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Interface options with Stereo Direct Monitoring?

#22
ddnidd1 said:
I haven't read all of the posts, but this may help. If not, call Focusrite Support. They will point you in the right direction.

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Thanks. I did read that before, which made sense. It was checking out another make/model that added the confusion. I noticed the link from that page to details on the 2i4, which explains the mixer feature and states the output is stereo, as @silky smoove had previously mentioned.
 
#23
zenabi said:
I'm currently looking for my first Audio Interface for Bass Guitar and maybe a Drum Machine at some point in the future. I've almost made a decision to get a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but I want to make sure I've not missed something else that I should consider.

There were other interfaces that I was considering, until I realised that not all interfaces will output dual mono when using Direct Monitor. This is a feature that I believe I will need. So, although I barely know anything about the software, the 2i2 appears to have the hardware features I want.

So are there any other similarly priced interfaces I should consider that have 2 inputs, 2 outputs, separate volume controls for Monitor out and Headphone out, with the ability to switch between mono and dual mono for Direct Monitor?
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Good point, I've just realized lately that my 2i2 2nd Gen is only mono direct monitoring… Now, I know that 3rd Gen can do stereo!
 
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#28
Patrice B said:
So, you have too a 2nd Gen? Sorry, didn't read the thread thoroughly ;)

But yeah, cheap budget decision for sure!
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I do not own one. The only consumer-tier interface I own is a little Presonus Studio24c in case my main interface, a MOTU 16A, ever fails and I need something to get me through a session. It lives in its box in the storage vestibule of my studio and ideally I'll never even open the box.
 
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#29
I think I've just misunderstood something, so just want to double check.

With the Scarlett 2i2, I can plug in a bass, some headphones and USB power, then use Direct Monitor to practice without using a computer, right?
 
#30
zenabi said:
So now I see that the lower Focusrite models cannot be used unless connected to a computer, but the higher models can be set to direct output using a computer and then used stand-alone.

The cheapest current model is the Scarlett 8i6.

Is this also a common thing with other USB interfaces?
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What do you mean? Using it standalone? Yes, a lot of times the bigger ones could be used without a computer as a kind of hardware mixer but I would guess it depends on the brand:

My Roland Octa Capture and Scarlett 18i20 are useable standalone. I don't know about my Presonus Quantum 2626 however?
 
#31
zenabi said:
I think I've just misunderstood something, so just want to double check.

With the Scarlett 2i2, I can plug in a bass, some headphones and USB power, then use Direct Monitor to practice without using a computer, right?
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I'm not sure, maybe? better to ask Focusrite support.

Edit: from here Invalid Link Removed

So maybe… You need USB power and it « should » work…
 
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#34
My Audient iD14 MK I has the option to either pan independently or inverse-link each of its two inputs while direct monitoring. Personally I upgraded from a 2i2 1st gen years ago and I did notice an increase in quality as the JFET input on the Audient is pretty sweet sounding.
I can also confirm it works without a computer as I often noodle around directly on the interface before I plugin my MacBook in my home dock.
I recommend you take a look at the newer iD4 MK II which also has a direct monitoring blend pot and ofc independent output control for the headphones and main out as you said you need.
 
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#36
alecvbass said:
My Audient iD14 MK I has the option to either pan independently or inverse-link each of its two inputs while direct monitoring. Personally I upgraded from a 2i2 1st gen years ago and I did notice an increase in quality as the JFET input on the Audient is pretty sweet sounding.
I can also confirm it works without a computer as I often noodle around directly on the interface before I plugin my MacBook in my home dock.
I recommend you take a look at the newer iD4 MK II which also has a direct monitoring blend pot and ofc independent output control for the headphones and main out as you said you need.
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That's interesting, as I did look at the ID4 MkII earlier. Mixed opinions compared to the 2i2 Gen3, but it is in my list for consideration - especially now you have confirmed that. Thanks.
 
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#37
zenabi said:
That's interesting, as I did look at the ID4 MkII earlier. Mixed opinions compared to the 2i2 Gen3, but it is in my list for consideration - especially now you have confirmed that. Thanks.
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I know that when it works fine, nobody post to say « hey, flawless since two years » and threads are mainly to ask for help but still:



I guess it's the same for any piece of gear but being a Gearspace member, I saw more than once threads about bugs with Audient interfaces. Take it with a grain of salt though…
 
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#38
zenabi said:
I think I've just misunderstood something, so just want to double check.

With the Scarlett 2i2, I can plug in a bass, some headphones and USB power, then use Direct Monitor to practice without using a computer, right?
Click to expand...
Not sure about the Scarlett but it can done with aplomb on the SONO.
 
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#40
Patrice B said:
I know that when it works fine, nobody post to say « hey, flawless since two years » and threads are mainly to ask for help but still:



I guess it's the same for any piece of gear but being a Gearspace member, I saw more than once threads about bugs with Audient interfaces. Take it with a grain of salt though…
Click to expand...


I recently bought another interface (Apogee Symphony Desktop) and while researching for it I did too found a lot of Audient users complaining about the iD4/14 series - most were on Windows though and I personally had no issues on macOS Mojave / Catalina / Big Sur / Monterrey; that's with the iD14 MK I which had the old USB 2.0 protocol mind you.

If you're on Windows I would suggest buying from a place that lets you return the Audient.

I did hear a lot of good things about the MOTU M2's drivers on Windows lately.
 
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