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Extremely Low Bass Volume when using Scarlett 2i2 & GarageBand

SemiDriven

SemiDriven

Gold Supporting Member
Sep 2, 2012
3,174
8,208
Milwaukee, WI
semidriven.com
#1
Recording newbie here.

Having an issue hearing my bass when playing / recording via Scarlett 2i2 into Garageband.

Equipment:
iMac
GarageBand
Scarlett 2i2
Nektar Impact LX25+
Zoom B3 (optional)
PJB BigHead (optional)

I plug my passive bass direct into the 2i2 (instrument setting) and via headphones can barely hear the bass whether playing along to a composition or recording a bass line.

I've also tried using an XLR cable from a B3 into the 2i2. Same weak, low volume sound. Ditto using PJB Bighead into the 2i2.

I've tried adding a track in GarageBand using both Real Instrument as well as Electric Guitar and I'm not impressed at all with the anemic bass sound I'm getting from either track setting.

I'm obviously overlooking something.

What am I missing?
 
#3
silky smoove said:
What’s your input level look like in your DAW?
Click to expand...

Barely registering. I've tried cranking the gain on the 2i2 but the DAW input level stays the same. And it doesn't matter if I have the INST button pressed or not.

As far as I can determine, I've got everything hooked up right and I don't believe I have any bad connections (new stuff). So I'm a wee bit puzzled by this.

All of this is through the headphones. When I turn on the external speakers, I get the same result with one exception. As I turn the monitor volume up on the 2i2, I get feedback. Then I see the input levels rise! :woot:
 
#6
SemiDriven said:
Cranking the gain on the Focusrite causes the Focusrite knob level to clip (green-yellow-red) . However, that doesn't really register in the DAW -- a very slight bump in the input level. So yeah, something is not right.
Click to expand...
If the Focusrite is clipping that means that the AD is trying to exceed 0dbfs on the digital side, which it can’t do. If that’s not sending a signal into your DAW that pegs the meter, there’s definitely a problem on the digital side of things.
  1. Have you installed all of the current Focusrite drivers? If so, try uninstalling and then doing a clean reinstall.
  2. Is your system’s OS compatible with the Focusrite driver software and hardware? Most notably did you upgrade to Big Sur already? If so, revert back to Catalina until all the manufacturers say they’re compatible.
 
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#7
silky smoove said:
If the Focusrite is clipping that means that the AD is trying to exceed 0dbfs on the digital side, which it can’t do. If that’s not sending a signal into your DAW that pegs the meter, there’s definitely a problem on the digital side of things.
  1. Have you installed all of the current Focusrite drivers? If so, try uninstalling and then doing a clean reinstall.
  2. Is your system’s OS compatible with the Focusrite driver software and hardware? Most notably did you upgrade to Big Sur already? If so, revert back to Catalina until all the manufacturers say they’re compatible.
Click to expand...

Good advice -- thanks!

I've got an older iMac - running High Sierra 10.13.6 (don't think this is the issue).

I'll focus on uninstall/reinstall of the Focusrite drivers in the coming days.
 

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