The mackie alt3-4 outputs (aka sends used when the mute button is pressed) is being used to feed the line inputs of the firebox.  I am using TRS 1/4 cables to connect the output of the mixer to the inputs on the firebox. 
 
Now I am a little confused, if the mixer is overloading the firebox, wouldn't the meters in sonar show peaking when I am recording?  I thought the point of the meters in sonar was so show when the signal was too hot. 
 
Thanks,
  Andrew V. Romero

acromero.az


The mackie alt3-4 outputs (aka sends used when the mute button is pressed) is being used to feed the line inputs of the firebox.  I am using TRS 1/4 cables to connect the output of the mixer to the inputs on the firebox. 
 
Now I am a little confused, if the mixer is overloading the firebox, wouldn't the meters in sonar show peaking when I am recording?  I thought the point of the meters in sonar was so show when the signal was too hot. 
 
Thanks,
  Andrew V. Romero

The Sonar recording meter shows the level coming in from your interface. You can overdrive your interface without it showing on the Sonar meter.


I suggest connecting a microphone, or whatever, directly to your audio interface and recording that to see if you have the same problem. If you do, then your Mackie isn't part of the problem. If you don't have the same problem, then that narrows it down.

Part of the problem is your interface does not have clip lights for the line in jacks right? You could try using the front jacks and pad them down , at least you'll have clip lights. I seem to remember that those mixers have a very hot output. Turn it down.

Okay, I think I might have found something to try.

In Console View
Click on "Options"
"Meters"
"Track Meter Options"
Select "Pre Fader"

You can also check your busses if needed

Hit Play and check to see what your level look like there now.


If any changes are made you will need to go back and recheck any settings you made on any tracks to plug-ins.

If the levels are good dont forget to set it back (Post fader)

One thing you will notice is the meters and sound do not effect each other. Meters will display regardless of fader position on what Sonar has captured on the recording.  

Note-I just stumbled on this last night and posted a comment in "Coffee House" on it.  Id set all my levels etc.. to what I thought was correct without ever thinking to see (Prefader) after recording what X1 was thinking was captured.  There was a huge difference for me and Im trying to figure all that out now.