Audio Interface for guitar and voice.

[GregB]

Looking for some advice on an interface to record to an iPad with GarageBand,

Should I go with this :-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Audio-Interface/dp/B07QNZ3XT3/ref=psdc_407821031_t1_B07QR73T66

Or just the 2i2 and an alternative microphone.

I already have half decent headphones so would likely use the Scarlett ones elsewhere.

Seems the studio set requires less effort and should be guaranteed compatible for a novice.

Or would the focus ride solo or solo studio suffice ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Audio-Interface/dp/B07QTDKS59/ref=psdc_407821031_t1_B07QR73T66?th=1

[Majik]

The studio packs will give you convenience. There should be no real benefit in terms of "compatibility" as long as you get a standard microphone with an XLR interface.

If you want to record both mic and instrument at the same time I believe the solo won't let you do this. I believe it only lets you record one input at a time and you have to select between the instrument input or the mic.

The 2i2 lets you record both at the same time. You could also record two instruments at the same time (e.g. guitar and bass).

Cheers,

Keith

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[Rossco01]

I'd go with the 2i2 as it's more flexible. I got the studio pack years ago and it's stood the test of time. I still use the interface and headphones today. I use the condenser mic less as it'll pick up everything in the room...it's very sensitive. Great for atmosphere but if you've got any external noise it'll pick it up. I tend to use a shure dynamic mic most of the time as it'll be more focussed on my voice. I don't think you can beat the pre-amps for the price on the 2i2.

[J.W.C.]

I'd get the 2i2. Having the two XLR inputs is worth it, in my opinion.

I'm not sure about the studio pack. I'd probably be inclined to just get the 2i2 by itself and buy mics, separately. But I can see how getting the pack would be nice and convenient.

[stitch101]

Another vote for the 2i2. Easy to set up and use.

[GregB]

The studio packs will give you convenience. There should be no real benefit in terms of "compatibility" as long as you get a standard microphone with an XLR interface.

If you want to record both mic and instrument at the same time I believe the solo won't let you do this. I believe it only lets you record one input at a time and you have to select between the instrument input or the mic.

The 2i2 lets you record both at the same time. You could also record two instruments at the same time (e.g. guitar and bass).

Cheers,

Keith

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I might be wrong but I thought you could record guitar and mic inputs at the same time on the solo and the 2i2 allows two instruments at the same time as well as the same option as the solo. If I’m right anf that’s not certain, what’s the benefit of the 2i2 over the solo for a mic and guitar ?

[close2u]

Definitely get the 2i2 either standalone or in a bundle.
I got the Solo and it has 2 inputs but crucially one is XLR only and the other is 1/4" only.
The 2 inputs on the 2i2 are both XLR & 1/4" giving more options long term.

The Solo can record from both inputs simultaneously btw.

[Majik]

The Solo can record from both inputs simultaneously btw.

I wasn't sure on this, because I thought it could, but then an article I checked explicitly said it couldn't.

https://www.soundmaximum.com/scarlett-solo-vs-2i2/

Seems like they, and I, were wrong.

Cheers,

Keith



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[DarrellW]

I’ve got the Solo studio pack, it definitely can record guitar and mic at the same time into GarageBand, for the price it’s a great piece of kit, it is also easy to use. Would I go for the 212 in retrospect? Probably not, I doubt that I would find the need to do that unless I had a jam partner.
See this:
https://focusrite.com/en/scarlett-for-guitarists

[GregB]

I wasn't sure on this, because I thought it could, but then an article I checked explicitly said it couldn't.

https://www.soundmaximum.com/scarlett-solo-vs-2i2/

Seems like they, and I, were wrong.

Cheers,

Keith



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A rare occurrence indeed Keith.

[GregB]

I’ve got the Solo studio pack, it definitely can record guitar and mic at the same time into GarageBand, for the price it’s a great piece of kit, it is also easy to use. Would I go for the 212 in retrospect? Probably not, I doubt that I would find the need to do that unless I had a jam partner.
See this:
https://focusrite.com/en/scarlett-for-guitarists

Thanks Darrell, I’ll have read of that in a bit.

So he only advantage of the 2i2 is for a second player to join in too ?

