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Need USB interface advice

#23
NeKaS said:
From what I've read using a DI prevents the 2i2 from clipping.
Click to expand...
So there ya go.
But I did say "usually"...
I've been known to plug in direct using an instrument cable.
Adjusting input gain, instrument/line level, and bass volume has always produced a clip-free signal for me eventually.
I did have to turn things down a bit, IIRC. And probably, if I really, really hit the strings hard, I might have been able to drive it hard enough to clip. I think you'd have to work at it if you turned down enough. If your signal is hot enough to really clip (not just turn the light red) I think you can turn down a lot before you even begin to run out of dynamic range.
 
#25
from what i can tell the scarlett solo has an instrument/line switch for the 1/4" jack that the itrack solo does not. I have no intention of using my itrack solo with apple hardware, i just got the itrack solo because its cheap but still has the good preamps.
 
#26
My buddy lent me his M-Audio Fast Track Ultra... and I'm quite disappointed. Maybe it's a software issue, but the damn thing doesn't stay working with my computer. This thing needs the driver installed every time I want to record.
At least the Presonus that I used to have would just work every time.
 
#28
Just ordered a used Scarlett 2i4 for $130 based on this thread, hope it works out well, thanks. Couple that with the Yeti USB microphone, should be set - now, what sw recording package do folks use with these thingies?
Edit: Should have mentioned: windoze/pc guy. Looking for relatively cheap and basic to start with, unless there's some great inexpensive full function package.
 
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#29
bholder said:
Just ordered a used Scarlett 2i4 for $130 based on this thread, hope it works out well, thanks. Couple that with the Yeti USB microphone, should be set - now, what sw recording package do folks use with these thingies?
Click to expand...

I guess it depends - if you just want to capture the bass line, audacity is free and great. If you want to get into multi-track recording (wicked for mixing, trying multiple takes, having multiple instruments, etc), there are a few threads on that and it depends on a great many things. GarageBand is free/included with a mac. In windows REAPER and Ableton seem to be very popular on TB based on my recent poll. If you're a Linux guy Ardour looks like the way to go.

EDIT: Obviously there's a lot more, like Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, etc, etc, etc. Most of the multi-track DAWs are pretty much the same, you just have to find where the controls you need are in whichever you end up using.
 
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#32
Have the 2i4, quite pleased so far. Set up was ok, and it plays well with all of my free DAWs.

bholder - I used audacity for a while, then went to Kristal AE. It's good, really good for free. "Only" 16 tracks though. Sounds good.
However, I have been trying out StudioOne Free, which is basically Kristal with more functionality and tracks. Good sound as well, pleased so far.
The Live that came with the interface didn't quite make me happy, so StudioOne Free is the one for me so far.
I also have Reaper, but don't have the time necessary to learn all of it. Great program if you have the time/dedication.

Here's some crap from a recent interface test, if anyone's curious. Still very rough, but...

 
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#33
Piggybacking on this thread...

Regarding the Scarlett 2i2, is it workable to run from the line out of an amp, into the 2i2, then out via USB to a laptop?

I've been fiddling with my Zoom B3 straight to the laptop (with Reaper), and I haven't been able to get anything that sounds decent at all. I'd prefer to capture something closer to what my Markbass CMD 151 sounds like.
 
#34
Pretty sure that's no big deal. The recording above I used an FX box before the interface for the dist. guitar, line out into the interface into my pc.
It's another device buffering your input signal, so just mind your vol. levels for sufficient gain.
 
#35
wraub said:
Pretty sure that's no big deal. The recording above I used an FX box before the interface for the dist. guitar, line out into the interface into my pc.
It's another device buffering your input signal, so just mind your vol. levels for sufficient gain.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think I'll pick up a 2i2 and give it a whirl.

Based on your recommendation, I'm also going to check out Kristal AE; Reaper is kind of kicking my butt. I'm really just looking to record simple demos of songs I write, so the band has something to work with. For my needs, simple is good.
 
#36
Simple is my jam too. :) I found Audacity ok but limiting, while Kristal was more intuitive for me, and offers 16 tracks and some pretty good FX options built in, and supposedly plays nice with VSTs, although I never used any with it.
I'm happy so far with Studio One Free, as it's pretty much Kristal +, although doesn't offer VST support IIRC. Decent enough FX included though.

You should start with Kristal imo, it's a good way to learn the basics and then go from there.

Also, fwiw, you might want to look at the 2i4, it has input pads on each channel and midi through, which has some uses if you fly that way.
 
#37
wraub said:
Also, fwiw, you might want to look at the 2i4, it has input pads on each channel and midi through, which has some uses if you fly that way.
Click to expand...

Makes sense; I just found this 2i2 vs 2i4 clipping comparison video: .

I also just found a used 2i4 with a 30-day return guarantee from Sam Ash. Gonna give it a whirl. Thanks for the input. :)

I'll post back here after I've worked with it a bit.
 
#39
Just watched that vid, hadn't seen it pre-purchase, but it would have swayed me the way I went.

2 of my basses are active 5s, my guitar has an obnoxiously hot HB pu (seriously, crazy hot pu), and I use keyboards sometimes as well, so I though the pads would be a good idea. Many hours of online reading made the decision for me, many reports of input distortion with the 2i2.

Hope you like it, please report back.
I, for one, am curious.
 

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