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Posted by: Adam M Nov 13 2018, 04:06 PM

Hi everyone!

My neighbors don't like me practicing in the afternoon / evening hours and a friend advised me to get a Line 6. The thing is, I'm an analogue purist and modelling technology seems wrong and fake to me. I don't need 50 best models of mediocre quality. If I'm to get a digital studio box, I want it to have less models but of better quality and be relatively durable. My friend uses L6 Studio POD GX but he told me to get UX1. I did some research on guitar forums and people say it's inferior to Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 or 2i2, quality-wise. I need it strictly for home recording for GMC purposes and I already have some stompboxes and a tube amp, if that matters.

Does anyone use either? Which one would you recommend to me? My GC will have UX1 by tomorrow but they won't mind me buying Scarlett instead.

Cheers,
Adam

PS. If a mxer console can be used this way, I'll take that but someone told me I need some DI box to make it work.

Posted by: Mertay Nov 13 2018, 05:08 PM

The focusrite scarlett series are very popular soundcards, here in GMC we also have a few users. It would be a better choice as the more users, the more help you'll get if you have any problems setting it up.

I don't think it comes with amp software like line6 does, but there are so many software options these days that won't be a problem only a matter of preference.

Posted by: Adam M Nov 13 2018, 06:58 PM

Thank you. I think I'll pay a bit more and get Scarlett 2i2, even if it means waiting another month. It's encouraging just to hear it's popular at GMC community. Must mean it's worth its money. There's a Solo model but it has only one input and some other limitations. I may need the extra features in the future.

As far as software is concerned, there are some included, some DAW too, whatever that is. I'd probably be okay with just Audacity too as long as the signal is good.

Posted by: Mertay Nov 13 2018, 07:42 PM

Yeah, with an 2i2 just plug your guitar direct (no need for di-box) and you can practice/record with headphones when silence is needed. I assume you don't have studio monitors/speakers but they can be bought later if you get into mixing your own songs etc.

It seems to come with a lot of software though I guess most you won't use. As daw, give the included one a shot (seems to be protools) but if it won't work for you we usually recommend reaper https://www.reaper.fm , its not free but the no-restriction demo lasts almost forever and it has a huge user base (some GMC'ers here too use it).

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 13 2018, 09:51 PM

The scarlett is a fine unit! You can download the Amplitube custom shop guitar app for free and get a few free amp models so that you can have an amp simulator that works by itself or in your daw.

https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitubecs/

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Nov 13 2018, 10:05 PM

I use Yamaha THR10 for practicing and I love it. It is also an audio interface so you might want to check it out. Its a bit more expensive than Scarlett 2i2 but very handy.

If you are a big fan of tube amps I would advise you to stay away from the older line6 products.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 14 2018, 10:58 PM

Good point!! The THR10 is not only a great little practice amp, it's also a full audio interface. So you can use it by itself, or you can use it to connect your guitar to your computer and use plugins. You can do either. Also, the THR10 comes with software that lets you create your own presets for the amp. It connects to your computer via usb. You can find them used on ebay and get a good deal.
Todd

Posted by: Adam M Nov 15 2018, 11:34 AM

I'll go with Scarlett 2i2. THR10 seems fun but with part-time job I'd have to wait too long. I'll be avoiding Line 6 then, thanks for the tip!

Posted by: Mertay Nov 15 2018, 12:13 PM

By the way, when installed that soundcard will take over the computers soundcard. Meaning if you have speakers connected currently they won't work.

If you're using standard pc speakers, likely they its connected with a minijack. You can also buy an adapter like this and connect the speakers on the headphone out of the focusrite;



Might make some extra hissing but should work fine for multimedia use (watching movie, listening music etc.)

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 15 2018, 09:57 PM

Scarlett and Reaper is what you need imho

Posted by: Adam M Nov 15 2018, 10:36 PM

I just got a personalized offer from GC: Scarlet 2i2 2Gen, cardioid mic CM25 MkII and headphones HP60 MkII for something around 197€. Seems like a great deal but I can't afford it now

Posted by: Mertay Nov 16 2018, 10:02 AM

Black friday I guess, but no worrys they make discounts very often.

