Higher fidelity. Not that important if you are just using the Mac as an effects box, but if you ever do want to record or play backing tracks a decent monitor is worthwhile. Decent doesn't mean expensive, $2-300 a pair (new).
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Simple Mac software effects guidance
- Thread starter pmcdn
- Start date
Higher fidelity. Not that important if you are just using the Mac as an effects box, but if you ever do want to record or play backing tracks a decent monitor is worthwhile. Decent doesn't mean expensive, $2-300 a pair (new).
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,004
- 1
- 31,699
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
Possibly upper frequency response. Some bass amps (well, it’s the cabinets really) roll off above 4khz or so. If yours has a tweeter, it’s probably fine.
The interface itself is just one element; the way the interface communicates with the computer, the computer’s processing capabilities, memory load and software used as a DAW are all part of the equation that eventually extends/shortens latency.
In my experience, interfaces that use thunderbolt / firewire are consistently faster and reliable, where USB interfaces have not been my best experience, not only about latency but also when you upgrade the operative system or your software, given the plurality of uses these USB ports have. Depending how old your mac is, I would consider a thunderbolt interface. There are many options (motu, apogee, rme, roland) and pricing is linked to number of inputs/outputs, MIDI capabilities, preamp quality, number of communication ports (some have many).
if you are planning only to play bass, a single input/output unit would do the trick. Remember to think that one day you may want to have 2 basses connected if playing live, or record with other musicians, so depending on that you may want to consider your selection. If you could narrow down the options you want you will see that a few alternatives will come up and then you can decide where to invest. I hope this helped.
Sounds nice! So, just to clarify, if I start with GarageBand I should be able to use my Mac and experiment and change tones, effects, etc. and (for now) hear it fine through my amp like a monitor, right? I just want to be certain before I buy an interface.
I assume you would be using an interface, and the answer is yes, absolutely. Your bass to the input, the interface sends the signals to the Mac for processing, then back to the interface to the outputs. From there you send a cable to your amp and that should do the trick.
Given the infinite amp software choices (even in Garageband there are dozens) you may end in the future using a PA amp that does not affect the tone. I use a Bose and what I hear there I would hear in a monitor, a recording or earplugs. To consider for the future.
I hope this helps
Yes, very helpful. I will be starting with a Scarlett Solo and GB and go from there. I feel like this might make my bass tones and trials much more dynamic than simply using an amp.
More things will sound good through a standard stereo speaker setup. A guitar or bass amp is tuned to sound like a guitar or bass amp, which is fine for your instrument but might make everything else sound off. And since whatever sound software you use will have amp simulators anyway, you may as well opt for neutral-sounding hardware.
I got my Scarlett solo 3rd gen. I connected it and installed the Scarlett main Mac software. I can hear the bass through the amp/monitor but no effects or emulation from GarageBand. GB sees the scarlet connected. I changed the midi settings also. See pic.
Hi, i can’t see the attachment for some reason.
Can you connect the line out to an amplifier and hear what goes out of there? I ignore that the scarlett may be setup to send only the input into the monitor
Are your headphone or monitors connected to the Mac or the Scarlet? You have to listen through the Mac to hear GarageBand's processing.
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,004
- 1
- 31,699
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
Not necessarily.
Within GarageBand's Preferences, on the Audio/Midi tab, set both the Input and the Output to the Scarlett:
Also, make sure the "Direct Monitor" isn't lit up on the front of the Scarlett. If it is, press the button to turn it off.
I figured it out. Needed to change the output. A side question: I got a new Squire CV 60s Jazz bass in March. I still have original strings on it. Is it probably a good idea to replace the strings? I want a brighter sound. Do you think these bass guitars come with low quality strings new?
In that case I will not be the best reference; I like the feeling of new strings, but I have to admit I prefer a more muted sound, when strings have gone through the first 4-6 weeks of punishment.
At the same time, if I was into slapping or had a P bass I would keep strings new. With a Jazz as yourself, I would invest in a nice new string set (you are right, most instruments come with cheap strings) and wear it a little bit until you get a nice J sound. If I may suggest a brand, I really like the Black Beauties from DR strings (I play 6 string basses); they last forever, they are a little weird during the first few weeks but after that they sound pretty amazing.
Enjoy the interface!!! Glad you were able to work things out.
