Newbie - output device question

[eeggleston]

good morning - My group / old sound person has a copy of the SCS software but it is on a laptop with only the 1/8 jack in use. I have a USB audio device that I can borrow for testing with two output channels......my question is if the software (or PC) will let me use BOTH devices ....that is some channels on the 1/8 jack and some on the USB;

thanks

ed

[Theatre III Sound]

The short answer is absolutely!

Before starting SCS, just plug in the USB device and let it load its drivers (or do it manually if needed). Then when you run SCS, the new device/outputs will appear in the Physical Device dropdown list in the Audio Output Devices tab in Production Properties Devices. Create (a) new name(s) for the device used in cues and assign the device/channel(s) (stereo or mono).

Hope this helps.

[eeggleston]

Thanks - I dropped by the theater and the 2 channel device did show up in the pick list.

However what (in my wish-for-world) that I would like to do (assuming that I can get the group board to free some money), is find a 4 output USB device. There seem to be a couple of possibilities like the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 or 2i4 that are in the low $200 range. From the spec's they seem to have at least four outputs and what I would like to get to is having:

1 set of controlled outputs for house sound
1 set of controlled outputs for backstage / effects

(and if I can find / afford the larger unit, the possibility of a third set of outputs for backstage / effects /or even back of house effects.

So my question is if the software finds the device (Focusrite) or other, might it be possible to select outputs per cue with the software. I.E. Pre-show - output to set 1.....later - say thunder effects on backstage on set 2...and so on.....once I get the current show up, I am going to try to see if anyone in the Washington DC area has a device that I can rent for a couple of days to try but I guess as to if the software would like me do that, would be very helpful.

thanks

ed

[Theatre III Sound]

Thanks - I dropped by the theater and the 2 channel device did show up in the pick list.

However what (in my wish-for-world) that I would like to do (assuming that I can get the group board to free some money), is find a 4 output USB device. There seem to be a couple of possibilities like the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 or 2i4 that are in the low $200 range. From the spec's they seem to have at least four outputs and what I would like to get to is having:

1 set of controlled outputs for house sound
1 set of controlled outputs for backstage / effects

(and if I can find / afford the larger unit, the possibility of a third set of outputs for backstage / effects /or even back of house effects.

ed

Have a look at the first topic in this forum (Supported Audio Devices) for a discussion of many audio interfaces that will work with SCS. The Focusrite might be a good choice - just be aware that the 8i6 has only 4 analog outputs (the other 2 are digital).

So my question is if the software finds the device (Focusrite) or other, might it be possible to select outputs per cue with the software. I.E. Pre-show - output to set 1.....later - say thunder effects on backstage on set 2...and so on.....once I get the current show up, I am going to try to see if anyone in the Washington DC area has a device that I can rent for a couple of days to try but I guess as to if the software would like me do that, would be very helpful.

Yes, directing an audio cue to one or more outputs on a per cue basis is what SCS is all about. You mentioned in your first post that you had access to a copy of SCS. I suggest you try it out and develop a few cues to see how it works. You can also download a demo copy to try on your own PC. I think you'll find SCS will do do nicely for the type of venue you describe.

[jmgordon]

It's worth having a look at the "Compare Levels" page on the website. If you might want to use more than 4 output channels in the future you will need SCS Professional. You do not say which version you have access to. SCS Standard allows up to 4 channels per production, 2 devices per cue (each L/R).

Malcolm

[Mike Daniell]

Have a look at the first topic in this forum (Supported Audio Devices) for a discussion of many audio interfaces that will work with SCS.

Regarding the topic "Supported Audio Devices", I recommend you start reading from the end and work backwards, since the topic was started in 2008 and some of the earlier recommended products are no longer available.