Posted by: Adam M Nov 16 2018, 02:21 PM

That's a good point! Black Friday isn't that popular in Poland and I don't have TV, so I forgot about it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 16 2018, 02:37 PM

+1 to Scarlett and Reaper. You won't get wrong mate.

Posted by: Adam M Nov 17 2018, 11:20 PM

And this I will get. Thank you for the advice, everyone!

Posted by: Adam M Nov 26 2018, 07:24 PM

So I'll be getting my salary soon which means Scarlett. But my analogue spirit still doesn't like the idea. I did some research and many people say a good mic + console is just as good combo as DI box.

I did some more research and found that Shure SM57 is the most popular thing out there and a must-have for every studio. I feel like it's a better long-term investment. As for console, I thought about Behringer Xenyx 502 or something similar. Will this be enough to plug into a PC or will I need a DI box regardless?
I have the basic stompboxes and a set of 3-way speakers for the amp, so that would be a nice start.

If a mic and mixer is enough, I might get that over Scarlett. Then, some time later I'd build some 1x12 if I need it.

As for nighttime practice, I started using my amps' phones output, though I don't like it much. So if I time my recording session for the daytime, I'll be ok with neighbors.

What are your thoughts on this set?

Posted by: Mertay Nov 26 2018, 08:31 PM

You don't need a mixer, to be honest thats very bad advice. I checked the Behringer Xenyx 502, it can't work as a soundcard anyway and even if you choose to connect it to the computers mic. input (assuming it will work without too much noise) you'll need a di-box.

I didn't know your amp had phones output, you can connect the phones output to the computers mic. input if you'd like to get away with things for free. Won't be the best tone but would be record-able for GMC lessons.

An sm57 is a famous and affordable mic. but its not sensitive, meaning your amp has to be relatively loud to make it work. In concerts or studios amps recorded with sm57's get pretty loud so thats something to consider if you want to record late at night even day time if you're sharing the house with someone.

Any mic. must be fed by a preamp, and recording consoles provide this. But the modern soundcards (the focusrite) also has preamps so this makes a console unneeded (and the di-box) for home use. The preamp on the focusrite would likely be better than the Behringer anyway.

You can go focusrite-sm57-your amp and thats as analog as you can get. For silent practice focusrite-guitar is all needed, and you can use your amps phones out to connect to the focusrite too.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 26 2018, 08:39 PM

Every studio does need at least one mic and the 57 is hard to beat. I'd say go for The scarlett though as it is already a digital mixer. It will let you plug your guitar direct in and plug your mic in at the same time and record them to separate tracks. At which point you don't really need a mixing board unless you plan on needing more than 2 inputs right away?

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 26 2018, 09:27 PM

+1 for the Scarlett still. I have an SM57, you have to get up to at least 90db to get a good signal into your DAW. It's a difficult choice when setting up your home studio and a journey that ended up with me getting a Helix LT and recording direct.

Posted by: Adam M Nov 26 2018, 10:14 PM

I imagine I won't be using more than 2 inputs. I kind of want to try miking an amp but after reading Phil's comment I don't think it will happen anytime soon.


Thank you for clearing that up for me. I suppose that settles all doubts I had. Scarlett it is, then

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 26 2018, 10:35 PM

If you don't plan on micing your amp any time soon, you really don't need a mic. If you want to record vocals, for whatever reason, a mic is handy But if you don't plan to do that, then you don['t need one.
Everyone is spot on, stick with the scarlett. It does everything you need in one box.
Todd

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 27 2018, 08:51 AM

Glad to be of help. I have limited knowledge with recording but I do have a lot of experience with trying lots of different things in the early stages. The issue with using a mic is you'll be forever looking for the sweet spot regarding position, you'll spend more time trying to find that than playing your guitar.

You'll have enough on your plate working out Reaper and Scarlett Mix Control. Maybe try a mic at a later date.

