HOW TO GET BETTER GUITAR DI RECORDINGS: Audio Interface, AD/DA Conversion, DI Box, Cables

Рет қаралды 16,343

Күн бұрын

This video will show you how to get better guitar DI recordings with tips from a pro metal audio engineer. I will talk about which interfaces you should get, what AD/DA conversion is, if you need a DI box, if expensive cables are worth it, why it is important to eliminate unwanted string resonances, and so on.
Whether you are a beginner guitarist or an advanced one, you might not be the most well-versed when it comes to the audio production side of things, and this video will show you everything you need to know about getting great-sounding guitar DIs. Most of the tips are applicable to bassist recording their bass guitar as well.
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Focusrite Clarett 2Pre ($499): amzn.to/3acZfPe
RME Babyface Pro FS ($949): amzn.to/3mMUSzj
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Start
00:49 One Super Common Mistake to Avoid
01:00 AD/DA Converter Explained (Analog to Digital/Digital to Analog)
02:03 Why Having A Good AD/DA Converter Is Important
02:56 What Should You Upgrade First in Your Recording Chain?
03:12 Affordable Audio Interfaces with AD/DA Conversion
04:20 Do I Need A DI Box?
05:36 Are Premium Cables Worth the Money?
06:08 How To Optimize Your Guitar for Better Recording Quality
09:03 Why You Should Always Go Extra on Ensuring Good Recording Quality
10:09 How to Ensure Better Performance from Yourself as the Guitarist
10:52 The Importance of In-Sync Rhythm Guitars
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🎹 Piano VST Battle! $0 vs $99 vs $600 Piano VSTs: • Can You Hear the Diffe...
🎸 Neural DSP Archetype Gojira Review & Demo: bit.ly/3oVtdfY
🥁 How mix-ready is Drumforge? Metal preset included: • DRUMFORGE: THE MOST MI...
🎛 How to customize the note names in Logic Pro X's piano roll: • How to Customize Note ...
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🎛️ Audio Interface: RME Babyface Pro
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Пікірлер: 153

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

I was just comparing DI tracks I've recorded in a studio with a Pro Tools HDX with DI tracks that I recorded at home (just for fun, same song, same guitar) using my (you guessed it) Scarlett solo. I tried recording with recommended levels (peaks between -18db and -12db max). The difference might not sound too much when listening to the dry tracks with no effects, but when adding an amp sim and cab IR, the difference becomes HUGE. I was expecting a much closer result, but to my surprise it was a big difference, to the point that If you hard pan them L and R, it becomes distracting of how less articulate and muddy the home recording is, and the noise known as "finger squeak" (when changing chords) becomes annoyingly more apparent (using the same plugins with same settings). And when going to KZfaq to try to find some help and some answers, I find this video which specifically mentions my interface lol I guess it's time to invest in a higher level interface. I really appreciate your content and I've subscribed to your channel.

@JamesZhan Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU! Some people said interfaces don't make a difference but they so do. Once you've recorded with Scarlett and something higher end, the difference is undeniable. Years ago, I found out that my Scarlett was the issue in a similar way to you. The DIs I got from my Scarlett solo were always kind of lacklustre. I always struggled to get a good tone out of any DIs recorded with a Scarlett (or any interfaces that are even lower grade than Scarlett). As soon as I upgraded to my RME, I no longer had this issue. And this is just the recording side (analog to digital). Big difference on playback quality too (digital to analog). There's nothing wrong with using a Scarlett, or lower end, interface. It's Focusrite's budget line and it's not even designed to get you the best recording quality. We just need to be aware of the limitation of our gear.

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan After some trial and error, reading many forums and getting deep into this issue, it turns out that most evidences point to the culprit not being exactly the AD converter (even though it could definitely be better), but rather, the culprit seems to be the way budget interfaces deal with a high-impedance (hi-z) signal before it hits the AD converter. That's why a lot of people claim that once they use a quality DI box into a budget interface such as the scarlett solo (using the line setting instead of the instrument one), they hear improvements. I did try to use an old m audio active preamp/di box and I did have improvements in quality, specially high frequency content and dynamics, but still not quite "there" (it turns out this old di box I've used has an input impedance of only 100k ohms, and according to most people, it should be at least 1M Ohms to correctly carry a guitar signal as neutral as possible, ideally 2M ohms or more). So for those who have budget audio interfaces, if they happen to have a good quality DI box, this could be a solution. If they don't, I believe investing in a new and better audio interface would be a better choice than getting a DI box, cause a good DI box can get expensive, almost the price of an audio interface with a good quality instrument input (and you'll still be "locked" to your budget interface converters if only getting a good DI box). I appreciate your content and the things you're sharing on KZfaq. Thanks a lot

@JamesZhan Жыл бұрын

@@arthur.monticelli You are right; if we were to be technically correct, the culprit is how low budget AD converters handle hi-Z inputs, but like you said, using a DI box doesn't really solve the issue and a good DI box can cost as much as a good interface, so really, the best route for most people is to just invest in a better interface. They not only get better guitar DI recordings, but also better audio playback (thanks to better DA conversion).

