Multichannel USB audio output to DAW

Multichannel USB audio output to DAW.

What is the problem?

It would be fantastic to be able to send multichannel audio to the DAW, whether via direct input or VST insert. Currently, we’re limited to export to the microSD card, which limits us to the FX that can be applied to Master FX sends. This also solves a ton of issues with being unable to capture Perform Mode automation - just press record on the DAW!

What do you want to achieve?

Being able to record multichannel audio to the DAW would vastly improve the capabilities to capture perform mode in a live scenario, and allow for additional signal post-processing on a per-track basis. There’s many folks who believe this would make the Play an even greater hit, and studio centerpiece, myself included.

Are there any workarounds?

Record the stereo audio master and/or the tracks played one by one. Not perfect, a bid tedious, you need an audio interface…

Any links to related discussions?

This has been discussed many times on the following thread on gearspace.com:

Any references to other products?

Roland TR-8S, MC-707, MX-1
Elektron Syntakt, Digitakt

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Agree this would be great to have. Right now I feel like the whole “how do I get my song off as stems to properly mix it down” is the Play’s weak spot.

@aperturebreaks thank you for contributing to the #wishlist!

I have no idea whether multichannel audio out is technically possible. If it is, having the incoming audio channels would be enough for a DAW to pick them up. I imagine creating a VST for this (like Overbridge, you mean?) would be a whole different story.

About workarounds, users can still record the stereo audio master and/or the tracks played one by one, right? Not perfect, a bid tedious, you need an audio interface… but still, it should be mentioned. :slight_smile:

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@aperturebreaks thanks for the contribution. Unfortunately this is not possible due to technical limits.

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Being able to send Audio over USB to recording devices can improve its functionality as complete studio brain/instrument. Multitracking on a DAW while performing songs ultimately allows for more human and less loopy recordings.

What is the problem?

Not being able to record/multitrack performance mode performances and pattern chains in real time to a DAW. This limits the functionality of the variations and performance modes.

What do you want to achieve?

Take advantage of the variations and performance modes completely by being able to record live performances in one take. Recording the 8 audio tracks can allow to capture generative ideas and performances in a streamlined way.

Record live performances and jams where happy accidents occur and capturing them for further editing on a DAW.

Are there any workarounds?

Using the stem export allows for entire tracks to be exported but does not fix the issue with not being able to capture performance mode jams or live variation playing in real time.

Any links to related discussions?

While I looked in several posts I wasn’t able to find much on audio over usb. Hope I didn’t miss any.

Any references to other products?

Elektron devices record usb audio via overbridge plugin.
MPC one/live/x record usb audio via MPC plugin.

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What is the problem?

Having to set up an audio interface every time you want to quickly mix with the master output.

What do you want to achieve?

2ch USB audio

Are there any workarounds?

Rendering to the SD card is an extremely unsatisfying workaround. It ignores performance FX, and even if it didn’t, requires dongles, naming recs, directory diving, storage on the SD card; it’s an entirely unplayful (or simply bad) experience. USB MIDI proves the type C port has access to the CPU. Tracker Mini proves Polyend can engineer such a feature.

Any links to related discussions?

USB audio has been requested before, but only for multichannel outputs, with a separate channel for each track. I am desperate and just want stereo out!

Any references to other products?

Tracker Mini, OP1, Overbridge, nearly any device of this class made in the last decade(s).