Need help with recording with DI on a Markbass amp

[matan326]

Hi,
recently I tried recording my Markbass amp by plugging an XLR cable to the Line Out DI and then to my audio interface. When I started playing, the audio in my headphones was extremely distorted and it made all kinds of sounds that one could only imagine to be in hell.
Could this be a cable issue, amp issue, or interface issue?

Thanks a lot to anyone, who might know anything about it. Cheers.

 

[Redbrangus]

Could this be a cable issue, amp issue, or interface issue?

Yes, it could be any of those things. You've got some sort of signal, so isn't likely to be a cable. The symptom you describe could be an overloaded input -- too much signal somewhere. If your amp truly has a line-level out, then it's likely you're overloading the input to your interface -- which you're almost certain to be doing if you're plugging a line level output into a mic level input on your interface. If it's one of the ones with a combination XLR/quarter-phone jack at the input, it may be that the XLR part is only capable of mic level and the quarter-phone plug is switchable between line-level and 'instrument' level, which is basically mic level but with a higher input impedance. Or some similar arrangement...you're looking for a line level input -- you will have to employ an adaptor to get from the XLR output to the quarter-phone input on your interface if it doesn't have some arrangement to switch the XLR input from mic level to line level.

If you just want to play or record with headphones, you could just plug directly into the instrument input on the interface and bypass the amp altogether, yes?

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Need more info.
Make, model, settings and such.

 

[agedhorse]

Is there a mic/line level switch on either the amp or the interface?

 

[Matty Koff]

So, without having given us much to go on.. what kind of interface are you using? Could be as simple as the gain on the mic preamps in the interface being too high, or the signal from the amp being too loud.

 

[matan326]

So, without having given us much to go on.. what kind of interface are you using? Could be as simple as the gain on the mic preamps in the interface being too high, or the signal from the amp being too loud.

My interface is the Scarlett Solo gen 2 by Focusrite. I've tried turning down the gain on both and it didnt work.

 

[agedhorse]

Is your di set to mic level?

 

[matan326]

Is your di set to mic level?

Sorry I don't know what that means. Can u elaborate?

 

[matan326]

Yes, it could be any of those things. You've got some sort of signal, so isn't likely to be a cable. The symptom you describe could be an overloaded input -- too much signal somewhere. If your amp truly has a line-level out, then it's likely you're overloading the input to your interface -- which you're almost certain to be doing if you're plugging a line level output into a mic level input on your interface. If it's one of the ones with a combination XLR/quarter-phone jack at the input, it may be that the XLR part is only capable of mic level and the quarter-phone plug is switchable between line-level and 'instrument' level, which is basically mic level but with a higher input impedance. Or some similar arrangement...you're looking for a line level input -- you will have to employ an adaptor to get from the XLR output to the quarter-phone input on your interface if it doesn't have some arrangement to switch the XLR input from mic level to line level.

If you just want to play or record with headphones, you could just plug directly into the instrument input on the interface and bypass the amp altogether, yes?

Thank you! . Also I've thought that if I record with the amp's DI, I will get the amp's actual sound. Is that right or will it be the same as plugging directly into the interface? Sorry for the dumb questions, but I'm kinda new to this and some things are really confusing to me.

 

[matan326]

Need more info.
Make, model, settings and such.

My amp's is the Markbass CMD 102 P, my interface is the Scarlett Solo gen 2. Im plugging an XLR cable with a jack ene into the amp's line out to the instrument input on my interface.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Manual: [This invalid link has been removed]
Page 3 item 12, the rightmost knob is the "line level signal level"
if you want the EQ from the head there is a button on the back next to the XLR labeled pre/post (referring to the EQ section) choose "post" to send the EQ to the line out.

 

[Zbysek]

Likely cause is overloaded input on your audio interface...

Try decreasing line output by turning the "Line Out" control CCW...

 

[matan326]

Is there a mic/line level switch on either the amp or the interface?

I plugged into the instrument input on the interface, however that also works as a line input, if i dont press the 'instrument' button.

 

[matan326]

Likely cause is overloaded input on your audio interface...

Try decreasing line output by turning the "Line Out" control CCW...

I tried that and it didnt work.

 

[matan326]

Manual: [This invalid link has been removed]
Page 3 item 12, the rightmost knob is the "line level signal level"
if you want the EQ from the head there is a button on the back next to the XLR labeled pre/post (referring to the EQ section) choose "post" to send the EQ to the line out.

Thank you! I'll try that

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Older thread on the same issue: MarkBass Line Out problem

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Solo Manual:
https://fael-downloads-prod.focusri.../downloads/31524/scarlettsolo2ndgenugenv1.pdf

Page 13: shows that there is a switch on the front for Line/Mic.

also note:


2. GAIN 1 – adjust the gain for the microphone signal at Input 1. The gain control has a concentric bi-colour LED ‘ring’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns red when signal level reaches 0 dBFS, indicating digital clipping.

4. Input 2 – for connecting instruments (unbalanced) or line level (balanced) sources; ¼” TRS jack socket.

((((Are you plugging into the input 2?, you SHOULD be!!! input 1 is only for MIC level, the Markbass sends LINE level. If so, is your xlr to 1/4 " cable TRS -- tip, ring, sleeve aka stereo-? at the 1/4 " end? )))))
** the bottom male connector below.

5. GAIN 2 – adjusts the gain for the line/instrument signal at Input 2. The gain control has a concentric bi-colour LED ‘ring’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns red when signal level reaches 0 dBFS, indicating digital clipping.


6. INST/LINE – Instrument/Line level switch for Input 2 – switches gain to suit instrument or line level signals.

 

[matan326]

Solo Manual:
https://fael-downloads-prod.focusri.../downloads/31524/scarlettsolo2ndgenugenv1.pdf

Page 13: shows that there is a switch on the front for Line/Mic.

also note:


2. GAIN 1 – adjust the gain for the microphone signal at Input 1. The gain control has a concentric bi-colour LED ‘ring’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns red when signal level reaches 0 dBFS, indicating digital clipping.

4. Input 2 – for connecting instruments (unbalanced) or line level (balanced) sources; ¼” TRS jack socket.

((((Are you plugging into the input 2?, you SHOULD be!!! input 1 is only for MIC level, the Markbass sends LINE level. If so, is your xlr to 1/4 " cable TRS -- tip, ring, sleeve aka stereo-? at the 1/4 " end? )))))
** the bottom male connector below.


View attachment 4151147

5. GAIN 2 – adjusts the gain for the line/instrument signal at Input 2. The gain control has a concentric bi-colour LED ‘ring’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns red when signal level reaches 0 dBFS, indicating digital clipping.


6. INST/LINE – Instrument/Line level switch for Input 2 – switches gain to suit instrument or line level signals.

Thank you!
Yes I am plugging into Input 2. I think the problem may be, that my TRS cable isn't stereo. It looks like the one on the right on the picture. So the solution would be to buy an XLR cable with a stereo TRS yeah?

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Thank you!
Yes I am plugging into Input 2. I think the problem may be, that my TRS cable isn't stereo. It looks like the one on the right on the picture. So the solution would be to buy an XLR cable with a stereo TRS yeah?

BINGO, you are sending a LINE level, but the interface "sees" it as Instrument level because of the TS connector. (Tip Sleeve)
This is the type you need---

 

[matan326]

BINGO, you are sending a line level, but the interface "sees" it as Instrument level because of the TS connector. (Tip Sleeve)

Right! So if I understand it right, would this cable be good to solve my problem?

https://www.amazon.com/Roland-210950099-RCC-10-TRXF-Interconnect-Cables/dp/B01CR114HW