Simple Audio Recording

Last night, I got on the Cakewalk site and downloaded the updates for both Sonar 8 and the V-Studio 700 (firmware).  I did the updates this morning and it went well as I meticulously followed the directions on the Cakewalk site.

So, I thought I would try doing a simple audio recording.  I plugged an SM-57 into input 2 (XLR)  on the back of the 700-R.  In Sonar, I create an audio track and set the input to "right VS-700 IN 1-2". 

Which brings me to a question:  I've got 8 XLR inputs on the back.  When I use the draw down menu on the "input" for the audio track, I get to choose from L, R, and Stereo VS-700 Fantom; L, R, & Stereo VS-700 ARX; L, R & Stereo VS-700 AUX; L, R & Stereo VS-700 IN 1-2; and L, R and Stereo VS-700 IN 3-4.  The manual inciats if I'm using INPUT Jacks 1 or 2, I used "VS-700 IN 1-2", which is what I did.  Here is where the confusion is, there are 8 XLR inputs but the drawdown menu only shows four possibibilities (i.e. VS-700 1-2 and VS-700 3-4).  What happened to 5-6 and 7-8???

That was one question.  Now the next:  Everything seems to be ready for recording.  The track is armed for recording and the VU meter is responding.  However, when I hit the record button nothing happens.  No recording. 

Not sure why you were not seeing any inputs after 3 and 4 but all the input options should be available.

When you are selecting an input and even if its mono, this is one area that is slightly confusing and the only thing I dont like about it is that huge list you have to virtually read every time you want to select an input.

If you had a single mono mike connected to input 5 for example you have to go down that list till you get to VS700 IN and then look at the three options there are for 5 -6 for example. In this case you would check the LEFT only on VS700 5-6 LEFT. A mike connected to input 6 would need to have VS700 5-6 RIGHT and a stereo input connected to 5-6 would need the VS700 STEREO IN selected.

The bad thing is the length of that list and it does just require a moment to think as to what you are selecting there. I use the two digital inputs as well so I am having to think about those too. It is easy to accidently check the wrong thing in that list when selecting an input so it pays to be careful just at that point. (You can always read the input setting on the track info area as well to be sure)

But on the good side is the amazing wonderful range of input options you have got in terms of getting a signal into a track.