Well, it's been a while since I've really posted anything of consequence, but I suppose it had to come sometime, right?

So, I've been using the Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 speaker system since late last spring, and it's damned awesome. Of course, since it's an analog speaker system, I have to use an external sound card. I have been using the Griffin FireWave, and it has performed just fine, mostly, although it seems that there is a problem with the device, it's FireWire cable (gonna check it), or the amplifier in the subwoofer (I hope not, but it has a history of overheating) such that I will get 0.5-1 second gaps in audio output every so often (seems to be random). But that's not what I'm here to ask about.

I have tried time and time again to configure 6 channel stereo output using Apple's Audio MIDI Setup Utility, but each attempt (which has been largely the same as the last and not well informed) has been unsuccessful. The FireWave's configuration application only supports stereo (2.1, really), Dolby Digital 5.1, and all modes of Dolby ProLogic II (plus volume and delay adjustment etc.). The speakers themselves only support 3 1/8" plugs (for 5.1) or one 1/8" plug (for 2.1, and it's a separate auxiliary input on the front of the control box). But I really want to set them up in a 6 channel stereo configuration, with the rights and lefts both pumping out their respective channels at the same volume, the center channel pumping out a mix of both, and the subwoofer booming out the bass.

Anybody know how to do that? It should be simple, but it's not straightforward, at least, not to me.

Please: somebody, anybody, help!

Short answer: Unfortunately it can't be done.

Long Answer:
You are not alone in this. For a long time i used a G4 Cube as my music server. I thought it would be perfect for the job, until i found out it doesn't have an actual headphone/speaker output.
i've gone through a bunch of USB solutions. The iMic, Creative Soundblaster MP3+ (Which would give me mic/line in, optical in/out, and line out,) Creative Soundblaster Live (It is the 7.1 channel version of the MP3+ and didn't work at all with mac,) a few other no name run of the mill off the shelf external USB dongles, and the firewave. Sorry if it seems like i'm just giving a good example of a horrible run on sentence but it comes down to this. Quite a while ago I found out about the Aggregate Device in Audio Midi Setup. Over at Cubeowner.com a few of us tried to get it to work, hearing that you could hook up several USB devices together and use them as one to get multi channel, or multi stereo output. For all we tried we could never get it to work. I spent about 2 days trying myself to get it to work. Even called Apple tech support about it http://www.cubeowner.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10244&hl= and being told that Audio Midi setup is not an Apple product and to call the manufacturer for help. I did tell her off in that instance. I finally got transfered to the techgeeks in the Logic Pro department and they told me it couldn't be done except for use in Garage band or Logic Pro.

I wish what we have tried to do could be done, but it is just there beyond our use.

Damn. So the only option if you want 6 channel stereo is to go with an amplifier plus speakers, which won't work with my setup.

What would work with your set up? i'm curious now what you are trying to do.. ;D

He is trying to get stereo x 2 or stereo x 3. Unfortunately I have to agree with every one above unless there is a way to do it in the control panel for the fire wave like there is for the M-Audio Revolution its a no go.

The configuration I'm trying to achieve is this:
- Left Channel: Left Channel
- Right Channel: Right Channel
- Center Channel: L/R Mix
- Surround Left: Left Channel
- Surround Right: Right Channel
- Subwoofer: Low Frequencies

But as has been pointed out, this is a not possible via the Audio MIDI Setup Utility.

However, since GuitarMknDude said that the M-Audio Revolution supports this setting, could I rig one up in an external enclosure (like this combination: M-Audio Revolution 5.1 and Magma 1 Slot PCI Expansion)?

Sorry i wasn't clear in my reply. I realize which channels you are trying to achieve. But i'm curious why a 6 channel receiver and speakers wouldn't work in your set up?

Also looking at your signature in your posts and the want to use a magma expansion, i take it this will be for a laptop?

also it's the fact that you will be dropping a lot of bones on a set up like that
http://www.magma.com/products/pci/1PCI/prices.html

so for that kind of money i wonder why again a receiver and speakers wouldn't work with your setup.......

macDeviant

I already have the Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 speakers, which are expensive and well worth the money, but only have input via 3 analog stereo inputs (like most multimedia surround speakers) and not through speaker wire, as they have an amplifier built-in to the subwoofer. I don't want new speakers! :P

And yes, I am trying to do this on a MacBook Pro.

Hah and i would have known that if i re-read your first post... but that helps me understand the situation.