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OP
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Hi,
i habe following setup:
- Scalett Focusrite with Micro, works and records well if selected in Biab
- Helix Stomp as guitar processor, works and records well if selected in Biab
- two activ boxes, each connected to one device, i can hear both well
but:
if i connect the two boxes to either the focusrite or the helix, the micro has not output.
I can choose it correctly in windows audio properties as source and output device, each is visible and responds, when recording in BIab.
But nothing to hear when recording or playback.
Is this unpossible to do, chossing a different input and output device or what is my mistake?
Regards
Rainer
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HI....Rainer.
Based on the details provided its difficult to advise.
Probably best idea is to post a picture of your desired signal flow.
If were me i would keep the focusrite as my main sound device in windows and biab preferences for recording and playback , and when useing the helix , thus, ...
Plug guitar into helix obviously , and then take line output of helix into line input Of focusrite.
Thus saving switching devices in the music software…which would drive me nuts.
If the real issue is not enough inputs on the focusrite cos you have other devices plugged in taking up inputs eg synths etc…then it would seem you need to replace the focusrite with a usb interface with more inputs OR a usb mixer with lots of inputs ..
Eg allen n heath zed series or mackie.
If the REAL ISSUE is not enough focusrite inputs and too many other devices like synths , then another option is to get a cheap line mixer with multiple inputs feeding one line input of the focusrite.
Either way youll only be able to record one source at a time ie microphone OR helix OR external hardware synth….if only one mic/line input On the focusrite.
Which brings me to ask , what is your model no of your focusite ???
Be aware IF you want to replace the focusrite with a usb interface with more inputs eg Usb mixer then i would rent any new device to ensure good drivers etc etc.
The other issue is ..do you want to record say 8 inputs at a time eg lets say you have a band , then not only will you need a usb mixer or interface with lots of inputs…but multitrack software whereby you can record multiple inputs at a time…
Eg realband that comes free with biab or reaper as examples.
Posting back your future plans and needs in DETAIL will enable the rest of us users to advise you correctly…ie forgetting the gear WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT AND LONG TERM NEEDS ? record one instrument at a time ? record multiple at a time ?
Etc etc.
hth/best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/01/22 02:33 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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OP
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Hi,
i am very happy about your answer :-).
Actually i have the focusrite with two inputs (micro and Guitar). And i want to record either guitar or voice at one time.
So your tip:
----If were me i would keep the focusrite as my main sound device in windows and biab preferences for recording and playback , and when useing the helix , thus, ...
Plug guitar into helix obviously , and then take line output of helix into line input Of focusrite.----
was the missing link for me!
I did it like that and now it works fine :-)))
This information helped me a lot.
Thank you very much and have a nice weekend
Rainer
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Which Scarlett do you have?
I assume it's the SOLO as that's one mic & one guitar.
Depending on the model there may be other options available.
I have an older model Focusrite with line inputs spots on the back...I was able to run external preamps and guitar Fx into those.
For the solo note that the Helix has a balanced out and the SOLO guitar input is also balanced.
You'd get BEST sonic results from the HELIX by using a cable that is balance TRS AND use the "INST" button to select line level, (NOT red), so that the Helix and interface work together nicely.
When not using the Helix, or other line level units, for guitar you should select INST red and turn UP the gain on the Scarlett.
If you were using a DAW like REAPER you could set up the Helix via USB to get the best from it and ensure you have stereo when using stereo FX, as well as having the Scarlett for vocals etc.
I suspect the active DI boxes are of no real use for your current set up as they turn most signals into a line level signal or from a line level depending o the box.
Last edited by rayc; 04/01/22 04:47 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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in fact i use the scarlet SOLO.
And thanks a lot for your advide with the INST Button .
I will figure that out, did not know, that this plays a role ;-).
So i am really happy that Biab is working now, as i wanted it. I do not use another DAW in the moment.
Regards
Rainer
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I have just switched from an analog signal chain (i.e. pedals, amps and microphones to a helix. I also used an audio interface but mine has two inputs. One of the problems I experienced is the daw only recognizing one usb connection at a time. There is an asio driver called asio4all but it is more trouble than it is worth. Made my usb set up very unstable.
Here is a suggested workaround. The Helix has lots of usb inputs and outputs (8). You can record a dry track and wet track in your daw at the same time. You can do this in any daw. As Ray mentioned Reaper is a good budget friendly daw. The DAW plugin from band in a box works excellent in the DAW.
