Why is something like Line 6 UX2 interface necessary?

[Mike Brown]

I want to record on a computer, but I don't know if I should get an interface thing. I guess I don't really know what they do. I'm planning on getting a DI box maybe the VT or something, and I could use a mixer but I don't know if that will be necessary.

What exactly does the Line 6 UX2 interface do? And is something like that necessary? I can get one on CL for $50 in my area

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[ArtechnikA]

I want to record on a computer, but I don't know if I should get an interface thing. I guess I don't really know what they do.
What exactly does the Line 6 UX2 interface do? And is something like that necessary?

Short version on 'what does it do':

Your instrument is an analog device - it makes very small electrical signals.
Your computer is digital - it just knows numbers.

A recording interface 'digitizes' an analog signal (Analog to Digital Convertor) into numbers by sampling the voltage the instrument produces at very high speed. Then some kind of software writes the numbers into a file where they can be manipulated and eventually turned back (D->A convertor) into sound.

Yes - something like that is necessary.

Here's the product page from Sweetwater that tells you all about it:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PodStuUX2

if it's just your instrument and maybe a vocal or two, you shouldn't need a mixer at first.

At that price, make sure -everything- is in the box and that it works.
'Everything' includes all the software it was shipped with, although there are freeware versions of ust about everything you'd need out on the web.

 

[seamonkey]

Ux2 also works as a software key for the POD Farm software included.
You can only use POD if the Ux2 is plugged in.
POD Farm is pretty good modeler and really offsets the cost of the interface alone.

The average PC made in the last 7 years has good A/D, D/A built in. They just don't have the flexibility of matching the instrument impedance as well as a Ux2 does.

One good reason to buy from Sweetwater is they provide tech support above what Line 6 provides. They'll get you going.

 

[tripp2k]

The UX2 is a great little box for the money and, as mentioned, you get POD Farm. I have had UX2 for many years and it still works great and Line 6 still supports it with updates like for the latest Mac OS. I also have the UX8 so I can one day buy enough mics to record my drum set. I played along to iTunes today with a new-to-me bass I just got. I use KRK Rockit 5 monitors. There are many alternatives out there but I like Line 6's POD Farm (I have v1 and v2).