@jorgeguitar2540 Жыл бұрын

⁠@@arthur.monticelliey I also have a Scarlett but the 2i2 3rd gen. Playing through it sounds good but my recorded tones sound thin and so different. Is That the main issue you guys are talking about? I can get a radial for 250, can’t afford an expensive audio interface.

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

@@jorgeguitar2540 it's very hard to describe. But let's put it that way: the distorted guitar tone tends to sound a little (very little) like a fuzz distortion. The dynamics get squashed and it tends to sound artificial. It doesn't necessarily mean that you cannot achieve a decent result with it, it's just that you have to be careful not to use too much gain or this "fuzz" thing I mentioned will be more apparent. That's the best way I can describe what I hear.

@JeremyPrado 3 жыл бұрын

these tips are really helpful especially for those who want to make their music in a higher level.

@fireloks6362 2 жыл бұрын

Something I've noticed is to use a good power conditioner. It keeps the signal clean and consistent.:-) Not very many people talk about it but, I think it's really important.

@scoopjackson1712 Жыл бұрын

I tell everyone this, one of the best investments

@Randuski Жыл бұрын

never in my life have i ever heard someone say that bass strings don't last as long as guitar strings. that's the silliest thing I've heard, and i think you're the only person on the planet who's ever said that. all do respect to you and your channel, I've been a fan for a while, but that's an interesting take. if you had bass strings that started sounding different during one session, something else is going on. in every studio I've ever worked in, yes, guitar strings are always replaced between songs, but bass strings I've never seen changed even over numerous sessions, unless there was a specific issue.

@tommj4365 8 ай бұрын

I purposefully don't record with brand-spanking-new bass strings because I don't want a shift in tone during the break in period. Yea it's super shiny and that could be very important to a specific sound, but at least for 95% of bass tones I'm working with I don't need that extra sparkle. If I have to record with new strings right away I may even roll off the highs afterwards to match the more "settled" bass string tones

@adamstrachn 3 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video bro. Extremely useful & relevant.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

@lewiscaudle3713 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent Video! I have a huge issue with white noise on my guitar tracks. So I believe it is time to upgrade

@BAND-MAID-USA 9 ай бұрын

It might help your audience to explain why a certain interface isn’t good, and another is. Instead of saying ones not good and another is better. I think a lot of beginners would benefit from an explanation why, and what specs to look for.

@nicholasqquiroz 6 ай бұрын

Awesome video brother! Just got my UA Apollo Solo so hoping to take all this advice and use it!

@headlinermindset 2 жыл бұрын

such great info man, thank you for this!

@rubensousa9216 3 жыл бұрын

So informative, good job!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@rainydayofficial8767 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video, very useful tips! Thank you.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@seba.locrio4801 3 жыл бұрын

Great content 🤘. thanks!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@toploadtele 2 жыл бұрын

One thing omitted is using Piezo pickups in an acoustic instrument. For this the answer is to use a high quality DI Box like the Radial PZ-DI to get the proper impedance from the piezo pickups to your interface.

@zhuldozer Жыл бұрын

Awesome advices, thank u very much !

@JunkBondTrader 2 жыл бұрын

I just added a $70 active DI box (MDA1) to my simple DI setup going from electric guitar, to Behringer UMC204hd interface, tp PC. So much mixed information out there as to whether or not it would make a difference. It definitely, definitely makes a huge difference. More than 5%. Great, cheap investment IMO. Like night and day. It sounds much better on the line level.

@godsreclamation2539 Жыл бұрын

I just bought one because I have to send di tracks to my buddie for mixing and I feel like an active di box is what I need because when I use hi z using a 7 string the output goes to red right away and I hate that

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

Budget interfaces have problems to deal with high impedance signals coming straight from the guitar. So a good DI box would definitely be an improvement.

@MrBeen992 Жыл бұрын

Too cheap

@collinthomas6288 2 ай бұрын

This is a good video. Everything about getting it right at the source.

@Justwantpeacelove 2 жыл бұрын

This is high level advice & facts!

@EricPellegrini 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, very informative! 🔥

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so man!

@EricPellegrini 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan As a recording artist myself I'm always looking for ways to improve the quality.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@EricPellegrini That's the way to go!

