Thank you all for commenting. I made this video because just like when I upgrade lighting or cameras you guys asked what I changed and why. You can hear over the years how the Scarlett was a big improvement over my old $99 interface. Over the last couple months you can hear what a big improvement the Volt and then the Neve made to recording.

I bet a bunch of us would love to hear an a/b test of the Focusrite and the other interfaces using a looper 👍

It's rare that a piece of gear makes an equivalent Universal Audio item seem very reasonably priced.

so much great content lately. Thanks, Phil!

I heard this Interface a few weeks back, it's brilliant and a great footprint for that level of sound... Nice vid P

Really nice playing! The sound is definitely a big improvement. But your playing has improved even more so!! I've been listening to some of the "youtube greats," like you, Paul Davids, Shane over at InTheBlues, Rhett Shull, and others, for a LONG time, and it's been a blast to hear the improvement of the chops as much as the improvement of the presentation. It's a blessing being on this wonderful journey together. You are much appreciated, Phillip!! 🙏

I used to use a line 6 ux2 as my interface. Worked like a charm! Got a line 6 helix about 2 years ago, and also worked like a charm, even better!

Cheers from Texas! 🤘😺🤘 I have watched your channel grow and this is no doubt a game changing sound! ...much more accurate room sound, wow! Very full yet clear; articulate. And Crunch with a punch! Rock on Brother! You know you have pleasing gear; when you play that riff with delay! That's fantastic! ✌️😎✌️

I had a similar experience when I upgraded to an SSL 2 audio interface. It just shows how far interfaces have come in a short time and how exciting it is to see high end preamps in smaller more affordable units. The Neve is a higher price point, but man, the results are there!

Something for every budget. Very valuable info, helps simplify and buy smart. Thank you Phil !

The Neve is a great interface, without a doubt. Thanks for sharing your journey - you probably saved me a lot of money and frustration!

SWEET! Thanks Phil!

Love this! Thanks Phil!

It is quite the rabbit hole indeed 😂😂 The new Neve interface definitely looks really great. Especially for purposes such as yours!

Appreciate the videos Phil :) thank you

Always... "In Phil We Trust"...thank you

Holy Truck Nuts Phil, I was so nervous while you were playing the SG, the headstock was looking like an imminent impact with that table. SO dang close, at least from the camera angle. I'm gonna have to go outside and walk that one off....

Your sound is definitely elite now, thanks for sharing the secret of why with us.

Neve preamps are phenomenal. Everything they make is top notch.

The HX Stomp solves a lot of these problems pretty well. It's one small device and it can be your entire signal chain in a box if you want it to be. You can plug it directly into Mac/PC/phone with USB, no weird install necessary, so there's no tone loss. It has an effects loop and it can take in line in signal from you ox box/attenuator/whatever you want and be your audio interface. You can monitor with it and record dry and re-amp later if that's what you want.

Glad it worked out for you. In my case, switching to an Antelope Discrete 8 solved all of my problems. Highly recommend Antelope for quality of sound.

Great explanation Phil, I think you kicked the Hornets nest😅 It’s a great time to be a musician, so many options at many price points. Thank you.

Phil .... just awesome

Phil, I love some technology but when it comes to gear, I don't want to have to spend hours and hours sorting it out. Like you, I just want to capture what's in the room without a lot of fuss. Thanks for bringing this Neve to my attention - I'll check it out.

I liked what you are doing to record in regards to having good tones to transfer to a digital recording. For me I record with a Roland/Boss Micro BR a true 8 channels with lots of on board sounds and each of the 8 channels can be combined with 8 more channels from each individual track giving the engineer 64 combined channels from the 8 original channels you started with the independence is unreal and the size of it can fit in your front pocket. The only thing I changed is using tube amps again. I used to play through PA solid-state amps. I used a JC-120 by Roland but something was missing and it took a long time to figure out tube amps are still needed. So I bought a Bugera at GC for $200 and then I was gifted (for free) a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Mod 3 with a Celestion V80 (which is so-so for a speaker). But when I used my homemade cab with my JBL D123e the amp was fantastic. So I record with the Boss Micro BR, I have a large amount of sounds combined with modeling using my Zoom multi-pedal in cast metal plus other pedals planted around the Zoom, most from EHX and Behringer. I still have a MIDI GK-3 and the AI20 that pulls sounds from other sound modules. So now I need to finish making my own electric guitars. They are way too much money today and they are not hard to make and I know electronics. The necks and fingerboards are harder for me, but I'm doing that now. Glad to share photos if interested?

