Focusrite Scarlett.. TS or TRS connnecter?

[ReeV0]

Hi all,

I read through this but not sure whether to get a TS or a TRS cable...

Invalid Link Removed

I connect my bass to my amp using a standard instrument TS cable, and then plan to connect the DI out the back of the amp, to the Focusrite. I think the DI is balanced, so would I need to buy a balanced TRS cable?

TS:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D8VDNN8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3A986VE721P1T&psc=1

TRS:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07DHW968D/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3A986VE721P1T&th=1

 

[MIMike]

When ever you have a choice, I always figure balanced is the best way to go.
I’m no expert, but I always use XLR or TRS if those are options on the equipment I have.

 

[bholder]

Yes, use the TRS balanced cable on the balanced output. You can plug a TS in and it'll kinda work, but you lose half your signal off the bat...

 

[silky smoove]

If your DI is XLR, as most are, why not just use that into the Focusrite?

 

[ReeV0]

If your DI is XLR, as most are, why not just use that into the Focusrite?

I already have an XLR to XLR cable but judging from the YouTube videos I've watched, the XLR on the Focusrite is for mics only - instruments/amps need 1/4"

 

[silky smoove]

I already have an XLR to XLR cable but judging from the YouTube videos I've watched, the XLR on the Focusrite is for mics only - instruments/amps need 1/4"

Not true. Just use the XLR.

 

[Tosh]

The time to NOT use an XLR cable with your Focusrite is when you have a Line level output, such as you might find on a synthesizer or mixing board.

Your DI signal is equivalent to a microphone level, though you probably will not set the gain as high as you would for a typical microphone. The XLR cable is the way to go.

 

[Bodeeni]

I think you might ultimately find that going direct into the Focusrite will be a better option, depending on your DAW. Then run a line out back to the amp if you need it as a monitor. I usually just use headphones.

 

[ReeV0]

I think you might ultimately find that going direct into the Focusrite will be a better option, depending on your DAW. Then run a line out back to the amp if you need it as a monitor. I usually just use headphones.

Why? I like how I've got the EQ set on the amp and it produces a good tone. It's a TC RH750 and each of the 4-bands have a parametric EQ

 

[1958Bassman]

Yes, use the TRS balanced cable on the balanced output. You can plug a TS in and it'll kinda work, but you lose half your signal off the bat...

Not only that, but the sleeve is the ground. Shorting Pin 2 to Pin 1 on XLR or in this case, Ring to Sleeve is OK, but only if the input is unbalanced.

 

[1958Bassman]

Hi all,

I read through this but not sure whether to get a TS or a TRS cable...

Invalid Link Removed

I connect my bass to my amp using a standard instrument TS cable, and then plan to connect the DI out the back of the amp, to the Focusrite. I think the DI is balanced, so would I need to buy a balanced TRS cable?

TS:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D8VDNN8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3A986VE721P1T&psc=1

TRS:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07DHW968D/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3A986VE721P1T&th=1

It's not always as simple as making the connection- true Balanced output and input are different from unbalanced, in both signal and impedance. It's best to use some kind of conversion to make them work together in a way that doesn't compromise performance.

I did a simple search for that Focusrite piece and found this on the Guitar Center page that came up (check the line that's in bold type, italics and underlined)

• Connectivity: USB Type-C

• Protocol: USB 2.0

• Form Factor: Desktop

• Simultaneous I/O: 2 x 2

• A/D Resolution: 24 bit/192kHz

• Number of Preamps: 1

• Phantom Power: YES

• Instrument Inputs: 1

• Line Inputs: 1

• Analog Outputs: 2 TRS

• Headphone Outputs: 1

• Bus Powered: YES

 

[ReeV0]

Ok so I've been doing some more reading and I think I'm instead going to go with the MOTU M2 interface.

It has combined XLR & 1/4" inputs, and uses these to automatically determine what is being plugged into it. From my reading:

- if an XLR is plugged in, it assumes this is a mic
- if a TRS cable is plugged in, it assumes this is a line in
- if a TS cable is plugged in, it assumes this is an instrument

It uses this info to adjust the gain or something or other... So if I'm essentially plugging in my instrument, which uses a TS cable (albeit running through my amp and out the back of the DI), do I not want to go for the XLR to 1/4" TS cable?

