sausy1981
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Changing interface
Hi guys, I'm thinking of getting a new interface and thought I'd get some opinions here first. Currently I'm using the roland quad capture and it has served me well but I'm looking for some more versatility. The quad capture has only one headphone jack and no seperate volume controller for headphones, it also only has 2 analogue inputs bot of which go through the preamp even with the input gain knob turned all the way down so not ideal for connecting external preamps and such. I have been looking at the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 which has 2 headphone outputs both with a seperate volume control, it has 2 line level inputs which are ideal for connecting external preamps and a few other things also, I was wondering how the focusrite drivers and interface interact with sonar. for example are they stable and is latency performance any good.
Thanks in advance guys.
Andrew
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batsbrew
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 14:28:36
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Mesh
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 14:37:08
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Hey Andrew, here's a thread about Focusrite interfaces: http://forum.cakewalk.com/Focusrite-Audio-Interface-m3303531.aspx I've been with Focusrite for almost 2 years (Win 8/8.1 Pro to now Win10 Pro) and their drivers are excellent (never had any issues) and installation was a piece of cake. I have the 2i4 (has 1 headphone input w/separate volume control) and the I/O's serve my needs well. Everyone raves about the 6i6 and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
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sausy1981
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 15:15:45
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Bflat5
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 15:40:23
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I just bought the 18i20... So far I love it!
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batsbrew
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 16:54:10
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WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?
(again.....)
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sausy1981
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/28 16:58:30
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batsbrew
WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?
(again.....)
Sorry man when I post from my phone it somehow posts 2 or 3 topics. With regards budget I'd go as much as 500 Euro but the focusrite 6i6 seems to tick all my box's. Sorry again for the multiple topic posts.
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JCB
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/31 08:39:07
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Hi Andrew, I recently purchased a Scarlett 6i6 and have only begun using it. Here is what I've found so far: I like the preamps - I find them clean, quiet and not harsh sounding. Buffer Size: 1 msec, 45 samples; Asio reported round trip latency is 7.8 msec, 343 samples. I'm still testing the system and so far I've only recorded 7 audio tracks with plugins (vocals, guitars) and two midi instrument tracks, so, very early days. I've no problems with latency so far (see also computer spec). I very much liked the bundled software, especially the Red 2 EQ - very clean without colouration. Unfortunately, it loses it's settings when you exit Sonar and boot up again. Focusrite have still to come back with a solution but in the meantime, a workaround is save settings within Red 2 to a Bank file and then open the file when you next use Sonar / Red 2 (not very handy but better than nothing?). Also, acoustic guitar sounds good with the Inst setting engaged but there is a high pitched interference in the background when using electric guitars (Les Paul) or electric bass (p-bass). I've tried the electric guitars through another preamp and there is no problem with the guitars. It doesn't occur with the computer switched off. Mic's work with no problems and the Line inputs are fine also. Focusrite have still to respond to my query regards this anomaly. There is an excellent video by Mark Warren on YouTube for Mixcontrol here: https://youtu.be/VDo7-fzzKtYHope this is helpful. John.
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fireberd
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Re: Changing interface
2015/10/31 09:46:07
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The Roland Octa-Capture would be a nice upgrade. They just lowered the price on these units, too. I paid around $700 when I got mine and I've seen $499 prices now.
That gives you 8 channels/preamps. It only has one headphone output but it also has a volume control for it. I use a separate headphone distribution amp so its not a problem.
I also have the higher priced Studio-Capture (my main unit) and it has two headphone outputs with separate volume controls for each.
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Mesh
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Re: Changing interface
2015/11/03 08:49:53
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fireberd
The Roland Octa-Capture would be a nice upgrade. They just lowered the price on these units, too. I paid around $700 when I got mine and I've seen $499 prices now.
That gives you 8 channels/preamps. It only has one headphone output but it also has a volume control for it. I use a separate headphone distribution amp so its not a problem.
I also have the higher priced Studio-Capture (my main unit) and it has two headphone outputs with separate volume controls for each.
Fireberd, isn't there a big issue with the lack of proper drivers for Win 10 with Roland's products? (I've seen a lot of Sonarites complaining about this) or has that been resolved now?
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sausy1981
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Re: Changing interface
2015/11/03 11:39:57
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JCB
Hi Andrew, I recently purchased a Scarlett 6i6 and have only begun using it. Here is what I've found so far: I like the preamps - I find them clean, quiet and not harsh sounding. Buffer Size: 1 msec, 45 samples; Asio reported round trip latency is 7.8 msec, 343 samples. I'm still testing the system and so far I've only recorded 7 audio tracks with plugins (vocals, guitars) and two midi instrument tracks, so, very early days. I've no problems with latency so far (see also computer spec).
I very much liked the bundled software, especially the Red 2 EQ - very clean without colouration. Unfortunately, it loses it's settings when you exit Sonar and boot up again. Focusrite have still to come back with a solution but in the meantime, a workaround is save settings within Red 2 to a Bank file and then open the file when you next use Sonar / Red 2 (not very handy but better than nothing?). Also, acoustic guitar sounds good with the Inst setting engaged but there is a high pitched interference in the background when using electric guitars (Les Paul) or electric bass (p-bass). I've tried the electric guitars through another preamp and there is no problem with the guitars. It doesn't occur with the computer switched off. Mic's work with no problems and the Line inputs are fine also. Focusrite have still to respond to my query regards this anomaly.
There is an excellent video by Mark Warren on YouTube for Mixcontrol here:
https://youtu.be/VDo7-fzzKtY
Hope this is helpful.
John.
Thanks for the great info man. I never record direct into the interface so its fine, I'm really looking at the line inputs and the 2 headphone outputs. Thanks so much for your reply. Andrew
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AT
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Re: Changing interface
2015/11/03 13:37:06
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Just to muddy up the waters a bit more, the new TASCAM 20X20 has two headphone outputs and 2 line inputs on the back, skipping the combo mic preamp/lines on the front. It sounds pretty good and is available in the US for $500.
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