Always remember there are a lot of HotKey settings in Reaper that are very useful, you can leave that for a while though but, when you start to think, "I wish I could do.........." you probably can in Reaper, it's very customisable and the Cockos Reaper forum as well as here is the place to go.

Enjoy learning it all. but I did speak a lot with the lads here when I was setting up my home recording, I wanted two mics, direct wet and dry recording, reamping etc. DOn't do that, take small steps just be sure to get the right interface to suit future needs. I use the 1st gen 818i8, I have my Helix L/R xlrs going into it and straight out of the speakers and I record direct using the USB allowing wet and dry and reamping. This way I get zero latency because I direct feed to my speakers from the Helix.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: greenlabelseo Dec 5 2018, 03:42 PM

If you have a bit more money to spend. I would recommend UAD Arrow audio interface. The sound that comes out from this little beast is a whole new level when compared to Scarlet. Scarlet is awesome but it doesn't give you that "real" feel and dynamics like Arrow does. Another good thing is that it comes with tons of plugins. Marshall Plexi, Fender Tweed and many more.
So, I would recommend to check it out (i'm not affiliated with them in any way, just sharing good stuff).

I'm also seeing it listed #1 on many audio interface reviews, like this one https://guitargeary.com/best-audio-interfaces-guitar/

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 5 2018, 07:31 PM

The UA is a great device to be sure. It's about double the price though. For those who don't know about the UA devices, they use internal hardware to run plugins that only work with a UA accellerator device like this one attached to your system. The plugins sound amazing. I'd say they sound better than just about any plugins I've ever heard. However, one is tied to the platform as the plugins require the hardware so it's something to keep in mind. Also, the cost difference is not slight. For someone getting their first interface, it may be a bit much. Still, in the end it comes down to the user. If you get one of these, and don't like it, or don't like the scarlett you can always return it and get something else. Just buy it new and get it from a vendor who does returns.

Todd

Posted by: Mertay Dec 5 2018, 08:42 PM

Not long ago I went to friends friend to give a short recording/DAW use lesson. He had that soundcard as a beginner, started teaching the soundcard first and the internal mixer was also needed to be thought.

So yeah, great soundcard but not really a beginners device. If I'd have to give an alternative (and though I still haven't got my hands on one yet) audient soundcards can be considered. They rave the converters but more importantly it has a j-fet di input so a guitar player can really drive the preamp to get a better feel/response from amp sim.s.

Posted by: Adam M Dec 5 2018, 10:29 PM

I won't be able to buy anything more expensive than Scarlett for a while. I'm on a tight budget currently. I might have to replace nut in my Avion and few other things stacked up. As far as I know, it will be good enough for me. But if I decide for upgrade in few years, I'll keep my eyes on Arrow

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 8 2018, 06:48 AM

I just saw your signal path info which I had been digging around for!!!

You are using the scarlett to allow wet/dry recording it seems? Did you know that you can do all of that just with the helix and usb? You can assign a wet stereo out to say track 1 and then assign a pure clean tone to say track 2 in your daw, just using the Helix. It will let you output to separate tracks with one being an effected tone and one being completely dry. it's built for it. I do the same with my 11 rack. Also, you can assign different outputs on the helix itself. E.G Quarter inch output for your heaphone mix, and xlr out for your monitors. You can control all this via the

I think I remember you saying you had the native helix plugin? In which case you can use the helix to record just a dry tone if you like and use the helix native to have any tone you like which you can change at any point. This is the most powerful way to record as it gives the most flexibility and ease of use. At that point, the helix is just acting as a simple audio interface recording over usb. I can crank the samples on Logic to the point where my round trip latency is 6.8 Milliseconds. At that point, it's nothing that I can hear even shredding at full clip. So I use plugins (overloud) for all guitar recording typically. That way monitor and my headphone mix are on a separate output from my iconnectivity 4+ which has it's own knob on the front for quick volume changes.

I don't know if any of this is helping but I hope it is

Todd