@ShredCrusade 3 жыл бұрын

Great video just subbed to your channel! Cheers from Switzerland

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you liked it :)

@chriseraphim 3 жыл бұрын

Bro there is so much info in this one video I've been looking for, thank you so much! *Puts Focusrite 2i2 on eBay immediately*

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to be of help!

@dropentier377 Жыл бұрын

Amazing vidéo !

@umbertofurlan501 2 жыл бұрын

mate this a super instructive video. i hope you do more about recording techniques. i'll happly watch others from yours. i have a question. i have an audient id 22 and i'd like to buy a radial DI box for my bass and guitar. does the DI goes into the front line instrument input or in someone of the rear insert? thanks

@senorspock 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Scarlett 2i4 , i had no idea this was considered a "crappier" interface. good to know!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

It gets the job done, but for just a little bit more money, you can get much better ones! I have never had good experience with Scarlett’s instrument input. It would clip my DI internally. The DA conversion was audibly inferior than my RME too!

@accentontheoff 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan Focusrite Clarett vs RME Babyface Pro? Is the difference huge. Great video thanks! you have convinced me to upgrade from my Scarlett which has always sounded kind of restrained.

@tommj4365 8 ай бұрын

There have been grammy award records recorded with objectively "crappier" interfaces than the scarlet.

@miltonmagik 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James, I've just subscribed to your channel, thank you for your clear and concise information. What's your opinion about the RME ADI2 pro fs, I just want to use it for tracking, Is it better to buy the babyface? or Is there much difference when recording and mixing? Thank you. I really value your advice.

@king-korestudio6311 3 жыл бұрын

I have the Scarlett 18i20 3 gen, and the preamps are great, yes I have a few 500 series preamps along with other analog preamps. Any decent preamp can get you great results. It's the person engineering that makes and breaks a quality sound.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not saying having cheaper quality conversion will make or break anything. I think it all goes without saying that a skilled engineer with shitty gear will always get better end results than a beginner engineer with premium gear. My entire video's focus is on getting the details as good as possible.

@Willigrow 2 жыл бұрын

I would agree about the preamps... but as someone who mixed a bunch of bands over the years I would disagree with the rest. It mostly comes down to what he spoke about in the video... musicians trying to play beyond their ability, using old strings, guitar not tuned, guitars not in sync, messy playing and touching other strings. If you have tracks with great performances, guitar set up well for recording etc, and especially if you use amp sims... there really isn't much you can do wrong as an engineer using your ears.

@DP-bc6gv Жыл бұрын

Very informative ! Thank you ! Regarding the audio interface what do you recommend between the RME babyface, UAD Apollo twin and the Apogee symphony desktop? The criteria of choice are the sound quality and the stability. I use a MBP M1 pro and i mostly do recording, producing and mixing. Thank you for your help !

@JamesZhan Жыл бұрын

Honestly they are all good! Over the years I've heard that Apogee is awesome on Mac and RME has one of the most stable drivers.

@XiyuYang 2 жыл бұрын

Hi James! Would love to hear your opinion on the Audient Sono. On paper it checks a lot of boxes for me and I'm thinking about getting it.

@lordoffrustration 2 жыл бұрын

love the vid! question: currently using m audio 192/4 air with the neural dsp plugins. rhythm sounds 10/10 but when it comes to lead there is a very distinguishable pick noise that sounds so annoying that it halted my productivity and drive to play the guitar. would a DI box fix this? should i just upgrade my interface to an audient or ssl? or is that just the classic amp sim noise? thanks again

@decadepasts Жыл бұрын

I use Focusrite Control to route my first two outputs through my third output, which feeds into my reamp box. I use the output preset in Focusrite Control called System Playback. This way I'm able to channel my stems through my reamp box but the problem is that I have to solo the stem Channel in Reaper and mute the monitor in my miced channels, otherwise the entire mix comes out of the reamp box and out of my speakers.

@dylanhardina 3 жыл бұрын

Have you had any experience with the MOTU M2? It seems to be the main competitor to the Audient ID4 and the ID14. Regretting my scarlet solo Gen 3 purchase 😅 great video that explained some things I didn’t know about with regards to cheaper interfaces.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm unfortunately not super familiar with the MOTU M2. Looking at its product page though, it seems that they boast about the DAC but never mention the ADC-curious why. Does that mean the interface's ADC isn't as good? Who knows. One thing that's for sure though, is that you can't go wrong with the interfaces that have proven to be good, like the ones I mentioned in the video!

@blindsun 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid! Quick Q : Which category does the Apogee One fall in?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Apogee arguably has even better converters than RME! It's definitely good. I actually was going to include it, but a search told me it seems to be discontinued?

