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Focusrite Solo + AKG K240 Headphones

J

joliet

Sep 27, 2019
4
0
#1
I am learning to play the bass. This is my first instrument and I'm trying to figure out how all of this equipment works together. I did a lot of searching this past week and I feel like I've learned a ton but I'm still a bit overwhelmed. Wanted to ask if this setup would work for my needs before I make any purchases.

I just picked up a used five string Ibanez SR305. I believe this is "active" because it has a 9v in the back. I do not have any other equipment yet. I am going to practice late at night so I have to use headphones. I also want a tuner and metronome. I don't need to record but it would be nice to learn how to do that so that I can playback what I practice to evaluate my sound. I don't plan to play out loud any time soon so I haven't been considering amps.

I was thinking of getting the Focusrite solo and a pair of AKG K240 headphones. If I plug the bass into the Focusrite and then plug headphones into the Focusrite, then plug the Focusrite into the computer running a DAW, will this be all that is needed to get sound into the phones? Do I need any other DI or Preamp between the bass and Focusrite (I've seen this mentioned in other posts but it wasn't clear to me). Also, does the free DAW software available with the Focusrite have a simple tuner and metronome that I can use on the computer? All videos I've seen about the Focusrite are about recording songs. Does it also work as a way to simply hear yourself practice through headphones without having to record?

I've read some posts about the Cafe Walter but I see that this is no longer available. It is described as being "transparent" and "what you play is what you hear". This is the sound I am looking for because I am just learning and want to make sure I am playing with proper technique. Does the Focusrite and DAW provide this type of sound?

What about a GK MB200 or Plex Pre amp instead of the Focusrite? I was also looking at the Zoom B1 Four but this seems to be more about effects which I don't want right now. Should I be looking at a different pair of headphones? My budget can stretch to around $500 if needed.

Thanks a ton in advance!
 
#3
You will be good to go with the interface and headphones you have chosen. You don’t even need a DAW if you are not recording— the sound will come through the headphones regardless.

The only reason to go with the mixer in this situation is if you don’t want to be tethered to a computer all the time.

The Korg tuner/metronome would be fine, but you might consider using a pedal-format tuner and a computer-based metronome so you don’t have to plug in/unplug the tuner and so you can use the interface and the metronome at the same time.

If the sound of the bass directly into the interface is a little dry to your ears, you can add a preamp pedal such as a Sans Amp, which will allow you to shape your sound and simulate an amp/cab setup. There are also virtual amps you can load from your computer in the form of standalone software or vst plugins.
 
#4
Thank you for the detailed response.

So... I like the option to not be stuck at the computer so I think I’m going to go with the mixer. I can get a Mackie Mix 5 for $20 locally.

So if I got a pedal tuner, I would plug the bass into the pedal tuner, then pedal tuner into the Mix5 input, plug my metronome into another input and then the k240’s into the headphone out? I don’t need anything else to get a clear uncolored bass sound into the headphones? If so I’m going to go ahead and purchase these items and get to practicing. Thanks.
 
#5
joliet said:
Thank you for the detailed response.

So... I like the option to not be stuck at the computer so I think I’m going to go with the mixer. I can get a Mackie Mix 5 for $20 locally.

So if I got a pedal tuner, I would plug the bass into the pedal tuner, then pedal tuner into the Mix5 input, plug my metronome into another input and then the k240’s into the headphone out? I don’t need anything else to get a clear uncolored bass sound into the headphones? If so I’m going to go ahead and purchase these items and get to practicing. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you’re all good. One last tip, consider a drum machine instead of a metronome. They can be had in pedal format as well, such as the Mooer Micro Drummer.
 
#7
... a couple years into this thread.... AKG K-240 headphones? I have a pair and IMHO, they're fantastic for the money! I've used them with GK MB series combo amp and as TASCAM DP-32 recording console monitoring. Now I'm considering Focusrite Solo as Christmas gift for my guitarist son who recently bought a MacBook and is keen on exploring the world of Garage Band, any thoughts...suggestions??
 
#8
JMV said:
... a couple years into this thread.... AKG K-240 headphones? I have a pair and IMHO, they're fantastic for the money! I've used them with GK MB series combo amp and as TASCAM DP-32 recording console monitoring. Now I'm considering Focusrite Solo as Christmas gift for my guitarist son who recently bought a MacBook and is keen on exploring the world of Garage Band, any thoughts...suggestions??
Click to expand...
I use a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (gen 3) and it sounds and works just fine with GarageBand ... or any other DAW for that matter. The Solo is going to sound pretty much the same as the higher pre count Scarletts (same pre amp and routing .. although simpler because less inputs/outputs). If you can swing it, you might consider getting your son something with at least 2 pre's (like the 2i2) so once he gets into it he can at least play with one other instrument at the same time (that needs a pre anyway).
 
#9
pfschim said:
I use a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (gen 3) and it sounds and works just fine with GarageBand ... or any other DAW for that matter. The Solo is going to sound pretty much the same as the higher pre count Scarletts (same pre amp and routing .. although simpler because less inputs/outputs). If you can swing it, you might consider getting your son something with at least 2 pre's (like the 2i2) so once he gets into it he can at least play with one other instrument at the same time (that needs a pre anyway).
Click to expand...
Excellent advice, he's not interested in doing vocals (yet) thus my original thought was the solo unit - but if he changes his mind or uses a drum machine, etc. it would be great to have the capability of at least 2 simultaneous inputs. Thanks! Also, forgot to mention in my post above that I intend to also get a pair of the aforementioned AKG K-240's to accompany the Focusrite unit too...
 
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#11
JMV said:
Excellent advice, he's not interested in doing vocals (yet) thus my original thought was the solo unit - but if he changes his mind or uses a drum machine, etc. it would be great to have the capability of at least 2 simultaneous inputs. Thanks! Also, forgot to mention in my post above that I intend to also get a pair of the aforementioned AKG K-240's to accompany the Focusrite unit too...
Click to expand...
well, he can use an in-the-box drum machine (there are lots of good ones) and not need to take up an input on the interface. The other pre input would be for another musician or vocals.
 
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