Philip so glad you did this video. As a guitar/keys player, I have no desire to be a recording engineer. Strangely enough I do have a producer's ear. I dumped my DAW that I was struggling with for years. All I want from recording is it to be my sketch pad. In order for that to happen it needs to SOUND like what I am hearing from the amp, modelor and speakers.

Great information. Thanks.

I haven't mic'd an amp in years in my studio. Guitar direct to PC and overloud TH-U for the amp sim. Can't get much simpler than that and it sounds great.

Excelente sound....thak you

Great honest review as usual Phil thanks. Yep it's expensive for single use but since you've more than 1 use maybe not too over the top. This video will be helpful to a lot of people. 👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

That was really useful information! Thanks.

Yeah, Neve makes my mouth water a little bit :) Would be cool to AB Focusrite vs Neve88. Great video, Phil.

Great video! I had to finally ditch both of my Apogee (One & Duet) for the technical issues and failures. So many times I wanted to record and it was shot due to issues with the interface. 👍🏻

Oh he blew off that Apollo unit!!! Asides from their high quality, the best thing about the Apollo interfaces are their various high quality plugins that can be inserted through its console programtm/DSP and/or your DAW. There are numerous presets for their effects plugins and channel strips. So far, my Apollo Firewire remains my best home studio investment.

I have the Scarlett also and have been using to do the same with my Two notes and was really contemplating on selling it because it thought it was that. I might have to try this out. Thanks!

Man! Great demo, and great insight as to what most of us are looking for. 3... 2... 1...... and Sweetwater is now out of stock. 😆

Hey Phil! I use the OX into a UA Apollo X8. A huge part of the sound in the headphones of the OX is the stereo imaging. I go SPDIF from the OX into the Apollo (taking care to have realtime sample rate conversion turned on in case I am recording at 48kHz.) Since you are going mono analog out of the OX, are you panning the virtual mics to one side? That might help with levels in the headphone amp of your Neve. (Also maybe try some lower impedance cans? not sure what the headphone amp is like on your Neve)

Phil, this was very helpful. There are a lot of threads online of this same exact issue with the OX. It sounds so good! I knew there was a weak link with my interface, but its hard to shell out cash for someone who isn't audio engineer

Holy frick that Neve unit is soooooo expensive! I’m sure it’s fantastic but damn that’s a big price to swing.

i use an Audient ID44 (which is way too many inputs for most guitar players) however it has inserts on the first 2 inputs which bypasses the preamps so it doesnt mess with your sound which is great.

Great video Phuil! It would be great to see/hear the difference between the Scarlett and Neve. Perhaps you can make another video on this?

I just got the Volt 476p and what a difference when compared to my old Focusrite! It’s amazing, and I love being able to have 4 preamps and 76 compressors all at once, so I can have a Dry signal, a wet signal, and two mics, simultaneously.

That first A/B? I jumped thinking my ears were going to be crushed it sounded that good. Not in the market for something this expensive, but....if I was? Hell yeah.

I am no recording expert but I have been happy with my Axe I/O. I have even gotten Midi to work via Bluetooth with my Airstep Lite. Nice to turn "pedals" on and off in Amplitube. Axe I/O is designed for guitar first, other things second. I have not tried to send sounds from an amp to my DAW. Only used Amplitube and other modelers.

Damn I REALLY want one of those 88M

Huh...here i am, using a Line6 UX2 Toneport, that came with kool amp downloads & an interface that allowed you to easily connect to Reaper, and go!

Definitely sounds great! On a side note... where did you get your amp shelves from? Right now I'm using simple Home Depot wire frame shelves to hold all mine, but the shelves a a few inches wider than I need which creates wasted space, and the shelves bend a little under the weight of the amps. Just looking for something with a little cleaner look. Thanks!

I’ve been using an almost 20year old Mackie mixer with an interface card that just died. I’m very sad to have to replace it, but I’m hopeful these modern products will offer significantly improved quality. Just need to find the sweet spot for my budget. Thanks for your insight.

