The Maestro mixer provides the ability to blend hardware inputs with playback from an audio application, and route the resulting mix to the hardware outputs for monitoring. These input channels on the left side of the mixer route signal from each hardware input directly to the hardware outputs. The From Software fader is where the output of an audio application shows up in Maestro. The To Hardware fader is where the hardware output is chosen. When To Hardware is set to a hardware output (any setting other than None), the mixer’s output is sent to the selected hardware outputs.

Before using the Maestro mixer, it’s necessary to change a few settings in your recording software. Because the signal to be recorded is monitored through the Maestro mixer, the outputs of software tracks actively recording should be muted. Most software applications provide an option to turn off software monitoring of recording tracks. In Logic Pro, for example, the software monitoring option is found in the same Audio preferences window used to select the hardware device (Logic Pro menu > Preferences > Audio). Uncheck the Software Monitoring box. In your recording software, set up a mix of all playback tracks and route it to outputs 1-2 (Out L-R for Duet). If a master fader controls the global output of the mix, it’s suggested to set the fader to 0 dB.

In Maestro, set the Input, From Software, and To Hardware faders to 0 dB. Set the To Hardware menu to an output. Now start playback from the session. The playback signal should be displayed on the From Software and To Hardware faders' meters. Use the From Mac and Input faders to establish a balance between the input and playback signals.