@guinganfg 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video my friend! I have a question, is the Apogee Duet 3 good for recording guitars? Is the UAD apollo tein better on guitars? Im kinda leaning to one of these two.. I’m kinda new to it and I’ve seen a lot of articles about JFET being better to record guitars then the regular HiZ.. They might be the same thing and I dont know it.. As I said, I’m starting to learn this, and no better way than asking.. =) Cheers buddy! Congrats on your channel!

@pinnerspinner8389 3 ай бұрын

Excellent advise. I know exactly what i am doing wrong here lol.

@mikeolivier6794 2 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts about the Behringer u-phoria UMC404HD interface in terms of the AD/DA converter?

@samperbeats 3 жыл бұрын

I'm planning on update my rig. I mostly thinking of the Babyface + Countryman 85. Do you think it's worth to get the DI Box or the DI on the babyface do the job? Also, what's the difference between the 10MOhm in the countryman to the standard 1MOhm in the babyface?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

If you have money to spare, getting the Babyface and the Countryman DI box is good, but keep in mind you can totally do without the DI box because the Babyface has a great hi-z input. 10MOhm is just a higher input impedance than 1MOhm. Generally speaking, you want the input impedance of the DI box or your interface to be at least 10x more than the output impedance of your guitar pickups.

@Patrick-rf7vx 3 жыл бұрын

nowadays da/ad converters in cheap interfaces are pretty good. I don't think your argument holds up to a test anymore. for example the 3rd gen focusrite specifically sounds great. with exception for the instrument inputs!!! With active pickups I hear no difference using the instrument input and then reamping it against recording a real amp directly. but with passive pickups it sounded nothing like when recording direct. using a DI box and switching from instrument to line fixed that for me (I also use radial stuff). I think in the case of the scarlett it's actually the instrument input and not the converters that are bad.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

The Scarlett is just an example. Try recording and listening with a cheap Behringer interface and tell me there isn't a difference in AD/DA conversion compared to something like an RME. And yeah, Scarlett's instrument input is awful haha. I can hear a difference even with active pickups.

@tommj4365 8 ай бұрын

Like 10 or 15 years ago some folks put together a blind test comparing cheap behringer and high end converters. Tons of professionals couldn't tell the difference, and some that could tell the difference couldn't say which was which. It's not just the ADA that's at play here. The cheaper stuff has other lower quality stuff like a weaker power supply, more distortion and noise throughout the analog gain stages, more crosstalk maybe, less emf sheilding... in other words, the scarlet or behringer may sound just as good as the big boys, in the right environment or context. What you get with higher end gear is more consistency, more assurances that it'll sound good in situations that may not be ideal. It's harder to "mess up" the incoming sound with higher end stuff, so it's actually more beginner friendly in a way. As a pro though, that scarlet may be fine because you'd know how to overcome the smaller issues that may come up.

@S-dr7jx Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this good video. Do we have to record and sync all guitar parts or only some? Also, does this apply for clean guitar part?

@JamesZhan Жыл бұрын

The goal is definitely to have the rhythm guitar parts to sync throughout the entire song. If the clean guitars are doubled tracked, then yes, absolutely they should be in sync when it comes to performance.

@S-dr7jx Жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan I mean when do you advice to double track guitar? Thanks.

@woolofmana8644 2 жыл бұрын

Bro would behringer UMC 22 would be okay??

@pastilance1 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video mate! I already knew these tips, but it's always good to remind them. \m/-_-\m/

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah! Glad you liked the video!

@BrUh-sj1pc 2 жыл бұрын

im currently using a scarlett solo… i wanted to upgrade… should i……… - just buy a radial pro 48 for $110??? - upgrade to SSL2 ??? - upgrade to audient id14 mkii (heard that audient id14 is better for instruments? ) really noob here i just plug in and play and practice… but now i wanted to make demos…

@tendingtropic7778 4 ай бұрын

hi! thanks for the video. So if i understand correctly, the DI box does not add volume to the signal? I have an apollo solo (UAD) interface, but my signal from my guitar when i plug it in directly to the interface is quite low (-25db). whats the best way to fix this or should I not worry?

@Anonymous-is2qb 2 жыл бұрын

Is the PreSonus Studio 26 any good?

@namanable 6 ай бұрын

what are your views on vault ai solo ?

@ShadrachsGuitar 3 жыл бұрын

What do you think of the IK Multimedia AXE I/O USB Guitar Audio Interface?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't really looked into that one so I can't say I know if it's good, sorry!

@paultheriault7627 2 жыл бұрын

Good vid..I have a Scarlett solo, and I also upgraded to RME babyface...my issue is using neural dsp plugins and helix native in Cubase pro 11, my guitars all sound super bassy or mid emphasized..boxy or nasal too..I have high end guitars (ibanez JS Suhr Classic custom, PRS Custom, 2 Strandbergs with Fishman Fluences, and new strings..but yet, I get very bass/muddy/nasal..almost like a light wah on as filter tones...? Anyone have any ideas?