Just curious Phil. Have you tried either the Audient Sono or the IK Multimedia Axe I/O both are made specifically for guitar with some unit guitar related features. Great channel

Curious to know what you're playing that head through in the video since you said it was loud in the room. Studio monitors or an actual guitar cab? If cab, what size? Thanks. Been trying to decide on what size cab for my 100 watt heads in a 11' x 14' room. 2x12 or 4x12. I also sit down while jamming (I think you do the same if I'm not mistaken) so I don't want a 4x12 if it's gonna be blasting right at my face. Lol

Phil, what kind of shelves are those your amps are on? Thanks

He did mention the UA Volt as a cheaper option, that he still uses. He also mentions it’s markedly better than the scarlet at around the same price. Phil shows a range of products at a range of prices. No problem here.

Hi Phil, Appreciate this video! I have a question; how does the Marshall studio vintage compare to your 2061? Thanks!

Lovely unit...keeps it nice and simple. Unhappily not for us retirees on a fixed income, but great review.!

What Friedman Model is that Marshall sitting on? Have you/can you do a review on it? I am trying to narrow down my Friedman amp quest

I like your show

Phil, thanks for this video since as a guitar player its what i was looking for. I have a similar OX setup. Most M88 youtube videos are all generic and focused on features rather than use. So good work. Also, Do you notice that the OX headphone out always sounds great but that sound seems to loose something out thru analogue or spdif outs?

Apogee? I've used the Duet 2 for years and it's great and doesn't cost what the Neve does.

I also only use one input, rarely two, I was interested in the UA 476P for the built in compressor, little over kill, is it that much better than the 2 channel non compressor version? I’m using a Scarlett 2i2 first generation

Great video Phil! Do you have a video that explains the best way to utilize an OX? I'm kinda new to this as with recording and I want to get a better guitar tone out of GarageBand if possible. Lol I know.. I get shit for using GarageBand all the time.

Hi phil. Do you record only in mono with the Ox? I thought two cables are needed for Ox if you want to do mic panning

The Apollo Solo (AKA the Arrow before they renamed it) is also quite excellent and has Unison preamps that can do so many things. It's very simple to use and is thunderbolt-powered. Another suggestion if you want to record effects without using an actual effects loop is to record the dry signal and add real-time effects with your inserts or as a bus channel, which is how I record my Fender Bassbreaker 007 (also no effects loop or built-in reverb).

great vid sounds great what headphones would you recommend? i had a captorx then an ox and went back to captorx. could never connect wifi to ox. I play mostly through headphones so any suggestions. using beyerdynamic dt 900 pro

Would the Marshall 2061 be a good pairing with a single Celestian G12 EVH? Or is there a cheaper amp that would do just as well for that application?

Timely Phil - Just got an OX and was looking for an interface....

Usually, any musical equipment that costs 5x more than what you already have: will sound/perform/be MUCH better. KYG, but also work with KY$L [$L=money limitations]

A little confused here. I am looking for an interface to use garage band in my iMac. The Neve is too pricey. Will the Volt2 do what I want to do?

This sounds like my last 2 months. I got an Apollo and Im never looking back.

So the ox role would be for cab emulation and attenuation? Thx!

Here is a comment so you make money. This is why loyal subscribers that view every video, like and comment, are always better than Patreons.

I've got a Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen that I use for live looping in Ableton. Basically I wanted the one with the most ins and outs that could still be powered by USB bus power. This Volt is only $10 more and seems to have an extra monitor out. I may try to sell my 4i4 now and try this one out.

Does that interface have SPDIF inputs? Your ox would be more enjoyable with a SPDIF input interface to minimize AD conversion.

Phil, sounds good. I use my Presonus interface or my Line 6 ux1 or 2 with no loss of volume or tone.

Dude... that is a lot of money! But it's good to know that audio interfaces do make a difference on the tone.

Hello, your Alabama fan here. Look will you do a PRS MT15, PRS HENDRIX 20 Comparison..... They are kinda the same tube wise... Just more in the MT 15.... And I'm guess gain knob. I bet I wouldn't be the only one that would love that video...I have the MT 15. But I'd have to save up to get my curly little far fingers on one of the Hendrix 20's. Ok I'm still here, and still loving all you and the Mess are doing!!!

What software are you using for recording? This is my barrier currently.

When is Behringer coming out with a clone 😏

It would be nice to A/B the Neve and the Volt to hear the sound difference

Sounds great. But why not record directly from the Ox, as I understand it can do that, right? Why plug the Ox into another interface?