If you break your workflow into two phases. Recording and Mixing. You use the multiple usb inputs of the Helix to record tracks. You can use also the Helix now to reamp if you want to play with a different effects chain or you can use the Helix Native (vst) to adjust your tones in real time.
I prefer my audio interface for mixing as I prefer it running my studio monitors. I do not like the Helix for playback.
I started with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. It is excellent for playback but it is challenged for input options.
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Scott.
Gosh ive lusted for a helix or a kemper for ages.
Cant justify cost tho’ after i read tother day most musos make 67 buks from streaming services yearly. Music biz is nuts.
I first heard helix at a music store when wife n i were on a short holiday. v nice.
I’m very curious if you can get some of my favorite lead gtr sounds out of it.
Eg…
..hank shadows
..the brilliant lead sound on 38 special hold on loosely
..pat benatars brilliant guitar lead sound on hit me with your best shot. she had a great lead player.
The problem i find with lots of dsp chip based products these days is they get close but no cigar.
Too many “fuzzy sounds” like muffy.
I go through many products on you tube but most sounds dont crank me up. What i’m finding is lots of emulators
do clean sounds rather nice but not the “overdriven rock mother tones” we all love.
Ps your a great guitar player.
pps...ive had some interesting sounds and lots of fun manipulating the gtr amp emulations built into reaps.
Best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/03/22 08:47 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Indeed, the problem with the budget Scarlett interfaces is that if you use both inputs (L/R) .. that's what you get; one input on the right side and one on the left.
So if you are recording a Mic and anything else, the 'anything else' will have to be a mono track.
The DAW will either give you two mono tracks, or a stereo track with vocals on one side and guitar on the other (not ideal).
Configuring the DAW for the target track(s) to be Mono is important, and even then not always optimal.
Once you get above the 'two input' Focusrite models this issue goes away, and you get more software control (a mixer) that doesn't come with the lower priced models like the Solo and the 2i2.
They do a fine job otherwise, but your options become a bit limited for the couple hundred you save.
That said, I do have a 2i2 that I keep for any 'get to a location and record real quick' scenarios.
They are handy and can record quality tracks, but I prefer more options for most of my needs.
YMMV
Last edited by rharv; 04/03/22 08:57 AM. Reason: spellingggg
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Scott.
Gosh ive lusted for a helix or a kemper for ages.
Cant justify cost tho’ after i read tother day most musos make 67 buks from streaming services yearly. Music biz is nuts.
I first heard helix at a music store when wife n i were on a short holiday. v nice.
I’m very curious if you can get some of my favorite lead gtr sounds out of it.
Eg…
..hank shadows
..the brilliant lead sound on 38 special hold on loosely
..pat benatars brilliant guitar lead sound on hit me with your best shot. she had a great lead player.
The problem i find with lots of dsp chip based products these days is they get close but no cigar.
Too many “fuzzy sounds” like muffy.
I go through many products on you tube but most sounds dont crank me up. What i’m finding is lots of emulators
do clean sounds rather nice but not the “overdriven rock mother tones” we all love.
Ps your a great guitar player.
pps...ive had some interesting sounds and lots of fun manipulating the gtr amp emulations built into reaps.
Best
om
You mentioned some of my favorite tones as well. I have only had the Helix for a couple of weeks. I have been playing with effects, amps, guitars and audio interfaces for about 10 years now. We have a very strong used music gear market here in Canada. Once gear gets to a used price it can purchased and sold for relatively the same price. So if it doesn't fit it can be replaced with very little cost and sometimes a little profit. :-) The Helix so far has endless variations of tone adjustments. The sounds are exceptional;. One thing I have noticed that doesn't translate live (i.e. in the room) is the sound pressure you get from an amplifier. What is cool though is that the signal chain can be routed to a traditional amplifier and or a FRFR speaker. The other cool thing is IR or impulse responses which can emulate pretty much any cabinet. My delay sound comes from an Eventide H9 which I could not part with. I am able to incorporate in an effects loop on the Helix. The other big benefit of going to this style of guitar effects chain is that you can have all these sounds and be totally silent in the room. The BIAB/DAW backtrack and guitar signal path can be routed to headphones. A huge benefit for apartment dwellers or early morning or late night sessions.. The Variac guitar is just crazy. Banjo tones, changing tunings adjusting individual string volumes. Blows the mind. The best of all worlds I think.
