Multiple sources and output on the Mac

[Tim Jones]

I've just learned an important tip about the Mac when working with multiple music interfaces. I have my JamLab, the Mackie U.420 and my MBox 002. Previously, I was constantly swapping between interfaces depending on what software I was using - For Guitar Rig standalone or GarageBand, I used the JamLab. For Logic, it was the U.420. For Pro Tools, the MBOX came alive. To make this all work, I was driving my Alesis monitors through a homemade switch box.

When one channel on the switch box gave out, I was determined to find an easier way to route everything so I could stop the interface juggling act and just "use" my equipment.

A note posted to the Apple forums resulted in the introduction to what the OS X folks call an "Aggregate" device. You create this pseudo device in the Audio Midi Setup tool (in the Utilities folder). Once running, use Shift-Cmd-A to open the Aggregate device manager. Adding a device works like most OS X apps.

Once created, I had an audio I/O device that existed by combining all of my interfaces and I was then able to route all of my inputs through the devices and lock my output to the U.420 with my Alesis monitors directly connected.

Life's much easier now!