The only reason I said that is because the OP seemed to like the tonal manipulation of the signal by the amp. I would probably not do it, but there many different ways to record.
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Focusrite Scarlett.. TS or TRS connnecter?
- Thread starter ReeV0
- Start date
If the result is desirable then there's no reason to exclude it from the signal path by going straight into the interface.
Thanks for all the replies, truly. But I still remain confused! 
I don't want to mess around with virtual bass amps, virtual effects, virtual plugins etc. This is because I like the sound I have dialed into my amp (so I will leave the setting on 'post' rather than 'pre') and I have a pretty comprehensive pedalboard which includes a Line 6 Helix and a Source Audio C4. So I already have my sound and all my effects dialed in, in the physical world.
I have decided to go for the MOTU M2 over the Focusrite 2i2, because of the handy graphic levels settings and the even more handy loop back feature.
However, I am still left scratching my head at how exactly to connect the amp to the audio interface... I also plan to connect my Zoom H4n so I can use the mic on it, but I guess this will be a lot more simple and just use an XLR to XLR cable.
If I was just connecting my bass, or my bass through the Stomp, then I'd be using a standard 1/4" TS cable. Why would it suddenly become a TRS cable if using the amp's DI?
Maybe this picture can help me understand once and for all...
I don't want to mess around with virtual bass amps, virtual effects, virtual plugins etc. This is because I like the sound I have dialed into my amp (so I will leave the setting on 'post' rather than 'pre') and I have a pretty comprehensive pedalboard which includes a Line 6 Helix and a Source Audio C4. So I already have my sound and all my effects dialed in, in the physical world.
I have decided to go for the MOTU M2 over the Focusrite 2i2, because of the handy graphic levels settings and the even more handy loop back feature.
However, I am still left scratching my head at how exactly to connect the amp to the audio interface... I also plan to connect my Zoom H4n so I can use the mic on it, but I guess this will be a lot more simple and just use an XLR to XLR cable.
If I was just connecting my bass, or my bass through the Stomp, then I'd be using a standard 1/4" TS cable. Why would it suddenly become a TRS cable if using the amp's DI?
Maybe this picture can help me understand once and for all...
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Ok, so you're saying Option #3 - XLR --> XLR? I read that if connected this way, the MOTU will see it as a mic and hence the input will get a bit thrown off? I have quite a hot bass signal, especially with effects.
The MOTU won't do anything differently if one cable or another is plugged in. As I mentioned previously, it's not a smart device. It doesn't "know" what you're connecting to it. A signal arrives at the front end and it's either compliant in terms of level and impedance, or it's not. The DI on your amp is well within spec for both. If it's too hot either turn down the gain on the interface, or turn down something in the chain ahead of it. This is no different than on any interface.
Ohh ok, I think some of the youtube videos I watched were incorrect then - they were saying the interface intelligently determines what is plugged into it by how it is plugged in... i.e.
XLR = mic
1/4" TRS = line
1/4" TS = instrument
Nope. It behaves just like any other interface. The front end (i.e. before the AD conversion) is entirely analog, so either it works mechanically and electrically, or it doesn't.
Ok great, thanks for explaining. I already have an XLR to XLR cable so I guess I don't need to buy anything else! I was just getting concerned because I read articles saying that using a TS in a TRS jack could damage things, and vice versa. So I want to make sure I use the right cable.
TS into TRS won’t hurt anything, but in most cases you’ll only get half the signal.
TRS into TS won’t necessarily hurt anything, but TRS usually indicates a line level signal, whereas TS usually indicates instrument or mic level signal which is much lower than line. In that way TRS into TS could be damaging, but not because of the connectors, because of the excessive voltage hitting an input not designed for it.
I don't really want to add to the confusion, but ....
In the photo, the XLR output jack is labeled "Line Driver Out".
On TC's website it's described as "Balanced output - Transformer Balanced XLR, Pre/Post Pre-amp"
"Optimal Load Impedance - 600 Ohm"
That would make it a true mic level DI, not a line level output, right?
In the photo, the XLR output jack is labeled "Line Driver Out".
On TC's website it's described as "Balanced output - Transformer Balanced XLR, Pre/Post Pre-amp"
"Optimal Load Impedance - 600 Ohm"
That would make it a true mic level DI, not a line level output, right?
Yes that makes sense, but wouldn't I still connect it via XLR-XLR? As a mic connects that way
I think the answer is yes, you still use an XLR connector, but not for the reason you state. The question is about the electrical match between your amp and your interface, not about what the plug looks like. I'm not an expert, but some of the people posting here are, so I hope that they will correct me if I'm wrong:
A 600 ohm load is microphone level, so even though TC put the label "Line Driver Out" on the back of the amp, it's not really a line level out. It's really a mic level out, and that's the reason you should use the XLR -> XLR cable.
A 600 ohm load is microphone level, so even though TC put the label "Line Driver Out" on the back of the amp, it's not really a line level out. It's really a mic level out, and that's the reason you should use the XLR -> XLR cable.
Use xlr to xlr to start. Adjust the input gain on the MOTU to avoid clipping. If you can’t turn the MOTU gain down enough to prevent clipping of the input, change the cable to an xlr to TRS. This feeds the signal into the line input of the MOTU. The line input accepts a higher signal gracefully.
One or the other of these approaches should work.
One or the other of these approaches should work.
Thanks, but why not just just go the XLR-TRS route to begin with since it sounds like the best option?
Because if the signal from the amp’s xlr out isn’t line level, you would need the gain available from using the mic input. If the TC amp signal isn’t line level, you could add noise trying to amplify that signal using the line input, which expects a much higher signal voltage than a mic level input.
Try them both, just to see. I’ve never used the TC amp in question, so I don’t know which would be best. The description given previously is vague regarding signal levels from the amp xlr out.
Try them both, just to see. I’ve never used the TC amp in question, so I don’t know which would be best. The description given previously is vague regarding signal levels from the amp xlr out.
I have, albeit the 450, and my advice above remains. XLR will get it done.
It depends on the gear. Going in direct and using virtual amps is always noisy for me.
My amp is a Rumble 100 and the DI is post EQ, post Master Volume and it includes a cab sim so the sound it sends to the interface is the same I dial in in my room, and it's really quiet. I got it so I didn't have to use amp modelers.