Last edited by Scott C; 04/04/22 05:48 AM.
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Scott. This is kinda interesting 99 dollars Whats your opinion ? Positive grid riff…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz1JFezLyVEBias software runs on pc. its an interface too. Best om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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This looks really cool. I think Herb i.e. Guitar Hacker was using the Spark Amp that has a effects modeling. I think this is the same company. The video sure has some cool tones.
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Hi to all,
has been a lot going on here since my last visit ;-)
As i understand, the solo ist not ideal for output and rooting options. I choose it because i has a micro in.
Thought, this would be ideal. And with the new setup from above i can use it, when recording micro and guitar separately, not at the same time.
But:
if i put in my headphones, nothing happens....the sound still comes from the active boxes and i found no way to stop this. Surprising to me, thought, every device would do that.
What i found on help: Make sure that you have audio routed to those outputs in Saffire control.
But In focusrite control it says: output not supported for this model.
So, is this the wrong model for silent playing? Which one would support this?
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if i put in my headphones, nothing happens....the sound still comes from the active boxes and i found no way to stop this. Surprising to me, thought, every device would do that.
If I understand, you expected that plugging in the headphones would disconnect the outputs to the speakers, much as a laptop or mobile 'phone would, but most or all of these types of boxes would not do that. You will probably have to turn off or disconnect the monitors to stop them. Some of the larger interfaces contain a mixer that would allow independent software control of levels to headphone and output. I'm almost certain neither the Solo nor the 2i2 have a built-in mixer, I know the 8i6 has.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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If I understand, you expected that plugging in the headphones would disconnect the outputs to the speakers, much as a laptop or mobile 'phone would, but most or all of these types of boxes would not do that. You will probably have to turn off or disconnect the monitors to stop them. Some of the larger interfaces contain a mixer that would allow independent software control of levels to headphone and output. I'm almost certain neither the Solo nor the 2i2 have a built-in mixer, I know the 8i6 has. That was exactly the question, thanks a lot for the info, Gordon!
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I'm not clearly understanding the original post. You may want to clarify it a bit. i habe following setup:
- Scalett Focusrite with Micro, works and records well if selected in Biab
- Helix Stomp as guitar processor, works and records well if selected in Biab
- two activ boxes, each connected to one device, i can hear both well
but:
if i connect the two boxes to either the focusrite or the helix, the micro has not output.
I can choose it correctly in windows audio properties as source and output device, each is visible and responds, when recording in BIab.
But nothing to hear when recording or playback.
Is this unpossible to do, chossing a different input and output device or what is my mistake? I also have a Focusrite interface. It has 2 inputs. So, make the Focusrite your main input to the software recording inputs. Select a suitable driver.... most likely it's going to be ASIO. You're working with 2 inputs max. So plug the guitar into one. In my rig, I have left and right guitar outputs so I use BOTH inputs on the Interface but only select ONE in my recording. I also use one input for vocals. I plug my mic directly into the interface and use no mixing board. The focusrite has nice audio preamps and they do a good job. If the "two activ boxes" you mention are direct boxes, you probably don't need to use them. Mic and guitar processor can normally run direct into the interface. You would be able to run a mic and a guitar processor at the same time. To hear them, you have to assign the input channel in the interface as an input to the track in the software. ANother question..... does the focusrite have a software control panel that came with it or is downloadable from focusrite's web site? And..... have you installed it and set it up properly? THis was the key to getting my interface to work well.....and now, because the software control panel is set up and running, I can monitor everything plugged into my interface with absolutely no recording software of any sort open in the computer. Here's the part that you might not be aware of...... I do not try to record into BB even though it has audio tracks. I simply create the song in BB and get it right from the structural POV. I will open the song in Real Band and use RB to create the instrument track wav files. I will import them into my DAW....Sonar where I will add the vocals and live guitars one track at a time. That may be more than you wanted or asked for, so feel free to ignore it or ask specific questions. Edit: it took me a while to get the hang of it. Don't give up.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/08/22 04:28 AM.
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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Gosh ive lusted for a helix or a kemper for ages.
Cant justify cost tho’ after i read tother day most musos make 67 buks from streaming services yearly. Music biz is nuts.
I can't see how this relates. Are you only interested in equipment that will recoup its cost from your music sales? On that basis most of us should toss our lot and BIAB as well.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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