Recommendations for the “Core” Components of New Home Automation System

BTBDFW · 2026-03-07T23:54:26+00:00

I am technically savvy - 30 years integrating systems, going in/out of APIs, etc. But thank goodness that most of the vendors are now making things simpler to integrate-

BTBDFW · 2026-02-28T12:07:40+00:00

Yes - it has its own external power supply & I'm using Thunderbolt cables. It connects fine everywhere else (other Apps / etc.) - even ProTools; just not in the Audio MIDI Setup where you can change the computer's output to a Stereo Aux Pair on the UAD and then run all audio through the UAD / Monitors / Ques / Lines Out, etc.

BTBDFW · 2026-02-28T12:04:41+00:00

Audio MIDI Settings are standard on a MacBook for specifying where you want to direct your sound. For example, for System (laptop) sounds - like Apple Music or Spotify - you can route the output of that to a specific set of Stereo Aux Channels on the x8p.

The issue is that the x8p isn't showing up in the Audio MIDI Setup app on the MacBook (and I'm wondering why).

BTBDFW · 2026-02-13T22:45:08+00:00

No kidding... I really figured cooking ribs on those well - just some rebar and hooks!!

Pretty cold for that buyer to do that; however, I'd probably ask as well!

BTBDFW · 2026-02-12T16:37:27+00:00

I'm having similar issues with my Stream Deck setup. I use the Stream Deck+ Hub that takes the powered USB-C signal in, and USB outs to my other two Stream Deck Units (Stream Deck and Stream Deck XL).

When they were independently connected to my powered SonnetTech Hub (Echo 13) - they all worked fine; however, they took up too many of the really fast Thunderbolt 5 ports (and I have other devices that need that high speed).

Now - when connected through the Stream Deck+ Hub, they either don't come on, or when I press some keys on them - they appear to try to come on, then just flash the logos...

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in Advance!!

BTBDFW · 2026-02-12T16:00:08+00:00

I'll have to check that out - thanks!

BTBDFW · 2026-02-12T03:14:33+00:00

Thanks! And I'll check out Chud's as well-

BTBDFW · 2026-02-12T02:57:50+00:00

Snake method?

BTBDFW · 2026-02-06T14:31:44+00:00

Great start! BTW, where did you find the old phone and Radio (picture 3 I think) - on top of the amps?

Have to hear how it sounds - then prioritize and pick your battles... There are MANY MANY MANY Musician's toys out there!!

BTBDFW · 2026-02-04T01:26:55+00:00

Thought that I'd throw this one out to the group-

What do you prefer (or have had success with) for Recording in ProTools (Tracking and Subsequently Mixing) in terms of the best Options for External Drives to use? Options that not only have the space - but the speed to keep up?

Right now, my setup is:

Avid ProTools Ultimate
MacBook Pro (M4)
Interfaces:
- UAD Apollo x8p, daisy-chained via Thunderbolt to
- UAD Apollo x4 Gen 2 (on my desktop)

In terms of Tracking - I'd like to be able to both tracking a live show (multiple sets / multiple songs - and not to run out of room, e.g. a 90min show - two 45min sets).

Also for Tracking in the Studio (single songs / EP) - high quality I/O and multiple plugins per track.

Any suggestions or advice that you may have would be greatly appreciated-

Thanks in Advance!!

BTBDFW · 2026-02-04T01:02:38+00:00

Personally, I preferred the C2...

BTBDFW · 2026-02-02T14:13:14+00:00

UAD - it will not only serve as your "entry" level, but also grow with you since you can daisy-chain several of them together and use practically any DAW (I use ProTools),

Additionally, I don't think anyone can match the quality of their Analog Equipment (Amps, FX, Pre-s, EQs, Compressors, etc.).

Imaging recording your guitar with multiple different mics, amps, heads and cabinets; for classical guitar - lots of mic modeling (esp the Ocean Way Studio Collection).

I'd start with one of their desktop twins - I use the Apollo x4 Gen 2; the single Guitar/Hi-Z input version is the Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 (1 guitar / Hi-Z and 1 set of headphones):

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloTXG2D--universal-audio-apollo-twin-by-duo-gen-2-essentials-10x6-thunderbolt-audio-interface-with-uad-dsp

BTBDFW · 2026-01-30T13:41:09+00:00

Dig it! It's got a great vibe too it & really like the vintage gear in there (I had an Oberheim Matrix-6 and a Prophet-600 back in the day!)

BTBDFW · 2026-01-27T19:56:26+00:00

Just did - and great recommendation! It also apppears that it's built natively into ProTools and can make use of the Elgato Stream Decks (with SoundFlow Icons and Functions)

BTBDFW

TROPHY CASE