@genjigenji3633 2 жыл бұрын

Are you using the right impulses?

@trentindeed4118 2 жыл бұрын

Is the ssl 2 still viable today?

@guinganfg 3 жыл бұрын

Hi James, how are you doing? Firstly, thanks for the great advices on this video. I have a couple question, it will help me a lot with my decision.. I’m currently using a scarlett solo 2nd gen, I feel like its time for an improvement in my audio interface, for more robust projects.. The question is, I mainly record guitars and bass, so I need great DIs to use with my amp sims, in my case Stl Tones Tonehub.. Between SSL2, ID14 which one do you recommend? And I mean, great sound quality to the guitars and bass DI, not much about other specs.. Also, do you think between these two(SSL2 and Id14), in this case the one you suggest, do you think I’ll improve it even better with a Clarett? Is itworth spending a little more in a Clarett? or with the two options I will be well served? I would like to have a Babyface, but as I’m still not a professional, and dont have that budget, i’m having trouble to decide between those three I’ve mentioned.. Please give me a help! Lol Thanks bro! And congrats on the channel!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think you can go wrong with either the SSL2 or the iD14. I doubt you would hear a difference honestly, but the Audient interfaces have always been known to have a pretty awesome instrument input for guitar and bass DI recording. Now, you do want to be aware that the SSL2 doesn't have any digital expansion, while the iD14 does. This means that if you want, you can actually connect the iD14 to a preamp and increase the input counts of the interface (to record a drum kit, for example). With the ADAT, you can also connect it with hardware digital amps, like Kemper and AxeFX, without your signals getting converted twice. The Clarett 2Pre also has ADAT. Based on the features, the SSL2 is a lot more basic than the iD14. If all you do is record guitar and bass, and you don't see yourself needing anything more, I don't think it would be worth it to spend the extra cash on the Clarett.

@guinganfg 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan thanks for taking your time and answering my questions.. I’ve made some research yesterday about the two options, and the possibilty of expanding via the ADAT, and the great deal I’ve found here in Brazil, made me go with the ID14 Mkii.. This interface is a great improve to my old Scarlett solo, as I’ve mentioned, I know the ID14 is not in a pro level, but as I’m still no a professional producer, is a good improvement for starting some projects I have in mind.. The Clarett is too expensive here, and as you mentioned, for this moment recording DIs, is not that worth spending some extra cash!! Thanks again, my friend! Cheers!!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@guinganfg Glad you went with Audient! Also, Audient interfaces are definitely pro-level gear :)

@guinganfg 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan thank you for giving me this valuable tips and helping choose a great interface. And, great to hear that the audient is a pro level, I thought it was more like a semi pro.. I’m even happier to know that! Thanks once again!!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@guinganfg Happy to help!

@user-qb6yy6xp9s Ай бұрын

how to remove emi buzz in the amp simulator?

@jerryfick8547 2 жыл бұрын

My mind is blown.

@diostaylow 3 жыл бұрын

dude! thankyou for this content.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!!

@Judasxmetalxzone 3 жыл бұрын

Hello! I'm having latency when I'm playing guitar with neural DSP. I have a Scarlett 2i1 3rd generation connected to my laptop and I cannot fix this problem. Any suggestions? :( Cheers.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

What’s the buffer size you are using? Decrease the buffer size for less latency.

@marcinpolczyk 3 жыл бұрын

Hi James! What do you think about connecting a Fractal FM3 to additional interface (SSL2+)?I know that Fractal can be used like usb interface but I don’t want to work only in 48kHz. I also have a Radial JDI (and active pickups in my guitar). Is there necessity to use this Radial in these signal path? (Guitar->Radial->Fractal->SSL2+)

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

How are you going to connect your FM3 to the SSL2+? If you are using the SPDIF out of FM3, that's actually a great idea because the FM3, if it's anything like the AxeFX, doesn't have the best converter. If you use the SPDIF out on your FM3, you are basically using SSL2+'s converter instead of Fractal's. However, if you want to use the line out of the FM3 into the SSL2+, it's a really bad idea, because your DI signal will get converted TWICE instead of just once. You should always try to avoid extra conversion if possible.

@marcinpolczyk 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan so I basiccaly should use SPDIF output from FM3 and use an input from SSL2+? In that case I’ll need some SPDIF-jack 6,3 cable?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@marcinpolczyk Actually it doesn't seem like the SSL2+ has any optical inputs (which is actually quite a drawback), so you can't use the SPIDF from FM3. Basically, in your case, if you want to get the best DI quality, you should just plug your guitar directly into SSL2+. If you really want to record with the FM3, just use the FM3 as the interface and don't try to use the SSL2+ with it to avoid extra conversion.

