What kind of interface do you used to record with?

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Okay, I'm currently on tutorial #3 ("Real Band Part 2") but taking a short break.

What I'd like to know is what various kinds of interfaces are being used by folks around here with their RealBand recordings. I just bought a "Line 6 UX1" on eBay for $75 and so far so good. That is, I've installed everything and, apparently, everything (meaning the unit and the software) is a go. My next step will be to actually plug my microphone and guitar into the UX1 to see if the unit works properly with my instruments! However, I'm holding off for the remainder of the day because I want to enjoy the rest of the day. (Which I wouldn't enjoy if something malfunctions. But I'll worry about that tomorrow.

)

Anyhow, so what type of interface are you using to record with? Was it a hassle getting it to work with RealBand or did the program work without hassle and recognize your interface right away? Hey, my enquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks!

I've used several brands and have settled on the Tascam US-144MKII - Good features, plays really nice with BIAB / RB

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=tascam+us-144+mkII&_sacat=0

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I've used several brands and have settled on the Tascam US-144MKII - Good features, plays really nice with BIAB / RB

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=tascam+us-144+mkII&_sacat=0

Did you run into anything that bordered on "big hassle" for it/them to work with RealBand (if you use RB that is) or was it more a case of simply "Plug in and Play"? (But, in this case, plug in and record).

I'm making a BIG production of this move of mine into computer recording.

I've used a Line 6 UX2 without problems. I think it's the same as the UX1, just with another set of mic and instrument inputs. I don't think anything on Windoze is every really plug and play - you've always got to install drivers and other software, which usually (in my experience) involves some troubleshooting...

Bruce

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I've used a Line 6 UX2 without problems. I think it's the same as the UX1, just with another set of mic and instrument inputs. I don't think anything on Windoze is every really plug and play - you've always got to install drivers and other software, which usually (in my experience) involves some troubleshooting...

Bruce

Cool.

I believe that the UX1 and 2 are the same except, of course, the 2 has more inputs/outputs. But tell me, say everything is hooked up and I got RealBand running and then turn the UX1 on (I'm actually a bit scared to do it as I've had enough computer headaches in the past to last a lifetime. lol), will RealBand automatically "know" that my guitar and mic is ready for recording or am I going to have to do some tweaking to get the interface to work with RealBand?

Understand, this is a big jump for me (I always make a big deal of things) from the usual way of just videotaping my stuff and uploading the finished video (after the edit) to YouTube. I know it's gonna be worth it no matter the hassle but just want to be prepared. (I can already see me hitting the bar later no matter how this turns out). First about 3-4 more videos to watch and then to the actually test of the interface with RealBand.

P.S. Just viewed the RealBand videos 1-2 so that makes a total of 5 videos I've viewed. Enough for now. Time to get my feet wet.

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But tell me, say everything is hooked up and I got RealBand running and then turn the UX1 on

I'd suggest turning the UX1 on *before* firing up Realband.

RB looks to the operating system for installed interfaces (devices). If you turn it on after firing up RB the operating system will not have it listed as active and RB might miss it.

What Rharv said - plug in before you turn on the computer. There are also some Line 6 videos on their web site as well as You Tube, showing how to use their interfaces. I don't believe any of these deal specifically with BIAB or Real Band, but they're generic enough to point you in the right direction. The UX1 should plug in via USB just like my UX2 does. I have mine set up to basically become the sound card (this allows use of the very low latency monitoring if desired).

Good luck

Bruce

PS - sorry for my previous typo - ... is EVER plug and play (not EVERY)

Thanks, yeah good idea to turn on the interface first. I'll also check out a couple of the Line 6 videos before I start.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_qu...l87l695l10l10l0

Actually, I'm starting to get excited and wanting to get a move on with this stuff but watching a few more videos can't hurt.

Then go ahead and get a move on and start having fun. I never watch the videos until I'm stumped. I'd rather be tinkering with the toys.

Sometimes a well asked question here on the forums can replace hours of video too.

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Then go ahead and get a move on and start having fun. I never watch the videos until I'm stumped. I'd rather be tinkering with the toys.
Sometimes a well asked question here on the forums can replace hours of video too.

Yeah, I think I actually did quite well with BIAB just by clicking on stuff and also reading a bit of the manual and asking a few questions on the forum when stumped but, for the most part, it was pretty straight forward and simple to use. This, however, is more technical so I get stressed out more. Like if the interface doesn't really work properly when I think it's supposed to. But, as the saying goes, "If you want to learn to swim you got to get into the water." And I will quite soon. (Besides, I think I'm getting bored watching the videos.)

Oh, another question. Do you leave the interface plugged into the computer 24/7? I already know that by taking it out of the USB and plugging it back in the software installation runs again. Er, I guess that might mean "Yes, leave it plugged in."

I just leave mine plugged in.

Bruce

I use a UX-1 with Realband and here's what I do:

Mine is always on and I can use the Output dial to control my computer speaker volume along with my computer's speaker volume knob.
With the computer,s speaker knob off the UX-1 Output can control your Headphone volume for playing without "entertaining" others.

To use with Realband:
Open "Gearbox" program that came with your UX-1 (or install it if you didn't yet)

Once in Gearbox go to "Source Select" and using the drop down menu, select your input, either Mic or Instument.
You can only do one or the other with the UX-1.

Gearbox also has tons of modeling effects if you want to use them though most add the effects to a dry signal after recording into Realband.

If you are using a powered condenser mic remember to plug the powered mic signal cable into the UX-1 mic slot.
Dynamic mics of course can plug into that slot and the UX-1 acts as your pre amp.
Remember to turn your Mic Gain knob up.

I always use the red Record Audio button in Realband (has the white sound wave on it) since it will automatically change you track to audio if by chance it was set to midi.

Hope this helps,
Carkins

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Do you leave the interface plugged into the computer 24/7?

When you get done watching a DVD, do you pull the leads out of the TV? When you finish listening to CD, do you disconnect the speaker wires from the amp?

Yes, leave everything plugged in forever until you sell the computer or buy a new one.

Similar to the smile I get when I have to call the cable company and the level one agent script includes "Is the TV plugged in?" Do you think I unplug the TV every night before bed? You plug it in when you buy it and it stays plugged in until you move.....