How To Use An Aggregate Device To Combine Audio Interfaces
Welcome, everyone! In today's first ever blog post, we're going to explore how to create an aggregate device on your Apple computer. This technique allows you to use combine audio interfaces, enabling you to record and play back multiple channels of audio simultaneously. Whether you want to capture a drum kit through your interface and a guitarist through your Helix or any other combination, an aggregate device is the key to achieving this. We'll also cover various ways to configure your audio outputs to suit your recording needs.
Please note: This method is specific to Apple computers (macOS). If you're using Windows, a different approach is required.
Creating an Aggregate Device:
Access Audio MIDI Setup: To get started, you'll need to open the Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac. You can do this by pressing Command + Space, typing "Audio MIDI Setup," and hitting Enter.
Connect Your Devices: Ensure that all devices are connected to your computer via USB.
Creating the Aggregate Device: In the Audio MIDI Setup, click the "+" icon at the bottom left to create a new aggregate device.
Select Your Devices: In the "Aggregate Device" settings, select the checkboxes for any device you’d like to be included. Additionally, check the boxes for "Drift Correction" to address any minor timing issues. Note that the order in which you select the devices determines the order of input channels.
Naming Your Aggregate Device: You can rename your aggregate device for clarity. Simply double-click on it and modify the name to something recognizable, such as "Studio Audio."
Configuring Your DAW:
Select the Aggregate Device in Your DAW: Depending on your digital audio workstation (DAW), the process may vary. In Logic Pro, navigate to "Logic Pro" > "Preferences" > "Audio." Under "Input Device," choose the aggregate device you've just created (e.g., "Studio Audio"). You should now see all the available input channels in the drop-down menu.
Label Your Inputs: To keep things organized, label your input channels in your DAW. This will help you easily identify the sources you're recording.
Configuring Outputs:
Separate Outputs for Each Unit: If you prefer to have separate outputs for each unit (e.g., sending your mix to both the audio interface and Helix independently), stick with the aggregate device configuration. This will send a separate output to every available output on your devices. (Think multiple headphone mixes)
Sharing the Same Output: If you want both units to share the same stereo mix, you'll need to create a multi-output device. To do this, go back to the Audio MIDI Setup, click the "+" icon, and select "Create Multi-Output Device." Choose the devices you want to share the output (e.g., my audio interface and Helix). Ensure the sample rate matches your project, and enable drift correction.
Selecting the Output Device in Your DAW: In your DAW, choose the multi-output device as your output device. This will send the same stereo mix to both your audio interface and Helix.
Setting up an aggregate device in Logic Pro is a convenient way to record multiple channels simultaneously from different sources, such as an audio interface and Line 6 Helix. By following these steps and configuring your outputs to meet your needs, you'll have a versatile recording setup at your fingertips. If you have any questions or need further clarification check the linked video to my YouTube channel for a detailed walkthrough. Thanks for reading, and happy recording!
