VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Zach Meissner · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:18 pm Post subject: Am I doing this in the best way?

I'm new to this VO stuff, and I want to make sure I'm making the right chain of connections.

I have a Art MP Tube Preamp and a Scarlett 2i2.

My question is going from the preamp into the Scarlett. Take a look at the pictures for connection reference.

Currently I'm going from the preamp into the Scarlett with an XLR cable, but should I be using a balanced TRS cable to go from the preamp into the scarlett to get line input?

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:33 pm Post subject:

TRS and XLR are the same thing (internally). Doesn't matter really, they are both balanced.

My question for you is...why are you using two interfaces? They both have a preamp and USB connection. Pick one.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

My question would be: is the preamp in the ArtMP that much better than the Focusrite?

Bob Stevens · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Zach,

Yes. My understanding is that 2i2 switches into a line in mode by using a TS or TRS. The 2i2 is one of the few entry level usb pres that have a true line in, bypassing the preamp. Look at the graphic in the manual showing a keyboard. That is your configuration. The switch on the channel must be on line not guit. You can do damage by running a pre through a pre if your not careful.

Without getting technical think of any amplified signal as line level. ex.. Keyboard, synth, stereo, output of a preamp. Non amplified sources, mics, guitars, etc all require different handling. The big no-no is plugging a line level source into a jack designed for a non amplified source.

Jason's "why both?" is a good question. Tube color perhaps? Keep in mind that each additional piece of gear you put in the chain is going to add it's own color and NOISE to your end result. I have found all the lower end ART tube stuff to be too noisy for VO, for me anyway.

What kind of microphone are you using?

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

heyguido · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 7:55 am Post subject:

No. Yes. No. No..... and No.

1. Both units are combo mic pre and converter interfaces. Redundant.
2. Jason gets it. Pick one.
3. The ART pre is not better than the Focusrite.... but not much worse.
4. The Focusrite line input does not bypass the pre.
5. Doubling the gain on a noisy source only yields more noise. Pointless.
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agettig · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 8:20 am Post subject:

I agree that picking one to use is a good idea, but you might keep the other one around as a spare. The 2i2 is a decent little box. I had it for awhile but got rid of it because it's one of only a couple of interfaces known to not work with Source Connect.

If those were here at the Gettig Ranch, I'd use the 2i2 primarily and keep the ART for a spare. That is the good kind of redundancy. Wink

Bob Stevens · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 10:45 am Post subject:

Regarding 2l2 line level input info.. From the specs:

Mic
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
THD+N < 0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) < -120dB: measured at 55dB of gain with 150Ω termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Gain Range +10dB to +55dB
Max Input Level -3dBu

Line
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N <0> 100dB
Gain Range -10dB to +35dB
Max Input Level +20dBu

It may not truly be bypassing all pre gain stages but it does accept line level where most pres don't and can properly attenuate the line level signal.

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Zach Meissner · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:14 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Here's some answers as to why I have both of them.

I had the Art preamp first and after I replaced the stock tube in it, it really sounds alot better. I like the warmth that I get from it. I put a Tungsol 12AX7 tube in it. Thus, I just kept it when I got the scarlett, not really thinking much of it until now.

The reason why I need the scarlett is because that's what connects to my monitors, M-Audio CX5's. The Art tube doesn't have monitor outs, that's why I can't use it as my only interface.

Yes I could just use the scarlett, true, although I like the way the tube sounds and I would still run into this concept (preamp into interface), as I move up the chain to more expensive setups - albeit they're much higher quality.

I'm using an Oktavamod MK-319 mic, going into Audition.

So thus my question of going between the two. I agree it makes sense to use one, however it would have to only be the scarlett because of the monitor outputs.

When going into the line in the scarlett, does it matter if it's Art tube XLR-> Scarlett TRS ? Or should it be TRS -> TRS? Or does just switching it to LINE on the front enable this? I see that it does switch internally somehow, just not sure if that's only triggered by a TRS cable.

New to all this stuff.... thanks for the patience!

Bob Stevens · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:59 am Post subject:

Zach,

You need a TRS into the 2i2. That switches/triggers it into line/inst mode (dependent on the front switch). XLR in is mic pre only. So, best would be TRS-TRS or XLR-TRS. I have walked this same path before... Smile

SOP is to run your first pre as hot as you can to your liking then trim the 2i2 to your preferred levels in your DAW.

Also, no 48v on the 2i2 and make sure all your levels are down/off when plugging.

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Zach Meissner · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 1:26 pm Post subject:

Bob Stevens · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 1:54 pm Post subject:

I didn't bring up balanced or unbalanced as to avoid confusion. Now that you ask...

Your 1/4" TS will work as well as your XLR to 1/4" TS. Those are unbalanced cables. I always opt for balanced cables if I can. You would be amazed by the difference a high quality cable can make. And I don't mean balanced or un I mean quality. Mogami, Clark, Canare, Litz etc..

Bob
_________________
"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Zach Meissner · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:20 pm Post subject:

Bob Stevens · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 2:37 pm Post subject:

Yes.

For a short cable run the reality is that it is probably a mute point. (pardon the pun).

I am serious though about cable quality. It is hands down the most bang for the buck you can get. Invest in some good cables.
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 3:32 pm Post subject:

While cable quality is important, high price is not indicative of great quality. Mogami cables are great, but at the same gauge of wire and build Road Hog cables blow them away in value. Copper is copper, and a $60 cable with 24 gauge wire will sound identical to a $15 cable with 24 gauge wire (providing the build quality is comparable). Get good cables, yes, buy don't spend a million bucks...it's a waste of money.

The Road Hog cables have the EXACT same warranty as Monster Cable. Just bring em back, get a new one, no questions asked. They also have stellar build quality and gold plated connections.