Helpful ReplyOutput troubles...

Reposted this in its own thread so as not to hijack someone else's issue.

Having an issue using Guitar Rig or FL Studio. In FL when I set drivers to ASIO it defaults to 1-2 meaning I can only listen on the headphone channel (as I have nothing else I can plug into that channel). If I set the out to 5-6 it changes the driver in FL to direct sound which gives me horrible latency. With Guitar Rig I cant seem to find a way to change the out to anything other than the main 1-2 at all. My monitors have either RCA, digital or co ax inputs (Roland MA-15D) so my only choice is channel 5-6. My first ever home studio setup so it's highly likely I am missing something obvious. Any wiser folks have some advice?

Rather than fight driver problems, I'd connect your monitors to the VS-100 main outs using an adapter cable: 1/4" phone to RCA phono.  This will also work if you use the VS-100 in standalone mode (which outputs only to the main outs.)

Normally an unbalanced connection like this to powered monitors isn't recommended, but the MA-15D monitors have a 2-wire power cord, so you're not likely to have ground loop problems with this connection.

Murray

Firstly thanks very much for your quick response, you are a bit of a dude here on the forums it seems . It does however lead me to another question, what the heck are those other outputs intended for and how would one enable them? I am quite prepared to accept your solution however.... I could still exchange the monitors, if there is perhaps a better desktop monitor for the job?

Edit: Oh uh, you mention groundloops and 2 wire power cords... are they essential? Running a 3 pin at present because I didnt have a 2 pin adapter to hand.

The other outputs could be used to drive custom monitor mixes (if you had a headphone distribution system), click monitors, or to act as sends to outboard effects units for example.  These outputs are probably not needed by most home users, but are real handy when you need them.

Deciding on the best monitors for you is a big topic.  I probably couldn't do it justice, but do some searching on the other threads.  Lots of advice and controversy. 

Ground loops are much more likely when you connect two or more devices with their chassis grounded to the electrical ground (third prong on the plug.)  Whether you actually have problems depends on a lot of things. 

Before I answered you earlier, I looked up the specs on the MA-15D monitors on RolandUs.com.  The image of the rear of the monitor shows a two-wire AC connector.  Unless your model is different, I don't understand how you can use a 3-wire power cord with it.

You are indeed correct, 3 pin plug on the end of 2 wire ac cable. I've spent all day trying to make the asio drivers work with 5-6 in FLStudio and my brain got fuzzy. So 1/4 inch male to rca male it is.