I'm having a problem with Sonar Platinum and my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. The GUI that controls the Scarlett is called MixControl and it seems to be clashing with Sonar. If anyone has any input on the issue I would greatly appreciate you sharing it with me.

So, as the name indicates, the Scarlett 18i20 has 18 inputs: 8 are built in preamps, 8 more are ADAT and 2 are SPDIF. However, I can not use an ADAT and SPDIF inputs simultaneously like I should be able to. This limitation only happens when I'm running Sonar.

If I have my ADAT device (focusrite octopre) and SPDIF external preamp (roland quad capture connected via USB to a different computer for power) both connected to the Scarlett while Sonar is not running, it operates fine; All inputs are active and usable, MixControl runs, monitors, and routes audio perfectly, and everything works as expected. However, the moment I open Sonar, the interface is no longer seen by either MixControl or Sonar and is unusable. MixControl says that no device is connected and Sonar doesn't give any inputs or outputs and asks about the master buss that doesn't have an assigned output. If I am using only SPDIF or ADAT without the other, then there is no problem. The problem only occurs when both are connected and Sonar is running.

I have contacted Focusrite (who has outstanding tech support and customer service) and they have been unable to give me an answer. They have researched my problem by monitoring my system remotely as the problem occurs, analyzing my system properties for compatability, and running through a lot of troubleshooting with me. They have also confirmed that I should be able to use both SPDIF and ADAT inputs simultaneously. However, they have not been able to resolve this and have taken further action by submitting my issue to the software developers of MixControl.

Lastly, I might add that I had the same problem with both Sonar X3 and Platinum.

Has anyone else had this problem? I have not contacted Sonar support yet but figured I'd ask around a bit first and let my ears cool down from spending so much time working with Focusrite (who again absolutely amazes me with their support services even though they couldn't resolve this).

I love Focusrite on every aspect of their business and Sonar has been my favorite DAW for many years now so this isn't a big enough problem to encourage me to look for other products to use, but I would really love to take full advantage of my Scarlett's input capabilities by being able to track 18 inputs simultaneously in Sonar. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

You have ticked the box in mix control settings to allow it to be shared with other software?

If I understand the quadcapture is only being used as a preamp and is not an interface, as ASIO cant not have multiple different devices. 
 
I use a Pro 40, slightly different config to you, but I have an O1V connected via ADAT (like your octopre) then I feed the signal back to the O1V to my monitors via SPDIF.  I do not use the SPDIF in to the Pro 40 though.

Thank you for the suggestion! I will check that out tonight. I have a feeling that it is not checked because the interface does some sort of switching when I change applications and it only works with either Sonar or a different software at one time so I have to close Sonar to get it to work with another application.

And yes, I'm just using the quad capture for the pres. It's USB for it is plugged to a different computer than the Scarlett. I am successfully using SPDIF output for a 2nd amp and monitor system with success so it's only the input that is problematic.

Thanks again for the suggestion. It sounds like that might be the answer. I will check it out tonight and let you know if the share box works for me or not.

Wookiee
You have ticked the box in mix control settings to allow it to be shared with other software?

If I understand the quadcapture is only being used as a preamp and is not an interface, as ASIO cant not have multiple different devices. 
 
I use a Pro 40, slightly different config to you, but I have an O1V connected via ADAT (like your octopre) then I feed the signal back to the O1V to my monitors via SPDIF.  I do not use the SPDIF in to the Pro 40 though.

John, how are you finding the Pro 40?


I'm looking at replacing my ageing Pro 26 sometime soon (mainly due to lack of new drivers) and this one is near the top of my list. Sorry for straying off topic
 

Bristol_Jonesey
 
I'm looking at replacing my ageing Pro 26 sometime soon (mainly due to lack of new drivers) and this one is near the top of my list. Sorry for straying off topic
 

 
Pro 40 works great. Best ever interface. The last drivers they updated is mix control 3.6 just a couple of months ago and are their best ever drivers by a mile. 
 
I see on the Pro 26 page they only list 3.5
http://uk.focusrite.com/downloads?product=Saffire+PRO+26
 
I believe they haven't updated the page, here is 3.6:
http://uk.focusrite.com/d...product=Saffire+PRO+40
 
Double check with Focusrite to make sure I'm correct.
After you install you need to get rid of the windows legacy FireWire driver and roll back to the default if you are using that.
I also find it's much better when upgrading to do a full uninstall, reboot, install, then reset everything in mix control. Set it up then save to hardware. It will feel like a brand new interface.
 
Just a word of caution if you are using the VIA firewire chipset and windows 10.
 
Thanks.

Hello Doktor, thanks for your input.
 
The PRO 26 I've got is the older model (why they duplicate model names can be confusing)
 
This is mine:
 

 
There are some good deals on the Saffire Liquid 56 at the moment - any experience of this one?

That's a Saffire Pro 26 i/o. Yup different please disregard all that I wrote... cheers..

No worries <ok>

Bristol_Jonesey

Wookiee
You have ticked the box in mix control settings to allow it to be shared with other software?

If I understand the quadcapture is only being used as a preamp and is not an interface, as ASIO cant not have multiple different devices. 
 
I use a Pro 40, slightly different config to you, but I have an O1V connected via ADAT (like your octopre) then I feed the signal back to the O1V to my monitors via SPDIF.  I do not use the SPDIF in to the Pro 40 though.

John, how are you finding the Pro 40?


I'm looking at replacing my ageing Pro 26 sometime soon (mainly due to lack of new drivers) and this one is near the top of my list. Sorry for straying off topic
 

It is great, much prefer the Mix control 3.6 software to the old software that came with the 26i/o.  The pre amps seem nice and smooth.  The loop-back function may prove useful as well.

You might be interested in this Colin:-
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2970191  How to implement legacy firewire in Win 8.1 which may well work in win 10 ???

And this https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=44219 how to install it.
 
I am going to give it a try on my test DAW, I use it for test new plugs or free ones before I install them on my primary machine.
 

Thanks guys - more food for thought along with a bit of light reading