Hi, I'm trying to include an API 2500 into my current setup but am unsure exactly how to go about it:

My setup is simple - mixerless. So my preamps go straight into my Rosetta 800 via xlr and then into my RME soundcard via ADAT lightpipe and I use Sonar 8.5 for editing (then back out into the 800 and xlr into my Adam P11's for monitoring).

But...how do I now bus my mixes out into my API 2500? I've even bought another converter thinking this was how to do it but I'm having trouble getting my head around the routing!

Any help?
 
Cheers,
James

Interface outputs ---> API Input API Output --->Interface Inputs The rest is level matching.

Ok, that's cool. And I've just found an External Insert plugin that I can use within Sonar as well. Cheers!

To monitor the output of the interface>api>monitor (for mastering or adding post effects) the easiest thing to do is get a patchbay.  That way you can insert the api into the output chain as it goes to the monitor to hear the effect.  Unplug or bypass it to hear your api-less sound.  For input, simply patch the api into the recording chain.  If you don't have inserts on the interface this is the way to go, even for a small set up.  Patch bays are less than $100 and cables aren't too much for an 8X8 short 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch.

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Yes, a patchbay can seem like a scary thing, but in reality they help your workflow out a ton by being able to quickly reroute things without having to crawl behind your racks or move your gear around.

I used to use my inserts on an older interface.  The TCK didn't have them, and even tho at that point I only had 1 stereo comp I went ahead w/ the patchbay since I wanted to use it for tracking, to send recorded tracks out and in, and to master w/.  As Obi sez, a patchbay is about the only way to accomplish that flexibilty w/o wearing out hardware connectors and getting all dusty behind the gear.  And a patchbay can expand as you get more hardware.

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Definitely, the ability to easily switch out a compressor on an insert, preamp or connected to the interface allows for a much faster workflow when using hardware over software.