@marcinpolczyk 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan what about audient ID14 mkII interface in that case(it has an optical input)?

@kcrocks5 Жыл бұрын

I sort of disagree about the cables, IF you have a noisy instrument it will help cut down on noise using a Mogami or similar quality cable. If your instrument is quiet already then you might be able to get away with a cheaper cable for sure. Big difference for me personally using a Mogami vs just a regular cable but also I didn't do the best job building my guitar lol.

@BAND-MAID-USA 9 ай бұрын

Especially when running through a pedalboard. Cables are actually VERY important in all aspects of audio recording.

@alessandrobonci9675 2 жыл бұрын

Evo4 or id4mk2 for d.i. ? mhhh

@RobKingRC 3 күн бұрын

I use external preamps, But there is nothing wrong with the Scarlet 18i20 3 gen.

@ralphjasonmanzano8351 3 жыл бұрын

double track 2 different performances? or 2 mics on 1 amp then input1 and 2?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

double track means recording two different performances.

@racouline719 2 жыл бұрын

I don't agree with the fact that mogami cables are similar to ordinary cables. Mogami cables have a clear tone, and sommercable for example are more warm. I like them both, but my favorite is a Cordial CGK Road 75, the tone is in between both mogami and sommercable (I don't remember the exact model for this one)

@FFStudioMy 3 жыл бұрын

Naissss

@adamstrickfaden1691 8 ай бұрын

Budget interfaces do a poor job providing proper high impedance for guitar output. This is why the recordings can sound muffled because the impedance mismatch acts as a low pass filter. A DI box takes the high impedance from the guitar and outputs a lower level for the interface resulting in a cleaner sound. Its the best investment you can make if you have a crappy interface

@metatron333ascension 3 жыл бұрын

what if you are using a modeler like Pod Go?

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

Anything that involves the conversion between analog signals and digital signals will have an ADC (analog to digital converter) or DAC (digital to analog converter) or both. So Pod Go does have an AD/DA converter since you can use it like an audio interface (if I'm not mistake). Typically, these units designed for live use don't usually have the best AD/DA converter since their focus is on portability, features, and convenience.

@scottwhitlow8468 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan So if I had something similar to this (a Headrush) would you recommend that I plug from the out from the pedal board into the “in” of my audio interface, and then also have a DI signal going into an input 2 of my audio interface? Or would it just be better to just use the USB audio interface of the device. Thanks!

@ageshero 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure if Focusrite Scarlett would be considered an inferior Plus you’re going to be processing that guitar through tons of effects right? Man, people have been making hit records on total trash for years and then all the fans are squirming over what gear they used and it turns out they use like a practice amp or some crap haha.

@ageshero 2 жыл бұрын

Use what you have.

@jonnymak1079 Жыл бұрын

Why have the dry in though honestly??? I understand now with digital sound at every1nz finger tips ... but as ALWAYS in music I feel it's the sound that goes in that really counts... "with the understanding that too much gain,distortion low end ect... must be contained contained and lessend better when direct with "tone" Anyway lol I do really wanna know the reason other then getting guitar sound later

@JamesZhan Жыл бұрын

The reason is that you have WAY more flexibility with DIs. At least for me, I like to dial and tweak guitar tones in the mix and you can't do that without DIs. But also, guitar tones sound different when you just hear it in mono (just one guitar) and when you hear it in stereo (double-tracked guitars hard panned), so committing to a tone at the recording stage, without a mix, is just asking for headaches later if you are the one mixing, or limiting the mixing engineer's choice if you aren't doing the mixing. Have I made guitar tracks with printed tones work? Of course, but I would much rather have the option to change the head and/or cab entirely when the tone doesn't fit in the mix, than to EQ and significantly alter the wet tone. Now, I will say this is probably much less of an issue outside of rock and metal. It's just that when the mix has walls of distorted guitars, having tons of flexibility with the guitar tones can really have significant benefits. At the end of the day, DI boxes make it so easy to record both a DI signal and a wet tone anyway, so I really don't see a point in arguing against recording DIs.

@thebarf9235 3 жыл бұрын

That's a bold claim you're making about the Focusrite Scarlett. You really should do a shootout to support it using a 3rd gen and at least a couple of the other interfaces you mentioned. Or at least give some specs comparisons to bolster your claim. Just saying Scarletts suck isn't convincing.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm just using the Scarlett as an example of lower-tier interfaces. Every so often I hear people say they get better guitar DIs and better audio playback quality after upgrading from something like a Scarlett to an RME, which is my experience as well. I do intend to do some blind shootout in the future, but it's pretty common knowledge in the pro audio community that the Scarlett line doesn't represent high quality AD/DA converters, which, given the prices of the Scarlett interfaces, is to be expected.

