybe it's a dumb idea though.

I'm hoping to control several tracks in my DAW from an analog mixer via my Sarlett 4i4. Yesterday I set it up and was able to control 2 separate mono tracks by routing the outputs 1+2 into an analog mixer and assigning them in my DAW. I tried to route a 3rd output but was unsuccessful in controling that from my mixer even though the signal came through loud and clear. The knob did nothing for channel/track 3. After contacting their tech support they made it clear that this is not the Scarlett's intended purpose and I must buy more of their other gear in order to reach my goal. I feel like maybe that's incorrect? My goal: control 3 mono source tracks in my DAW from the analog mixer, by simply routing them through the hardware outputs of my Scarlett. This seems do-able on paper but perhaps not? I'm using Reaper, if that matters. Any thoughts? 🙏

Feel free to pass along his info.

The home office deduction would be questionable for me since I live in a studio apartment. I've read that it needs to be a separate dedicated room in your home for it to fly with the IRS. I'm sure people still deduct a portion of it anyways. Something to think about. 🤔

I'm definitely going to look into depreciation for next year. That's one area I have never used. Thanks for the tip!

Does your person work with full time music professionals? I'd consider using them if their rate is in my budget.

The plan going forward is to be much more vigilant about my book/record keeping and take any and every advantage I can regarding schedule C while trying not to trigger their audit system. 😆

unfortunately it is. I don't even bring in THAT much income from gigs... 🤷‍♂️ most of my teaching income is W2'd. No I'm not in a high tax bracket either - It's pretty annoying.

yes, this!

Yes, I receive at least one 1099 but also multiple venmo/paypal/cash payments. I'm not trying to shell out $$$ to a CPA who ultimately does not care about my personal financial situation and knows nothing about the nuances of the industry. I'll keep looking for resources online that are catered to folks in our profession. Thanks for your comment!

Also, forgot to mention that I teach...

United States.

I'm a freelancer and I also have my own solo project. I've always treated everything as a hobby in regards to the IRS. That was probably a dumb idea. Happy tax season!

I find this super interesting and will add your suggestions to the research file! Thanks so much for adding your own experience and input on the topic. 👍

For sure, I see what you're saying. The tracks I have now actually do the job adequately but I'm wondering if there is a way to make it sound even better/fuller. Some of the feedback I received was that the house mix wasn't loud enough so I'm wondering if the lack of bass separation is part of the reason for that... lots to unpack still! Thanks for the tips!

This is all VERY interesting. I'm not sure if some of it applies to my music since it is all pre-recorded and I'm not really "jamming" or improvising live much at all (right now). I will defeinitely check into it some more. and take a look at the link you posted. I've never used a DAW on stage live before so the idea is a little scary (if it were to crash in the middle) but I've seen other people do it and I can see why it works for some. Thanks for the input and chiming in. Cheers!!