 

[Bodeeni]

Why? I like how I've got the EQ set on the amp and it produces a good tone. It's a TC RH750 and each of the 4-bands have a parametric EQ

I find going out of the amp DI does not translate the way you are hearing it out of the speaker, can add noise and is redundant since you are probably going to go into an amp modeler in the DAW. I use this setup every day. Direct into the Scarlett and monitor through headphones, and rarely, the studio monitors.
This is just a very common way to do it, not the only way.

 

[ReeV0]

I find going out of the amp DI does not translate the way you are hearing it out of the speaker, can add noise and is redundant since you are probably going to go into an amp modeler in the DAW. I use this setup every day. Direct into the Scarlett and monitor through headphones, and rarely, the studio monitors.
This is just a very common way to do it, not the only way.

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Maybe I'll try it both ways, I wasn't planning on spending extra money on virtual amp modellers etc because I already like the sound of my rig, and I've got a Helix Stomp with loads of amps/effects on it already.

 

[sonojono]

Surprisingly I always go line out when I’m tracking bass. Rarely do I have the need to DI from my amp to the interface. This is the first for me to read going XLR from bass to Interface is the preferred way to do it.

 

[ReeV0]

Surprisingly I always go line out when I’m tracking bass. Rarely do I have the need to DI from my amp to the interface. This is the first for me to read going XLR from bass to Interface is the preferred way to do it.

How does an XLR plug into a bass?

 

[silky smoove]

Ok so I've been doing some more reading and I think I'm instead going to go with the MOTU M2 interface.

It has combined XLR & 1/4" inputs, and uses these to automatically determine what is being plugged into it. From my reading:

- if an XLR is plugged in, it assumes this is a mic
- if a TRS cable is plugged in, it assumes this is a line in
- if a TS cable is plugged in, it assumes this is an instrument

It uses this info to adjust the gain or something or other... So if I'm essentially plugging in my instrument, which uses a TS cable (albeit running through my amp and out the back of the DI), do I not want to go for the XLR to 1/4" TS cable?

View attachment 4152559

MOTU makes a great product, but the Focusrite as well as any other interface does this as well. It’s simply a factor of output level and where you’re sending it. There’s nothing “smart” happening in the device.

 

[Basslice]

I don't think there are any significant interface differences between the MOTU and Scarlett. Depending on which Scarlett you are looking at. The Solo only has one balanced XLR input, the 2i4 has two. I have both and never have found it to be a limitation. I am not mutitracking (rarely playing an instrument and recording vocals).

I would recommend that you go direct from your bass into the interface (unbalanced TS, if you will). You already said you were going to use amp modelling anyway, so the cleaner bass signal you record, the better your final track will be. I don't see the need for you to use your amp and an intermediate connection. I will only add coloration to your sound that you will be stuck with.

As far as line level vs instrument level vs mic level, the Focusrite is pretty smart and can accommodate all three easily. There is a line/instrument switch if you have a true hot line signal you need to take down. The only thing I would not recommend is rigging a 1/4 cable from your bass to an XLR jack. That would not make any sense.

I only use TRS 1/4 to connect between Focusrite and my monitors.

Rec:

• bass to interface (1/4 unbalanced TS)
• interface monitor to amp if you need to TS

or if you are really married to playing through your amp

• bass to amp
• direct out from amp to XLR interface, preferable direct out before amp pre amp.

 

[Tosh]

If the XLR output of your amp is truly a DI, then you will be using an XLR cable to connect to your interface, because the DI is equivalent to a Microphone.

you should not use a converter cable for this instance.

If you plug your guitar directly into the interface, (instrument level) you will use a T/S cable.
If you plug in a keyboard with balanced outputs (either T/R/S or XLR) then you will use a T/R/S cable to plug inot your interface. This is the only time you would ever use an XLR -> T/R/S adapter cable.

I am doing exactly this - Amp's DI (XLR) -> Interface input 1 (XLR). I have 2 focusrite interfaces (Saffire series) and 2 MOTU interfaces - it's the same for all of them.

trust me - I'm a retired galactic architect

 

[silky smoove]

I don't see the need for you to use your amp and an intermediate connection. I will only add coloration to your sound that you will be stuck with.

Not if the XLR out is set to pre. Even if it's set to post and some coloration is imparted by the DI it might not be a bad thing. It might not be a good thing either.