Getting back into it...recommendations for practice and tracking

[goldenglory18]

(kind of a hybrid on practice/recording, feel free to move as needed.)

Hey TB! Been unplugged for a long time, and have a production and recording gig coming up soon. I need to shake off the dust, get my chops back, and get myself and a few others in varying states caught up on things. Considering technology has evolved so much in the ~10 years I've been out of music, I'm assuming there is a litany of gear that I'm not even aware exists.

What's a good recommendation for line-in practice rig (playing along with existing media) and recording scratch/demo tracks to share with others? I fully assume these are different items, but maybe not anymore? First thought was a Focusrite Scarlett maybe?

Thanks in advance. This has to be what getting old(er) feels like...

 

[michael_t]

First thought was a Focusrite Scarlett maybe?

I got the Scarlett 2i2 six months ago. Then I decided to try the SSL2. I like the SSL2 better.

 

[RunFlat]

"...need to shake off the dust, get my chops back..."

Speaking as an old guy doing similar, I've been using small, cheap headphone amp that plugs into instrument output jack that runs a hardwire to headphones. This little plug-in also accepts an axillary input, so I can play along with music off my iPhone.
This device works reasonably well for the price:
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I believe Fender makes a better one, but I've no experience with it.

Re: getting chops back, I can't overemphasize how much help before/after muscle-stretching helps me!

 

[flojob]

Runflat has the right idea. I wore 2 of those out. I got this because it will Bluetooth connect to your phone or iPad, and has effects available in the companion app. No option for recording though

 

[seamonkey]

and get myself and a few others in varying states caught up on things.

What common things does every one have?
An iPhone or iPad?
PC or Mac?
Budget?
What recording are you going to do, on a PC with an audio interface?
There's a lot of great audio interfaces and they all perform great.
Nothing wrong with a Scarlett, but
One interface that has caught my eye is the Topping E2x2
https://topping.pro/e2x2/
Reviewers are saying it has a great headphone app.
The dual USB means it can be powered off it's own charger adapter, and be driven by an iPhone or iPad for the audio
And it Actually has a power switch. Seems like a lot of interfaces exclude this.

 

[tothemax]

Lots of options, if you are looking to do skip a DAW and go quick and dirty, then probably the easiest is a small mixer where you can plug your bass in direct, add a vocal mic, bring in a music source(s), and have line out options analog or USB (or simply headphones off the mixer). The Mackie or Behringer give you 5 channels for under a $100. The Behringer has a USB out but be aware that it will be a stereo mix, not individual channels. You could send stereo output to a PC or a digital recorder. I have a little Tascam DR-5 that I have had for years and it is great for recording live practices or direct line from the board. Sounds like you wanted to have recordings to share.

Cheers,

Analog Mixers - Sweetwater