I used to connect my ART preamp into my Line 6 UX1 via an unbalanced cable into a analog input on the rear of the interface. I really liked it especially for my quiet acoustic fingerpicking.
 
I just used my 2i4 (1st gen) for the first time recording tonight and assumed the preamps were so far superior to the UX1, I wouldn't need the ART. However, if I were to connect the ART:
 
1.) Can I? It has no rear port analog input, so it would have to be connected via the front panel inputs.
2.) If this is OK, is the unbalanced cable into the instrument input OK, or would it be the XLR balanced into the Line input?
 
Much appreciated if anyone knows, I'd like to give this a go.

First pick for me would be XLR to Line in.
That's how I use external pres with my UFX.
 
T

DeeringAmps
First pick for me would be XLR to Line in.
That's how I use external pres with my UFX.
 
T

That's sounds good, how short do they make those cables? I just need 3"?
 
Anyway, I'm going to give it a try!
 
Many thanks!

Here's a 2' one at Sweetwater
 
T

DeeringAmps
Here's a 2' one at Sweetwater
 
T

Thanks for the link!
 
That's a TRS on the input though, and I was using balanced 1/4" on the UX1, which I suspect is OK on the focusrite front panel but not completely sure. The UX1 had separate analog inputs on the rear port apart from the front panel instrument and XLR inputs, the 2i4 does not.

robbyk

DeeringAmps
Here's a 2' one at Sweetwater
 
T

...
That's a TRS on the input though, and I was using balanced 1/4" on the UX1, which I suspect is OK on the focusrite front panel but not completely sure. ...

You suspect correctly. The combo jack on the front is there for you to plug in a TS or TRS.  When the switch is set to line, it'll have an input impedance that is appropriate (probably about 10k-ohms, but the manual doesn't specify) for a line level device to drive it properly.  Using the XLR connection is not optimal and exposes the external equipment to the accidental application/damage from 48v phantom power. 

I'm glad Gary chimed in there. 
You have to be very careful when hooking up any 2 devices that have 48 Volt Phantom. 
It's almost the safest to use a plain short patch cable un balanced.   
 
One cool thing you can do with the Art is use the line out to your audio interface and use the XLR out and go to a small mixer for monitoring.  
That's how I have mine hooked up. I use a Mackie Mix 8 for headphones. I run my 3/4 output from my Scarlett into a stereo channel of ther Mix 8. And then with both my Art and My Joe Meek pre amps they have the extra output running as XLR to the Mix 8 too.  I can dial in any level I want. I use the Joe Meek for vocals and the Art for the guitar. My Acoustic has a passive LR Baggs PU and the Art fattens it up along with my Radial Tone Bone.  
I go from the Art to the Tonebone using a short patch cord. The Tonebone has all sorts of outputs but I use another short patch cord into my back line input of my interface. 
That' s why it's mandatory for me to have the 4 inputs. I can leave everything plugged in. 

Very cool and helpful responses, time to gear up and check these out! Wahoo!

GaryMedia

robbyk

DeeringAmps
Here's a 2' one at Sweetwater
 
T

...
That's a TRS on the input though, and I was using balanced 1/4" on the UX1, which I suspect is OK on the focusrite front panel but not completely sure. ...

You suspect correctly. The combo jack on the front is there for you to plug in a TS or TRS.  When the switch is set to line, it'll have an input impedance that is appropriate (probably about 10k-ohms, but the manual doesn't specify) for a line level device to drive it properly.  Using the XLR connection is not optimal and exposes the external equipment to the accidental application/damage from 48v phantom power. 

So from the ART, use a "TRS into the focusrite with the switch set to line (not instrument?)" and, of course, phantom power off?

Cactus Music
 
That's how I have mine hooked up. I use a Mackie Mix 8 for headphones. I run my 3/4 output from my Scarlett into a stereo channel of ther Mix 8. And then with both my Art and My Joe Meek pre amps they have the extra output running as XLR to the Mix 8 too.  I can dial in any level I want. I use the Joe Meek for vocals and the Art for the guitar. My Acoustic has a passive LR Baggs PU and the Art fattens it up along with my Radial Tone Bone.  
I go from the Art to the Tonebone using a short patch cord. The Tonebone has all sorts of outputs but I use another short patch cord into my back line input of my interface. 
That' s why it's mandatory for me to have the 4 inputs. I can leave everything plugged in. 

That is really cool. I have long admired Joe Meek and Radial equipment as well as the LR Baggs. Now I have something more to shoot for! Wow!