📖
guide
QuantumMODX Aggregate Device Setup
Step-by-step guide to configuring macOS Audio MIDI Setup with Quantum ES 4 + MODX as an aggregate device. Covers clock source, drift correction, and channel mapping.
setupaggregatemodxquantum-es4macos
FREE
// STUDIO & RESOURCES
The setup, the workflow, and what we share from it.
Yamaha MODX
Synthesizer / Sound Source
PreSonus Quantum ES 4
Audio Interface
KRK Rokit 5
Studio Monitors
MacBook (M4)
DAW Host
Home Studio Setup
Yamaha MODX + PreSonus Quantum ES 4 + Studio One + UC Surface
Hardware
| Device | Role | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha MODX | Synthesizer / Sound Source | USB → Mac |
| PreSonus Quantum ES 4 | Audio Interface | USB → Mac |
| KRK Rokit 5 | Studio Monitors | TRS → Quantum Main Out |
| MacBook (M4) | DAW Host | — |
Signal Flow
Mode ATRS — Zero Latency Monitoring
MODX Output L/R → TRS cables → Quantum ES 4 In 1/2 → KRK Rokit 5
- —No DAW required
- —Zero latency
- —Controlled via UC Surface
Best for: Playing live, practicing, jamming along to reference audio
Mode BUSB via Aggregate Device — Recording
MODX USB → Mac (inputs 9/10) → QuantumMODX Aggregate → Studio One → KRK Rokit 5
- —Requires Studio One open with monitor button enabled
- —Clean digital capture, no analog noise
Best for: Recording MODX audio into Studio One
Aggregate Device — QuantumMODX
Config
- Clock Source
- Quantum ES 4
- Sample Rate
- 44.1 kHz
- Drift Correction
- ON for MODX only
- Subdevices
- Quantum ES 4, MODX
| Channels | Source |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Quantum Instrument/Mic Line 1–2 |
| 3–4 | Quantum Mic/Line 3–4 |
| 5–6 | Quantum Loopback L/R |
| 7–8 | Quantum Loopback 2 L/R |
| 9–10 | MODX USB Main L/R |
| 11–18 | MODX USB 1–8 |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from MODX | UC Surface In 1/2 faders down | Pull faders to 0.00 dB |
| MODX signal on wrong channels | Aggregate not set as Studio One device | Set both devices to QuantumMODX in Preferences |
| Crackling audio | Buffer too low or Dropout Protection at Minimum | Raise to 256 samples, set Dropout to Low |
| Doubling / echo when playing | Loopback routing conflict | Close Loopback app or mute loopback channels in UC Surface |
| High latency when playing | Buffer at 512 | Lower to 128 for playing/recording |
| UC Surface routing to Out 3/4 | Factory reset changed default bus | Click sends on each channel and change to Main |
| Static on In 1/2 | 48V phantom power on | Turn off 48V on In 1 and In 2 in UC Surface |
Process
Production Workflow
01
Just Playing
No recording required
- 1Power on MODX and Quantum ES 4
- 2Open UC Surface
- 3Confirm In 1/2 faders at 0.00 dB, sending to Main
- 4Play — zero latency through KRKs
- 5Studio One not required
02
Recording a Take
Mode B — USB recording
- 1Switch Studio One audio device to QuantumMODX
- 2Open/create song with MODX Stereo input on audio track
- 3Enable monitor button on track
- 4Set buffer to 128 samples
- 5Record
03
Playing Along to Reference
MODX + reference audio together
- 1Use SoundSource to lower Chrome/Spotify volume independently
- 2MODX stays loud via In 1/2 at 0.00 dB
- 3Reference audio comes in via USB 1/2 at -6 to -10 dB in UC Surface
Studio One Settings
Audio Setup
- Audio Device
- QuantumMODX
- Block Size
- 128 samples
- Sample Rate
- 44.1 kHz
- Dropout Protection
- Low
Note: With the QuantumMODX Aggregate Device, do not go below 128 samples — risk of dropouts and crackling due to two USB devices combined.
Resources
Guides & Downloads
📖
guide
Studio One Recording Setup
Optimal Studio One configuration for recording the Yamaha MODX via the QuantumMODX aggregate device. Buffer settings, I/O mapping, and latency reference.
setupstudio-onerecordingmodxdaw
FREE
📖
guide
UC Surface Mixer Routing
UC Surface (Universal Control) recommended fader levels, routing, and hardware settings for the PreSonus Quantum ES 4 with MODX connected via TRS.
setuproutinguc-surfacequantum-es4mixing
FREE
+
More added regularly