DI or Preamp Suggestions for Simple Recording

[Daddythumper]

Hi, I’m looking for a simple interface to record my electric basses (one passive and one active) on my MacBook with GarageBand.

I don’t need anything too fancy as this is just for practice but would like something that will sound good.

thanks

 

[pfschim]

hey man, there are tons of "simple" interfaces for you to consider. Any 1 or 2 channel interface will work just fine ... like the Focusrite 2i2, UA Volt 1, Motu M2, Behringer U-Phoria, Solid State Logic SSL2 2x2. All of these use USB connections and are simple, solid interfaces with 1 or 2 channels. All will work with your Macbook and Garageband.

Grab one and then come back and ask any questions you need to.

good luck!

 

[el jeffe bass]

I use a small format Behringer USB mixer as an interface. It has a few advantages over a small standalone interface for my purposes. I like having multiple channels and the ability to use an outboard compressor and other effects in the effects loop and dial in the amount of effects on each channel. Also it allows latency free monitoring.

 

[r_bnks]

Hi, I’m looking for a simple interface to record my electric basses (one passive and one active) on my MacBook with GarageBand.

I don’t need anything too fancy as this is just for practice but would like something that will sound good.

thanks

Are you looking for a DI or a preamp or an interface? Those all are different things for different purpose....

 

[DirtDog]

If you’re just looking to mix an audio signal and your bass signal for playing Ali g and if you aren’t looking at recording, a small format mixer like the Mackie Mix5 is about as basic as you can get.

 

[SoCal80s]

iRigs work great, are simple and cheap. Perfect for Garageband.

 

[kmon]

I've always used m-audio for recording myself with Mac/garageband. Started with the old fast tracks, now I have an M-Track 2x2, I don't quite remember why I sort-of upgraded.

I liked the fast tracks bc with Mac they're dead simple, totally plug and play. You can plug straight to them with an instrument cable, or DI into them from your amp or pedalboard. I can record vocals simultaneously. They cover all my needs.

The above can be said for a million other options I'm sure. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions, I really think the ability to easily record myself has been a huge deal in my meager development as a player.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

If you have the budget, I can't recommend the SSL 2+ enough. Fantastic interface!

 

[Ender_rpm]

If you go for a Focusrite, I recommend the 2i4/4i4 over the 2i2. The inputs have a much better dynamic range, and have the pads if you need them. The 2i2 gets very ugly very quickly when fed a hot signal.

 

[maxmerx]

I got an old m-audio m-track, super easy to use, plug and play with Mac or PC. I had mine used for something like 20 euros. Start with something simple, later if you need something pro you will have some expérience with this kind of interface.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

If you go for a Focusrite, I recommend the 2i4/4i4 over the 2i2. The inputs have a much better dynamic range, and have the pads if you need them. The 2i2 gets very ugly very quickly when fed a hot signal.

I thought Focusrite no longer made the 2i4 since the intro of the 3rd gen (now on 4th gen)? Solo, 2i2, 4i4 and then packaging options like Studio including a mic, etc. I could be mistaken, of course, it's been known to happen.

 

[DonaldR]

If recording your bass is your main goal, have a look at IK Multimedia Axe IO One. I have one (no pun intended) and the input stage is working great with passive and active basses and guitars.
Full version of good softwares included.

 

[Wfrance3]

I have one of these:
ProFX6v3 6-channel Mixer with USB and Effects - Sweetwater

I have a windows PC but surely it would work on a Mac. It’s a Swiss Army knife for getting sounds directly into and out of a PC…

 

[DirkP]

You’re in paradise. Truth is, nearly all budget interfaces from Focusrite, Motu, Tascam etc. available today have great conversion and clean preamps/DI inputs.
Don’t buy something fancy just to buy something fancy.

 

[Daddythumper]

Thanks for all of the responses. The Focusrite 3rd gen and M Audio are less than a$100. Is there any major advantage to looking at UAAudio volt 1 or motu m2 which are just under $200?

I only plan to use one input at a time and would like to get the cleanest signal possible. If the least expensive will do the trick I am fine saving a few bucks.

 

[pfschim]

Thanks for all of the responses. The Focusrite 3rd gen and M Audio are less than a$100. Is there any major advantage to looking at UAAudio volt 1 or motu m2 which are just under $200?

I only plan to use one input at a time and would like to get the cleanest signal possible. If the least expensive will do the trick I am fine saving a few bucks.

the lower priced ones will work great for what you intend. Well known, solid quality brands that are clean and clear and well supported by the manufacturers.

The one thing I might suggest is it may be better to have a 2nd input in case you ever want to record with another player. You may not think you will now, but you never know.

Either way, you'll be fine with the $100 interfaces.

good luck, and happy recording!