Is there an audio interface that..... ?

[JohnW63]

Since my instructor has called off lessons at his house, until the virus thing blows over, I talked to him about live web lessons. Yes. I could simply grab my wife's Macbook and Zoom with him, but damn it Jim ! I want to play with audio gear !

I tried my old Line6 UX1, but the output of the guitar worked, but the mic did not. The Free DAW software I have installed ( Cakewalk ) wants the UXA to be my input AND output device, so it's expecting me to plug in speakers to the back of the UX1 and not route to my desktop studio monitors. I know we've used the mic before, and probably with this interface, ( Sennheiser E835 ). So, I can't hear the levels of my output to my instructor. Heck, I'm not sure what ever web software we pick will take input from it. My PC audio cars is the Sound Blaster ZxR, which does give me some interesting inputs.

So, if YOU were going to get a simple interface to take guitar and a mic input and send it into your computer, with USB3 so you could web collaborate with someone, what would you get ?

 

[ruedi]

I am quite happy with my motu m2 interface.

I use it with iPad/Mac, but i think it works well with windows too.
I like it because it's not complicated and it just works. There are two inputs as you can see, with 48V phantom power for mics if needed. This guy here explains it pretty well:

 

[Rayk]

There"s tons out there like the MOTU pictured above , Id just research the ones in your price range for need of use and pick from there.

 

[Cougar]

I am quite happy with my motu m2 interface.

Looks a lot like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that I've got. Those inputs accept a guitar or mic input....

 

[Cougar]

Looks a lot like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that I've got.

I do like that VU meter on the MOTU. I've got to read that once it gets into the DAW.

 

[ruedi]

I do like that VU meter on the MOTU. I've got to read that once it gets into the DAW.

Yes the screen directly on the interface is super useful.

 

[Rayk]

This minez

 

[JohnW63]

I'll have to look at those. The thing I am shooting for is for the speaker out to go through my sound card so I can send it were I want. I don't know if the feature that turned off my sound card as an input or output choice was the Cakewalk DAW software of just the interface I have. But, if I am going to basically send my guitar and voice to someone in another place, disabling the sound card as an output choice, just isn't going to work.

 

[davismanLV]

I am quite happy with my motu m2 interface.

I use it with iPad/Mac, but i think it works well with windows too.
I like it because it's not complicated and it just works. There are two inputs as you can see, with 48V phantom power for mics if needed. This guy here explains it pretty well:

When he explains it is when my eyes cross and I have NO IDEA what he's talking about. I wish someone would explain stuff for people who don't know what all the lingo means but..... oh well. He needs a person signing for deaf people and then subtitles that will actually use common language and then it's still way beyond me. I need a class or something. I just want someone to do this shit for me so I don't have to know.

 

[JohnW63]

I guess you need to know the lingo to be part of the target audience. I'm only partially able to follow, but it's a good percent partial.

I'll take a shot at any of the terms that were foreign to you. Throw them at me !

 

[Rayk]

I'll have to look at those. The thing I am shooting for is for the speaker out to go through my sound card so I can send it were I want. I don't know if the feature that turned off my sound card as an input or output choice was the Cakewalk DAW software of just the interface I have. But, if I am going to basically send my guitar and voice to someone in another place, disabling the sound card as an output choice, just isn't going to work.

I had to come back and edit this part . Lol

Qoute,
if I am going to basically send my guitar and voice to someone in another place, disabling the sound card as an output choice, just isn't going to work.

If your using Cake Walk or any DAW it along with your interface will want to know which source the Audio is coming from . It's possible it auto selected that function by passing your PC's audio card because the interface has it's own .

As to sending whatever you record to someone else has nothing to do with how your audio is routed . You record your track on cakewalk which is you DAW (DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION)
you export the song from your DAW to a folder you select other wise the file is saved either manually or automatically by the DAW and it will be saved under your Cake walk audio files. So sending or sharing the file is just like any other file the soundcard doesn't have anything to do with that if I understand you right ?

Audio interfaces tend to have better grade audio response then average sound cards . Everything I do that's audio related goes through my interface but that's my choice I can use the PC's soundcard and outputs if needed .
My unit is no longer made I think which stinks because it's a great unit with a good design that I love . Lol
Here are it's specs though most interefaces offer similar options .

Specs
USB 2.0 Desktop Recording Studio
44.1kHz to 96kHz sample rates, 24-bit resolution
Pantheon II VST/AU reverb plug-in with 6 legendary Lexicon reverbs
dbx® 60V high-voltage, ultra-low noise microphone preamps on all 4 channels
Superior sonic performance
4 analog combi-jacks for mic/line inputs
2 analog 1/4" TRS balanced outputs
Zero latency monitoring
Low latency ASIO drivers
Streamlined monitor form factor puts all recording controls at your fingertips
Separate level meters and gain control per channel
2 side panel 1/4" instrument inputs
2 side panel headphone outputs with dedicated volume adjustment
Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
MIDI in and out

Newer units now have thunderbolt connections and USB 3 but it's not needed for light weight users 2.0 Is just fine.

Here's a good read from Sweetwater on audio interfaces .

Audio Interface Buying Guide - inSync

Choosing the right audio interface doesn't have to be a difficult process. Sweetwater's expert content team will break it down for you!

www.sweetwater.com

 

[ruedi]

When he explains it is when my eyes cross and I have NO IDEA what he's talking about. I wish someone would explain stuff for people who don't know what all the lingo means but..... oh well. He needs a person signing for deaf people and then subtitles that will actually use common language and then it's still way beyond me. I need a class or something. I just want someone to do this shit for me so I don't have to know.

