• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Scarlett vs. Axe I/O

TexasEdition

TexasEdition

Sep 25, 2019
633
858
Sienna Plantation TX
www.facebook.com
#1
I'm looking for a new audio interface. I currently have a ProjexMix I/O Firewire. It's on an older i7 PC that I have and I would like to downsize and use my current laptop. I also track drums, so an 8 input interface is definitely in my future, but for right now, I just want to track the bass for some other projects.

I think I have things narrowed down to 2 interfaces... The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen, and the IK Multimedia AXE I/O.

They both seem to be pretty equal in terms of performance, but I think the AXE gets the edge for more outputs and routing options, and it includes Amplitube Deluxe. However, I'm not sure the cost of nearly double the Scarlett warrants it. However, the AXE looks like there may be a possibility using it in a live setting to mix a dirty and clean signal and save me additional outboard gear.

Looking for thoughts and experience.
 
#2
  • Like
Reactions: TexasEdition
#3
I used to use a Scarlett 2i4 but now use an AXE i/O. For recordings the AXE gives better results and Amplitube is really handy and works great with the AI it was made for. I don't really want to run through the differences but the AXE has more functions that for me makes it better than the Scarlett 2i4.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TexasEdition
#4
TexasEdition said:
I also track drums, so an 8 input interface is definitely in my future,
Click to expand...
Buy once, cry once.

I wouldn’t waste your time buying an interface with less inputs than you’ll ultimately need. There are a lot of great and relatively low cost options with eight inputs and mic preamps on the market right now with virtually any type of connection to work with your computer(s).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Tuesday
#7
TexasEdition said:
Seems like a lot of folks like this. I've never tried it.

I went ahead and dropped the money down on it last night. I'm hoping I can use it to blend the dirty and warm feeds from the geddy and use it as a stand alone DI.
Click to expand...

You will be able to blend in whatever you want as it an AI that was actually made for guitars.Oh and try Amplitube's DAW which lets you record the tone you want without the use of plug ins.
 
#8
The Axe arrived today and I am full of frustration to say the least.... It was supposed to incude the Aplitube Max version, and it did, however, none of the Max options (Like the Ampeg, Fender Bassman, Orange) models are active. It's basically the delux version. I've been F-ing with it for hours and I can't figure out if there is anything else I need to do in order to activate it.

The latency is, how should I put it.... Horrible? This is on a brand new i7 with 16GB and an SSD. My 10 year old firewire M Audo has zero noticeable latency on a 10 year old PC. I have not looked into optimizing yet, but I was expecting this to be pretty ready out of the box like the old M-Audio was.

I know it's the weekend, but the only support available is through email or the forums.

I'll see how the support program plays out, But if I don't get any relief on these 2 issues, this thing is going back.
 
#11
Where did you buy it?

"Purchase this IK Multimedia item at Sweetwater and receive AmpliTube MAX for free, a $499.99 Value! Software must be registered by October 31, 2019."

The latency is undoubtedly a settings issue. Make sure you are using the ASIO drivers and adjust the buffer size.

- John
 
#12
I got it from SW.

So after fiddle-farting wtih it for a while, I finally have it sorted to a useable state. After uninstalling Amplitube, I did some registry browsing and found some remnants there and removed them all. Rebooted, downloaded a clean version of MAX and reinstalled. Still no love. So I opened another quirky app, the "Custom Shop," and I can see that it recognizes I purchased MAX. I hit the "Restore Purchases" button and viola, the Fender and Ampeg models are there. Fender 2 and Ampeg 2 are not included in the bundle....

Then I turned my attention to the latency. Even though I would set it up for AISO, I noticed it kept switching back to the default Windows driver after I would start playing for a a few seconds. This is what was causing my latency and other wierd arifact sounds. I went to the device manager and removed the windows drivers and recycled with the AXE engaged at the USB port. Now the AXE has priority whenever its in use. I'll probably have to do a fresh recycle every time I want to use it, but it least I am at a playable state with almost zero latency and unwanted noise.

I was a little disapointed Ampeg 2 and Fender 2 was not included, but that's on me as I did not fully understand the package. There is still plenty to mess with for a while and I am liking the sound models. It's a little clunkier than Guitar Rig. Guitar Rig has a nice SansAmp model that I often use. I wish Amplitube wtih partner wtih them and get a geddy and Steve Harris model. Still, it's nice to see them paying attention to the bass players. It would also be nice if they would partner with some players like they did wiht Brian May and Slash etc.

I'm still testing to see if I can use it as a stand alone unit to blend an effects chain along with a clean chain to go DI.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back