Hi Louis,

There is no one-way to configure things. You have choices which is a good thing. You can choose to monitor (listen) direct to the source, or you can choose to monitor post the signal going to the computer. The difference, in a well-tuned system, is usually milliseconds (called latency). The thing is to not wind up monitoring both (classic doubling).

Reasons for one or the other are really varied. For example, if you are processing the incoming signal with a plug-in effect, you'd need to setup routing post the signal traversing the computer. However, most times you opt to hear yourself direct. With Montages on board processing you'd likely not be using plug-ins.

The actual logistics of selecting what you are monitoring vary from DAW to DAW. But overall, each has a way to select monitoring. If you are using an external audio interface - it will have a setting for direct monitoring and for monitoring post the DAW. Some use speaker icons, some you Mute the audio return, it can vary. As engineer you pick your method.

The advantage of direct monitoring means you are hearing the source immediately.
The disadvantage of monitoring post the computer is latency.
The advantage of monitoring post is you can hear exactly what is printed as audio, so effects added in the computer environment can be heard as you apply them. Your mileage will vary depending on the plug-in effect.

Hi BM and thanks for the reply. Right now in the moment I don't need Monitoring off. But when I'm ready to start recording a vocal line thru montage I would like to hear the fx I apply in my DAW channel strip. I just cannot find how to do this as of yet. I spent the entire day with no results. When direct monitoring is on and the output is the Main L/R, should the outputs be changed in Montage and DAW when turning Direct monitoring off? There is no documentation of this that I can find.

Just FYI, you can apply dual Insertion Effects on a microphone plugged into the Montage (so when recording your vocals you may want to opt for the on-board effects over the plug-ins, but of course, that is just something for you to consider).

I'm sorry I'm not as versed in Logic (haven't really used it since eMagic days)... but there will certainly be an easy way to select your monitoring choice in the DAW. Just recognize that it takes time for each computer-based processor to do its thing, thus adding to the overall latency... At some point it will become almost impossible to sing and feel comfortable when you are downwind of the latency time, your mileage will vary. This is why I mention the option of processing the signal on the way in - this way you can continue to monitor direct and yet hear the processing... latency free.