@thebarf9235 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan Don't rely on the "pretty common knowledge" thing as proof. You might be telling musicians (many of whom aren't exactly rolling in it) to upgrade for no reason. Do the blind shootout. For the price of an RME, it had better be better than a Scarlett. I'd like to see a fairer match up. The SSL or the Audient, for example. I am thinking of upgrading to one of those interfaces myself if there truly is a discernable difference in quality. So I'm interested in the results for your shootout. There are probably other shootouts with a Scarlett on YT that people can check out, as well.

@thebarf9235 3 жыл бұрын

I'll add one more thing to your list. The most important thing. Work really hard on your songwriting and arrangement skills, not just your playing skills. This costs you nothing but what you get in return is priceless. If you're not developing these skills then converters, preamps, mics, the latest greatest plugin, etc., won't help you very much.

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@thebarf9235 I'm not relying on common internet knowledge. I have first-hand experience. I said that just to say I'm not the outlier. I actually have an old video comparing Scarlett to RME, which you can find on my channel. The DIs are also available for download as well. Granted, I was using the first gen Scarlett at the time, but I think the video still has value because I have encountered many musicians still using 1st gen Scarletts. But yeah, I have already tested a cheaper interface with an expensive one years ago :) Again, I want to emphasize that I'm not talking about night and day difference in this video. Like I said in the video, attention to detail goes a long way in audio production. I will admit using fresh strings on guitar won't be a night and day difference either, but the difference becomes a lot more significant in a mix context. The weird thing about the topic of how much the converter affects the DI is really interesting to me. If you are just comparing directly, the differences might be subtle, or even inaudible if you don't have a good monitoring setup. However, in a mix, I can almost always tell when the DIs are recorded with lesser converters, and 9 out of 10 they are from a Scarlett. I find that DIs recorded with better interfaces often have a kind of depth that isn't present in DIs recorded in cheapo interfaces. I will happily admit my video is all talking and no proof, but I'm not a scientist, and giving advice and tips doesn't always require one to provide all the proof. In general, you should take advice and tips from others with a grain of salt, no matter who they are. That's just a good practice in life. You are also more than welcome to disregard my advice as well. I definitely wont' have any hard feelings, haha!

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

@@thebarf9235 Fully agreed. My video is more from an engineer's perspective, but songwriting and arrangement are definitely super important. No gear or plugin can save a badly written song haha.

@narudh Ай бұрын

AD/DA nowadays are so good ... i don't think anyone's bottleneck is the AD/DA

@JamesZhan Ай бұрын

The problem is, it is, though. Read the pinned comment.

@brooklynboy1000 10 ай бұрын

many bass player dont change strings for years.

@iamobserving9917 2 жыл бұрын

For 50 yrs I’ve been involved with music, from front porch banjos to Recording studios that would make Paul McCartney jealous. I’ve heard every electronic debate from the very basics to intricate math equations. I’ve seen arguments get so heated that it even destroyed the task at hand. In my many years of observations I have concluded that some people get so deep into their passions that they completely forget 99.99% of humans listening to the music do not have oscilloscope ears. They can’t tell if it’s been processed by A $49 audio interface or a professional studio. Also, most of those people listening are not sitting in a perfect acoustic environment with a million Dollar sound system. Concerning the validity of your audio interface information, if 100% of the inadequate interfaces were to be corrected, 99.99% of the population wouldn’t notice.

@Curiositytaughtmethat 7 ай бұрын

Bro ain’t playing with the interface! I just bought a babyface pro fs and it shits on the Scarlett and even the Apollo. Seriously a game changer

@JamesZhan 7 ай бұрын

Seriously, when I first went from a Scarlett solo to my RME, I was like so *THIS* is why I could never get great tones from my DIs! Congrats on the upgrade!!

@Curiositytaughtmethat 7 ай бұрын

@@JamesZhan it’s one of those things people are gonna just have to trust us on. Hands down best gear decision I’ve made up to date

@raktar1 Жыл бұрын

and in the end you sound like AI Djent

@Amidreamingnow Жыл бұрын

So, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd generation is not a good quality interface ? 🤔🤨 I don't think they would risk their brand recognition and do a poor quality product. The Focusrite founder was like an audio engineer genius or something like that, die last year i think.

@5urg3x 3 жыл бұрын

But don’t all of these interfaces use the same exact AD/DA conversion chips? I’m pretty sure they all use the same Chinese Cirrus Logic chips...