I can’t believe it took this long for analog inserts to be added to I/O boxes!! 🤯

Hey Phil, checkout the redseven amp central, it has an effects loop in the load box.

I'm having this exact same issue. I'm using an old PreSonus AudioBox that I got used for cheap. I wouldn't have thought that maybe it's my interface.

Those new Neve interfaces are absolutely incredible! Way too pricey for me unfortunately. I currently own the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Gen 2, and when recording direct (Hi-Z) into the front pre's, particularly for using plug-in amp sims is well, ok. Mic'ing a SM57&MXL 990 on a cab to the front pre's is great, but for line level signals via an amp's "record out", a modeling units L/R outs, or a load box/digital IR signal? I completely bypass the front panel preamps and use the line in channels (or occasionally SPDIF) on the back of the unit. I believe the latest Focusrite Gen 3 interfaces alleviated that "thinning out" issue you're describing by adding the new "Air" switch feature on the front of all models. I have yet to try a Gen3 Scarlett or that feature, but I can confirm from experience that the older Scarlett series (Gen1 & 2) interface preamps did sometimes just do something weird to direct guitar signals. Especially with active pickups. My guess is they just didn't have enough headroom or anticipate them needing to cope with slightly higher output levels. My guess is that "thinning" may be the result of an input protective limiting capacitor? Maybe? IDK to be honest. However, knowing about those issues going in? I've been able to work around it as mentioned above, and I saved quite a pretty penny as I bought my Gen2 right as the Gen3 debuted at a substantial discount. Even with it's limitations? This Scarlett's been lightyears above my first interface (an original Presonus Audiobox USB). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Great content Phillip! Cheers!

UA 2192 is an audiophile level A/D. Universal Audio makes some great gear. Not all their gear is great but much of it is.

The "low" headphone amp volume will be down to the resistance of the headphones you're using, rather than the output of the headphone amp within the Neve.

now we need Julian Krause to get a hold of one to test

I really don't want an audio interface because I want to record- though I'm sure I would get into that eventually- what I really want is just the ability to use plugins on my guitar while playing live. Not that I play in a band, I just mean when I'm practicing- sitting around jamming- I want to be able to apply all these crazy plugins and presets. Yes, I realize I could get pedals but- I think you're cheaper to get an audio interface and be able to use plugins. For around 100-150 bucks you can get these packages with several different amps and effects in them. And the initial investment is only around 300-400 bucks- that will get you a great audio interface, monitors, and a DAW with a few plugins to get started with, recording software, etc. Now you can add a beat to work on your timing, you can add bass tracks, etc.- it's not going to sound perfect but, plenty good enough for practice. Being able to practice that way- with something to keep time, a bass track, etc.- makes a huge, huge difference. So does having the right tone on your guitar- the right sound will make you want to play, it will inspire all kinds of ideas and give you the juice to pursue them. The wrong tone or the same old tone you're bored with- does nothing, you have to make yourself play and when you do- you play the same old cliché lines over and over.

Dang Phillip you just hit my I gotta have one bone brother. My wife would not like you, but she hates my sweetwater rep!!!! Your safe because she doesn't know about your being a bad influence.

I just got a focusrite scarlet 2i2 😅 I hope it’s not as horrible as you say it is

Did you just go from speaker out into neve from the ox?

I don't understand... a DI shouldn't color the sound at all. If the Focusrite was, could it have a blown cap or some other component that was causing an issue? Before joining Phil in exploring the rabbit warren (I use a Presonus 24c) I'd love to see a comparison between his old 2i2 and a new one.

I would highly recommend audient products, id4 or id14 is perfect for home recording

Random question for anyone willing to help. I have the focusrite Scarlett and use it with the two notes captor with GarageBand. It sounds terrible IMO. Would anyone recommend buying the volt 2 or get a better recording program?

All of the words you just spoke are all English words. But I really have no idea what you just said... 😁 Great video.

I thought interface was sent by the Gods? Need a fret dressing ey?

I guess my question would why not use the very good delay from the Ox?

I am just getting into this stuff. My goal is to assemble the best bang for your buck KZfaqr plug and play kit. Solid audio and video in a turn key package, with or without lighting as well.

Not ganna lie I noticed the other videos did sound great.

When you play is sounds as good as anything coming from Pete Thorns channel and he obviously gets a fair amount of help. You are certainly as good as many channels that would be considered bigger, and better than some.

So is Focusrite Scarlett good at all?