I’m trying to run a “powerhouse” compact setup by connecting my Torso S-4 directly to the TX-6 via USB. The S-4 sends all 4 tracks plus the master output to the TX-6.
It’s an incredible routing dream, but I’m plagued by constant digital crackling and artifacts.
What I’ve tried so far:
• Power issues: Initially, I thought it was a ground loop or the S-4 struggling to power the TX-6. However, disabling the USB Charge function on the TX-6 didn’t solve the issue.
• Cabling: Tried different high-quality USB-C cables, but the noise remains.
My questions for the TX-6 experts here:
1. Is the TX-6 particularly sensitive to the clock stability of an external USB host like the S-4?
2. Has anyone successfully managed multi-track USB audio input on the TX-6 without pops and clicks?
3. Could this be a buffer issue on the TX-6 side, or is it more likely that the S-4’s USB implementation is the culprit?
Any advice on settings or specific firmware tweaks would be much appreciated!
Yeah, I generally stay away from using usb-c for anything but charging op-xy, op-1, tx-6, and tp-7. Same goes for connecting op-xy to torso t-1 via midi (which I’ve just posted about). So, perhaps TRS is your answer, as tempting as 4 tracks all at once might be.
Connectivity issue aside, how well do you find the S-4 fits into TE field system? I’m a big fan of T-1 and always wondered about S-4..
Thanks for the insight! I’m starting to fear you and @reasonbeat might be right about switching to TRS cables, although it’s a real shame to lose that seamless 4-track digital routing over a single USB cable. It’s such a ‘powerhouse’ concept, but the artifacts make it unusable for now.
Regarding the S4 and the field system, I’ve been using the S4 primarily alongside my OP-XY. And honestly, it feels like it was built with this combo in mind. Even though I’ve only just started exploring the S4, it’s already proving to be a fantastic addition.
The S4 really shines where the OP-XY has its limitations, especially when you want some complex filtering and granular effects. It adds a layer of organic texture and sound design that perfectly complements the precision of the XY.
Absolutely, very cool, and thanks for the info. Playing around with S-4 at Super Booth last year was originally what attracted me to Torso. Hesitated, though, in my effort to keep everything powered by battery/ usb-c power bank. Have since incorporated T-1 into my workflow, which controls my Blofeld and TR-09, with OP-XY outputting master clock and its own set of sequences to the TX-6>TP-7 mix..
By chance, have you connected S-4 to a power bank via adapter? Assuming that should work and will most likely purchase an S-4 this year, so it’s good to hear it works well with OP-XY. Lastly, are you using any other gear next to these two units? Cheers!
No, I’m not using a power bank — to be honest, it feels a bit cumbersome for this kind of setup.
My workflow is pretty straightforward: I use the OP-XY, TX-6, TP-7 and CM-15 as a flexible, on-the-go setup to build out projects with different tracks and scenes. Then back in the workstation, I bring the S4 into the mix. I’ll record 3–4 separate tracks into the S4 in disc mode and chop them up into samples.
The OP-XY acts as the master clock, and I either run it through the S-4 as a bypass or keep it on a separate channel on the TX-6.
Well it’s not the XY that’s the problem, the TE ecosystem is pretty solid. It’s the Torso S4 that is producing the cracks and clicks. Too bad tho, having an EQ (and better filter) on the Torso’s individual tracks would really elevate the setup to a new level.