<html><body>Hello. I'm trying to use PA with my sound card M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R. It is 19" rack-mounted soundcard with 8 inputs and 8 output channels, internal DSP with few effects and possibility to route any of (analog) input or (digital) output to any of analog outputs. <div><br></div><div>Right now, after connecting it to PC and running PA, I can set two variants of configuration: either 7.1 output or "multichannel input". When used just for stereo output, it works great. But, even I can connect 8 microphones and 8 separate speaker paths, I'm not able to make a conference call as with PA, I can use it only as a input, or output. Not both at one time. Nor I can use different channel mapping, like using 1/2 for speakers, 3/4 for headphones, 5/6 for recording something and 7/8 as other speakers (just an example). The same is with inputs - I would expect some kind of configuration like, for example, "Input N - Microphone", "Input 3/4 - stereo line in". I believe you will understand what I mean. This is, by the way, how it works in Windows (but I don't want to use Windows).</div><div><br></div><div>So, I decided to roll up my own soundcard profile. And, that's why I'm writing here. Because I'm confused and after lot of hours, I wasn't able to figure out anything. I can make one (or maybe more) profile to be displayed in PAVC, but then, it's not possible to play anything. Mainly, I don't understand the concept of "paths" and why/how it relies on amixer controls (as a control does not represent any output sometimes) and how to map specific output. Basically, I don't need/want to change internal mixer values nor effect section. </div><div><br></div><div>I tried to search documentation, but it seems non-comprehensive enough for my case. I tried asking on few places, but without success, so this is probably the last place, where I'm trying my luck.</div><div><br></div><div>I wish you a nice day. </div><div>S.</div></body></html>