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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I'm a long-time BIAB/Real Band user yet I'm only now taking the step to the audiofile level and want to upgrade my PC peripherals at the same time. I'm looking for recommendations for (1) external "sound cards" that will allow stereo input from my Ketron SD2 midi generator -- yes I still rely on some midi -- and has other inputs for microphones and guitar, and (2) studio monitor speakers. Thanks.
Last edited by Joe Marks; 12/30/15 05:48 AM.
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Joe - You cannot go wrong with the Focusrite Scarlett series... just make sure to get one that includes MIDI In/Out if you need that... like this one... http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i4Give Sweetwater a call and talk to them about what your needs are - they have great service (like PGMusic does)
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I second the Focusrite interface. It will be the soundcard you need. Most are now connected via USB.
You can get one that incorporates midi into it or simply get a plain audio interface. Mostly that will depend on the kind of midi plug on the Ketron SD2. See the pics of the backside of the one Floyd linked for you. Older midi gear uses the 5 pin din plug. Newer stuff uses a USB connection to the computer.... either will work fine with routing the audio from the midi to the monitor speakers on the Focusrite.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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I 3rd the Focusrite interfaces. You'll find a lot of folks here like them. Very good preamps too which eliminates the need for a mixer.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Anyone have any experience with the Softube plugins they include now?
I'm debating whether to do the (required) iLock thing again. Previously it was a pain..
Also, are Red2 and Red3 the same FX as included in the regular plugin bundle?
I grabbed a 2i2 just to have one and I have one more question; how does a USB powered device supply 48V phantom power??
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Anyone have any experience with the Softube plugins they include now?
I'm debating whether to do the (required) iLock thing again. Previously it was a pain..
Also, are Red2 and Red3 the same FX as included in the regular plugin bundle?
I grabbed a 2i2 just to have one and I have one more question; how does a USB powered device supply 48V phantom power?? They use a DC to DC converter chip to step up the voltage to 48v. The USB device providing the power must have enough current to supply the device. Brian
BIAB 2025 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 7 Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio
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I figgered a powered hub was probably next ..  I also got time to compare Red2/3 with the suite of plugins that come with the card (Focusrite compressor, EQ, Gate, Reverb). It appears they are different, so I'm glad I grabbed those while I could. Still hesitant on the SofTube/iLock stuff..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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I've now looked over the Focusrite products and I'm having trouble figuring out how many inputs and outputs I need. Currently I have midi output from BB/RB going to a Ketron SD2 via USB. The stereo audio output from the SD2 goes into the mic/line input on the PC. Then the stereo audio output mixed through BB/RB comes out of the PC through the earphone/line out jack which goes to my h-phones/monitors. If I want to add the ability to record and additional instrument/mic or two, how many inputs/outputs will I need and how will that be setup on a Focusrite?
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"If I want to add the ability to record and additional instrument/mic or two, how many inputs/outputs will I need and how will that be setup on a Focusrite?" If you need to record more than 2 instruments/tracks simultaneously, you will need more inputs. I am an adherent to the philosophy of “you can never have too many inputs.” With this unit: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett18i20You have 8 pres, which would allow you to record 8 tracks simultaneously, 16 channels of MIDI, and USB connectivity. Regards, Bob
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Like the old expression, You can never have too much money.... (guitars and guns would also be qualifiers) ...... this also holds true for interface inputs and outputs.
However, if you are a simple one man studio operator, and mostly just do songwriting demos and such things.... two inputs for audio can be over kill. Unless you have other folks over to jam and record in real time, two inputs is usually sufficient. However, if you need them , and have the funds available, and have the software that will support multiple inputs, by all means, indulge yourself and get the gear you want.
In my case, I have a 2 input focusrite and 98% of the time I use ONE input at a time. I really can't recall the last time I actually used both audio inputs at the same time. I do remember doing this a long time ago with one mic on the acoustic and another recording the vocal..... just to see how it all worked. Since then... nope... haven't done it again. Everything I do is one track at a time.
OUTPUTS... on the other hand, yeah, the more the better IMHO. My Saffire has 8 outputs and I have them all filled and I have an expander on one of them to give me 4 more outputs.
Since the outputs are assignable, you have to count 2 outputs as ONE L/R stereo pair so essentially, my 8 outputs is only 4 stereo outputs. Over time I have moved things around, but currently, one pair goes to the studio monitors, another pair to the stereo system for other playback options, the third pair to an external audio recorder, and the fourth pair into a 4 channel headphone amp, because one headphone out is never enough.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I'm thinking the 6i6 will do it. It has two line inputs in the back that will take the Ketron output; and two mic/line inputs in the front.
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Hey Joe, I had the 6i6 before I upgraded to the 18i20.
You'll love it. You can usually get great deals on Ebay/Craigslist, etc on used ones if you're looking to save a few bucks.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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