@JamesZhan 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think think it is factually correct to say that all these interfaces use the same chips. The 3rd gen Focusrite Scarlett uses the same chip as the 1st and 2nd gen, which is the Cirrus Logic Cirrus Logic CS4272. (Source: gearspace.com/board/showpost.php?p=14095815&postcount=44) The Audient iD4 and the RME Babyface Pro FS use an AKM chips. (Source: www.musictech.net/reviews/audient-id4-review/; audioxpress.com/news/rme-updates-adi-2-dac-and-rme-babyface-pro-interface-with-fs-models) Even if they all used chipsets from the same manufacturer, it doesn't mean they are all the same because Cirrus Logic alone has many different chips, for example.

@5urg3x 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesZhan CL and AKM are the major players, there are only a handful of companies that have the patents to make these chips. What I was getting at though is, I really don’t think there is much of a difference in sound quality, and you’ll find many higher priced “premium” interfaces using the same converter chips as lower priced entry level models. I think the quality issue goes beyond AD/DA conversion, and has much more to do with other board design elements, preamping, etc. Glenn Fricker has a good video about this, where he talked about his early career and the problems he had getting good guitar tones.

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

@@5urg3x do you know whats the title of the video you just mentioned? (Dont paste links here cause youtube wont let me see it)

@5urg3x Жыл бұрын

@@arthur.monticelli Glenn’s video? One sec I’ll try to find it. It’s basically just him retelling a story from his early days in digital audio where you actually had to buy a separate converter box for all your stuff. Back in those days people were REALLY shilling the expensive shit on forums and bulletin boards and were all like “if you don’t buy this one your recordings are going to sound terrible” - it’s hilarious that we still see this nonsense today. The reality is people make hit songs on their fucking iPhones / tablets / laptops today using commodity gear and it all sounds really good provided it was mixed and mastered proper! I’ll see if I can find the video though I’ll reply in a second comment.

@arthur.monticelli Жыл бұрын

@@5urg3x thanks man appreciate it

@5urg3x 3 жыл бұрын

Those SSL USB interfaces are terrible, FYI. They aren’t even made by SSL (the same SSL that made and makes legendary recording consoles that is), it’s a licensing / branding deal.

@jerryfick8547 2 жыл бұрын

I have a Scarlett solo. No matter what I do,I cannot get the sound I'm looking for. This makes total sense

@threepe0 Жыл бұрын

No it doesn’t make sense. The Scarlett’s preamps and converters are fantastic. Summing it up as a “cheap interface” is lazy and, pardon, just plain stupid and wasteful. Dollar amount is not and has not been for a long time, a measure of performance. Do yourself a favor and figure out what specifics makes an interface or any tool you’re using appropriate for what you’re doing. As soon as someone starts to use words like “good” or “cheap,” I immediately know they have no idea what they’re doing. This guy advises buying cords based on price… ffs.

@jerryfick8547 Жыл бұрын

@@threepe0 yeah the Scarlett interface that I have I bought used. I ended up buying a brand new 2i2 and wow the quality was night and day. Lol. I never claimed to be an "expert". I was simply saying what I experienced. But...I do believe mine had a defect or might have been dropped a couple times. Lol.

@FuriousWeasel-09 Ай бұрын

One pack of strings per song?? And Focusrite doesn't make good interfaces?? Okay... got it.... 😂

@brownpunk1794 2 жыл бұрын

Really sorry man..scarletts are perfect for the home studio..i have to respectfully disagree with you

@threepe0 Жыл бұрын

This is awful. Absolutely no technical specs or technique elaborated on, and everything advised based on price, instead of using actual thought. There’s nothing inherently wrong or bad about Scarlet pres or Ad/da converters. Note the glaring lack of any detail or analysis here at all. This is one of the worst “trust me I am a professional” videos I’ve seen. Using a proper DI and thinking about input impedance matching is going to much better for you and your bank account than buying a “better” (literally just more expensive) interface. Knowledge is power folks, and throwing money at problems instead of learning is… silly

@bongo_baggins Жыл бұрын

Seems like the reason people keep buying the Scarlett is because they don't have all that money "to spare".

@CFox.7 Жыл бұрын

Regarding an interface You either got NO IDEA what you are talking about or you are shilling hardcore. The thing is - there are only a couple of AD DA chip manufacturers.. so unless you get behringer.. then the standard home entry lineup is ALL THE SAME. CHeck the ACTUAL SPECS that are available ONLINE for Scarlet and ID4. Jesus

@crapadopalese 6 ай бұрын

You're spreading misinformation. Different DI boxes sound practically the same, and I challenge you to give me a link to a blind comparison where you can spot the difference and say which is which.

@miltonmagik 2 жыл бұрын

@caseylockwood5512 2 жыл бұрын

Curious about this as well...