Are you happy with the mic in the kit ?

[close2u]

... So he only advantage of the 2i2 is for a second player to join in too ?

I would say no to that.
There will be / may be recording situations when you want to record two XLR sources simultaneously yourself.
For example vocal on mic 1 and guitar on mic 2 (as opposed to vocal on Mic 1 and guitar going direct in to the interface).
Or indeed two separate mics on your guitar - one pointed at the neck one at the soundhole.
You can do this with the Solo but only if you run a mic that has XLR one end and 1/4" the other or use an XLR to 1/4" adapter.

There may also be occasions when you want to run two 1/4" jacks in.

[GregB]

I would say no to that.
There will be / may be recording situations when you want to record two XLR sources simultaneously yourself.
For example vocal on mic 1 and guitar on mic 2 (as opposed to vocal on Mic 1 and guitar going direct in to the interface).
Or indeed two separate mics on your guitar - one pointed at the neck one at the soundhole.
You can do this with the Solo but only if you run a mic that has XLR one end and 1/4" the other or use an XLR to 1/4" adapter.

There may also be occasions when you want to run two 1/4" jacks in.

Thanks Richard, not sure I’ll use the options you suggest but then I can’t if I wanted to and don’t have them. I guess it boils down to do I want To pay an extra £60 for something I may use in the future.

[J.W.C.]

My advice is to spend the extra to get the two dual XLR & 1/4" inputs. It will simply give you more options when you're recording, and I'd bet you'll make use of it (probably sooner than you might imagine).

[RC23]

I have the Presonus Audiobox iTwo but for the Scarletts I would definitely go the 2i2 with two dual XLR & 1/4" inputs.

Having the combined XLR & 1/4" gives many more options.

[DarrellW]

So he only advantage of the 2i2 is for a second player to join in too ?
Are you happy with the mic in the kit ?

1) Others have pointed out the advantages of getting the more expensive one, I agree if you think you’re going to want it.
2) It’s a reasonably decent mic, there are obviously better ones but at a price, I had already got a retro style Sure mic 🎙 that’s better but for most purposes it’s fine.

[GregB]

So I’ve stalled on this somewhat, that is until my good lady wife asked what I wanted for Chrimbo so she’s ordered me a 2i2.

Does any one know if I can use the Katana air headphone / Rec out to input into the 2i2 before that outputs to the iPad ?

[Majik]

I know it's a bit late, but for others who visit this thread, I recently picked up a Behringer UMC204HD for some testing I was doing, and it's a lovely little thing.

Cheers,

Keith

[Matt125]

This might work.

It has 6 inputs (1/8th inch) and 6 outputs for headphones.  It can be used for silent jamming as well as recording onto the ipad using garageband.

TC Helicon Blender
https://www.tc-helicon.com/product.html?modelCode=P0CPR

Review
https://mixdownmag.com.au/reviews/mixers/reviewed-tc-helicon-blender-portable-mixer/

https://www.andertons.co.uk/live-pa/pa-systems/live-mixers/tc-helicon-blender-stereo-usb-mixer-audio-interface-with-6-inputs-4-headphone-outputs

[tobyjenner]

I know it's a bit late, but for others who visit this thread, I recently picked up a Behringer UMC204HD for some testing I was doing, and it's a lovely little thing.

Cheers,

Keith

Also for others

There is also the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB bit bigger (about 8x10") but ...... 2 xlr, 2 qtr", 2 aux stereo channels for additional input (BT etc), facilitates FX loop across all 4/8 inputs and is £62. Only down side is it needs mains power, unlike my Q302USB that is solely USB powered. 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_xenyx_q802_usb.htm

[GregB]

So I’ve stalled on this somewhat, that is until my good lady wife asked what I wanted for Chrimbo so she’s ordered me a 2i2.

Does any one know if I can use the Katana air headphone / Rec out to input into the 2i2 before that outputs to the iPad ?

A big shout out to Majik Keith for helping me make this work with interface cables advice and setup guidance of my amp and 212.

Your knowledge is outstanding and you patience much appreciated. A real credit to the forum 👍

[Majik]

That's very kind. Happy to help where I can.

Cheers,

Keith

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