Recording with MXR81

[Poetia]

Quick basic question: I've got a Scarlette 2i2 1st gen, an MXR 81 and passive basses. It's the first time I want to record with them, so I connect the bass to MXR input and connect the MXR Direct Out to the interface with an XLR cable. Now, I have two questions:
1- Should I set the interface on Line or Inst?
2- Can I turn up the gain on the interface or I should let it stay on Minimum?

 

[CatOnTheBass]

1 - It doesn't matter! Line/Inst only affects the 1/4" in. If you are using an XLR cable, then Line/Inst doesn't do anything.

2 - Yes of course! Turn up the gain until it sounds good.

3 - If you like, you can also plug your bass directly into the Scarlett (without using the MXR), in which case you would set the switch to Inst. The Focusrite's built-in DI's are just as good as the MXR in my opinion. Experiment both ways and see which you prefer.

 

[Poetia]

1 - It doesn't matter! Line/Inst only affects the 1/4" in. If you are using an XLR cable, then Line/Inst doesn't do anything.

2 - Yes of course! Turn up the gain until it sounds good.

3 - If you like, you can also plug your bass directly into the Scarlett (without using the MXR), in which case you would set the switch to Inst. The Focusrite's built-in DI's are just as good as the MXR in my opinion. Experiment both ways and see which you prefer.

Hey Cat, thank you very much for the answers and your suggestion. I will definitely give it a try. have fun.

 

[Poetia]

Hi again,
I have the same question for the 1/4" cable. when using 1/4 for connecting MXR's out to Scarlett...

1- Should I set the interface on Line or Inst?
2- Can I turn up the gain on the interface or I should let it stay on Minimum?

 

[CatOnTheBass]

1 - I would try Inst first. If it sounds bad then try Line instead.
2 - Yes of course! Don't be scared to turn any of the knobs or buttons. You won't break anything.

 

[Poetia]

1 - I would try Inst first. If it sounds bad then try Line instead.
2 - Yes of course! Don't be scared to turn any of the knobs or buttons. You won't break anything.

Thank you very much Cat!