Good point, Tom. Sorry to annoy you... Was this just a general rant of comprehensible frustration or do you have specific questions? I will gladly try to answer them

The good thing about the MotuM2 is that you can make it work even if you don't really understand all the technical details and lingo. Maybe this analogy helps: I don't know to much about motors and mechanics, but I can make my car drive anyway ok it's not the best analogy but I think you get the point.

JohnW63 I'm sorry I can't answer your question with the soundcard (I honestly don't quite understand it). I use my interface for three different purposes:

• When I feel the urge for a midnight noodle but don't want to annoy my family and the neighbours (Guitar -> Pedalboard-> Interface -> iPad -> BiasAmp/BiasFX ->Headphones)
• When I want to experiment with the effects that BiasFX provides me, or try out another amp whith celestion speaker modulation (Guitar -> sometimes Pedalboard-> Interface -> iPad -> BiasAmp/BiasFX ->Speakers or headphones)
• To do recordings (everything into Logic via Mac)

Maybe someone can help out?

 

[Rayk]

Terms explained

六安科兑房产交易有限公司

 

[dapmdave]

I wouldn't worry too much about finding a USB3 interface. Thunderbolt is mostly for the Apple folks. I record up to 16 tracks at once in SONAR (was called Cakewalk in the past) through USB2.

I've had good results with the Focusrite products, but most of the big-name brands are going to be fine for what you want to do.

 

[Rayk]

I wouldn't worry too much about finding a USB3 interface. Thunderbolt is mostly for the Apple folks. I record up to 16 tracks at once in SONAR (was called Cakewalk in the past) through USB2.

I've had good results with the Focusrite products, but most of the big-name brands are going to be fine for what you want to do.

Mostly Apple folks Pffffft ! Lol
Ironically I'm on the face about upgrading my PC . I built my current one W10 but she's getting old and I have to much junk on her.
I've wanting a separate music system for a while now . I have my eye on the Mac mini i7

 

[ruedi]

.....
I've wanting a separate music system for a while now . I have my eye on the Mac mini i7

That's a solution I can highly recommend. Two years ago i bought a macbook for that exact purpose, which I shortly after completed with an iPad to enhance my mobility (no more rig-dragging).

Everything else non music related stays on my windows computer.

 

[davismanLV]

Good point, Tom. Sorry to annoy you... Was this just a general rant of comprehensible frustration or do you have specific questions? I will gladly try to answer them

The good thing about the MotuM2 is that you can make it work even if you don't really understand all the technical details and lingo. Maybe this analogy helps: I don't know to much about motors and mechanics, but I can make my car drive anyway ok it's not the best analogy but I think you get the point.

JohnW63 I'm sorry I can't answer your question with the soundcard (I honestly don't quite understand it). I use my interface for three different purposes:

• When I feel the urge for a midnight noodle but don't want to annoy my family and the neighbours (Guitar -> Pedalboard-> Interface -> iPad -> BiasAmp/BiasFX ->Headphones)
• When I want to experiment with the effects that BiasFX provides me, or try out another amp whith celestion speaker modulation (Guitar -> sometimes Pedalboard-> Interface -> iPad -> BiasAmp/BiasFX ->Speakers or headphones)
• To do recordings (everything into Logic via Mac)

Maybe someone can help out?

Not annoyed, Ruedi, just lost!! I'll learn. Ray posted something that should help me. What I need are lessons where someone sits down with me and goes over all the stuff and I get to ask questions. For the time being, I'll read what Ray posted and see how I do!!

 

[Rayk]

Not annoyed, Ruedi, just lost!! I'll learn. Ray posted something that should help me. What I need are lessons where someone sits down with me and goes over all the stuff and I get to ask questions. For the time being, I'll read what Ray posted and see how I do!!

You'll do fine . I'm here along with rest of gang to answer your questions .

Since my other forum is it's last leg and Bless Jooms heart . I'm happy see interest in recording as that's one of things out site was about ,helping newbies learn recording and song writing along with all kind sub forums about new gear as well as monthly song challenges which helped me become the player I am today . I never recorded just played to trees . Hard this all started in 09 I think . Lol I hate see it go .

 

[ruedi]

You'll do fine . I'm here along with rest of gang to answer your questions .

Since my other forum is it's last leg and Bless Jooms heart . I'm happy see interest in recording as that's one of things out site was about ,helping newbies learn recording and song writing along with all kind sub forums about new gear as well as monthly song challenges which helped me become the player I am today . I never recorded just played to trees . Hard this all started in 09 I think . Lol I hate see it go .☹

Now I'm curious. What is (or was?) your other forum?

 

[Rayk]

Now I'm curious. What is (or was?) your other forum?

A small group but we like have been together for many years and it all started with Kristal Audio Engine forums. Mathis was working on Kristal 2 but Personus made an offer he couldn't refuse . Lol
Welcome to Studio One . Kristal forums lacked good support and spam ruled as well as the KAE Daw with still Rocks by the way for being simple. Lol
Many of us migrated to www.twotrackmusic.com with our overlord Joom who was also a JAE member and we been there ever since .
The sites still up but not much going on for obvious reasons . Feel free to stop by . The old/ original site is still up as well but it's locked out so just tones of good times .
Ok no more veering I'm gunna start crying .... Lol