Recommendations for an audio interface

[Snackulus]

Hello, I’m looking for recommendations for an audio interface for my PC. I currently have a 2nd gen Focusrite Scarlett. It seems to do a good job, but I’m new to recording with a laptop, so I don’t really know how good it actually is. I’ve heard great things about the Apollo twin usb. I’m considering upgrading. I am primarily just recording bass in long distance collaboration with friends via cubase. Primarily using the DI out from my Jule amps Monique 700. The plug ins sound cool, but 99% of the time I’ll just be using my bass amp.
Would upgrading to the Apollo twin be worth it? Would there be a significant change in quality? Anyone here make a similar transition with good results?
Thanks for looking!

 

[jon Langlois]

I’m a full time engineer, part time bassist, lol...
The Apollo range is great, I’d also look at the Audient id14 (or id22), I feel like the preamps are a bit better, and it’s much less expensive. It’s not full of FX, but I prefer working the tone in mixdown anyway.

 

[Mcgiver69]

The simple answer is "NO", the focusrite is more than enough for your purposes unless you have the money and want to spend it on something new.
The focusrite preamps are renown for sounding great and not costing you an eye.

 

[eJake]

The simple answer is "NO", the focusrite is more than enough for your purposes unless you have the money and want to spend it on something new.
The focusrite preamps are renown for sounding great and not costing you an eye.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It sounds like your focusrite is functioning fine and more than capable of doing the job you're asking of it. Unless you got a whole bunch or cash ready to burn... it's not broke, so don't fix it.

 

[bholder]

Is there any evidence that the focusrite is the "weak link" in your signal chain? (I know it is not in mine, but my pc stinks.)

 

[Snackulus]

Thanks for the comments/advice everyone!
Like I said before, the Scarlett seems to do a good job, but I’m new to recording/audio interfaces. If I was new to playing bass, I suppose a fender rumble amp would appear to do a good job. I’m collaborating with friends online & just want to send the best quality signal I can. I have a high quality bass amp (Monique 700) & don’t want it’s native sound/tone diminished in any way. Upon my own research, both the Apollo twin & RME babyface pro came up time & time again as being excellent & in a league of their own. However, I’m not producing full albums, just recording bass to contribute towards a collaborative project. I don’t mind upgrading as it is an investment, but only if it makes sense in my scenario/application with noticeable gains in sound quality, reliability & functionality. I would also note that I’m working with people who have been recording for a long time, their ear is going to be much better than mine, I don’t want to disappoint.

 

[Bassist30]

Can't go wrong with the RME Baby Face Pro. A very clean interface and RME makes outstanding equipment.

 

[SpecOps]

Ask your colllabaorators if they have any feedback about the sound quality of the tracks you are sending them. If they think it sounds good, just keep doing what you do.

I have used a Focusrite Scarlett 2nd Gen 18i20 for commercial release recordings. My customers have no complaints and plan to work with me again, which is the most important part. It ain't the greatest thing out today, but used correctly it does a fine job to my and my customers ears.

This is a really good time for affordable digital interfaces, and Focusrite made a good enough product that the tracks it produces won't be a negative effect to a good recording.

 

[jon Langlois]

Yeah, I own a baby face Pro, and it is an excellent tool for recording. Since it has an optical input, I connected an 8 channel preamp, and it’s now a full on rig with enough inputs for a small band. The Audient also has adat input, not sure about the Apollo. You can’t go wrong with any of those 3, as the top level of small interface. If you only ever plan to record bass, and not a full band, or other acoustic instruments, an amp or pedal with usb may be a more $ friendly option. Anything with modern 24 bit conversion should be good enough for most work, honestly.