Hi Warren. THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this. I abandoned my $200 online course when i stumbled on your channel! You're amazing!!! I used to record with the mic connected to an audio interface & then to DAW, without any problems. But i recently acquired a preamp. You talked about running the mic into the preamp & then into the 1/4"TRS line input of the audio interface. I could record with the mic when i did this, but there wasn't any sound in my headphones. I use Art Pro MPAii preamp connected to Avid Mbox3 Pro. So, i tried running the same connection into the mic input (instead of line input) on the Mbox3 Pro; it has a XLR/ TRS1/4" input combo for mic & DI. Everything worked fine. I was able to track audio & hear myself through the headphones at the same time. I even realized i had cleaner vocals: & I'm sure I'm not using the preamp in the interface, because I'm using a condenser mic & the only phantom power turned on is that of Art MPAii. Is this signal flow acceptable? Or is it prone to damage my gear as time goes on? And maybe I'm not setting something correctly causing the lack of sound in the headphone when connected to the line input. HELP!!!
Wow! Thank you ever so much! I'm so glad to be able to help! Yes, if the phantom is sending from the Art and you are hearing the mic then it is working properly my friend!
Hi Warren, Can you please go over signal flow when recording through digital mixer (bypassing processing and dynamic) into interface into analog gear into DAW and return to mixer from DAW? I have not seen any videos that really go over this flow since many people track, mix and master in the box.
Dude, that was some insane chicken pickin! I loved that. Thank you for your videos, what a wealth of knowledge. And you don't suck at teaching either. Ø Microphone! Ø Tone Beast TB12 Pre-amp Ø Behringer Ultragraph Pro EQ Ø Warm Audio WA76 Ø Audient iD14 interface - Reaper
Anyone listening in 2020? I just got a Focusrite Scarlett Solo with a Focusrite condenser and headphones set. The cool thing about the Scarlett is that it got an integrated preamp and analog/digital interfase. I got it during the pandemic and use it mostly to record me and my friends playing music for mass. Since we cannot meet they send me their recordings and I mix them in pro tools first. Then I send the “máster” to the video technician and he plays it at cue.
I have a question on setting volume levels. For instance, I run the mic through my preamp (has volume settings), into my audio interface (vole settings as well), into the track that has gain ability. What's the best way to get the purest/best signal?
Hi +Robert McClellan That's a big question! It depends, because if yu have a great pre you might want to push it hard or you might want to keep it super clean. For cleanest results have the output gain fully up and then adjust the input gain/sensibility! I hope that helps? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Hey Warren, thanks so much for these videos, man. I've got a home studio and I've been teaching myself stuff for quite a while, but your videos are more helpful than most in the way you show us everything. Seeing things is such an immense help. Anyway, I have sort of a follow-up question to Robert's. I understand what you just said about pushing your preamp (I record my bass through a UA 6176, and I record my guitars through an Axe Fx Ultra and then from there into one of the new UA Apollo 8's. What I've never been clear on is what the optimal input volume levels are inside ProTools for guitar and bass. Any tips?
Hi Warren, love your channel! what do you find to be the biggest advantage soundwise in using an external preamp instead of the build in? A lot of times I hear it sounds 'better' and I'm sure it does, but I want to know how exactly it sounds better? hope you can help answer my question, thanks!
Who also checked his Mailbox at 3:00 min? :-) Great video. Today not so useful for me because I've done that a thousand times before, but still: I love your videos! Thumbs up!
Having a small home studio and using a usb mixer as my interface, the BAE preamp is well above my budget. Are there any more affordable mic preamps you would recommend for the small home studio?
Thanks a lot for tons of useful videos! It's really inspiring me to do something new for me and to try new techniques! The one thing I still don't get is "How to connect mixing console to DAW?"( for hybrid mixing and so on). How we can record and then mix on the same console without repatching cables and other stuff? Many thanks for attention :)
Hi Чикунов Максим thanks for watching and thanks for the great question! I do go out analog out of my interface so that will use cables, depending on how you break it out. I use an HD system with the SSL which has 40 outputs. I hope that helps. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
I'm really enjoying my SM 58 over the Samson C01U usb mic i had. It's not only better not being usb ,but i like having the freedom to shape my sound with this dynamic mic compared to a condenser dealing with noise getting picked up and having to be really careful about mic placement. I'm starting to learn how to sing in a dynamic mic and really like that it doesn't sound too much if you get really close and i have a natural really bass kind of voice so it was really annoying using condenser mics for me and dealing with that really loud AC i need on or i'll melt with all my equipment. Later on when i get a better place for recording i'll try out condenser mics as well as ribbon mics. Also you said you did Cartoon music?
Hi blood lord great! Yes a good dynamic mic can be an amazing go to! Some of the best acoustic sounds I've done have been done with a dynamic mic, so it's not always necessary to use extremely expensive mics to get a great result. Yes I've written music for cartoons etc, I'm always doing multiple projects, I'm truly blessed! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Im using a motu 828x interface. I have an ART Voice Channel, a Pro MPA II pre and a PRO VLA II....I changed the tubes in them as the originals are very clean sounding. I wanted to add a little more mids and such and the tubes are doing a nice job of it. I have Makie mrk8 mk2 speakers. I use Samplitute Pro2 for my DAW. I really like the way everything sounds and the usability of it all.
Hi Ronny George fantastic! You are the perfect example of someone who knows how to use his equipment and get the best out of it! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey man I’m learning so much from you and enjoying your videos immensely Only one thing annoys me - As a subscriber and email lister, I’d prefer it if you pitched at the outtro That’s all Peace and love from Bristol, England
Another good video Warren. I'd like to relate a trap that I fell into with an interface that might help some viewers. I was using a Scarlet 2i2 and ran an XLR cable from a preamp to the Combi connector on the 2i2 resulting in saturating the 2i2 input and I couldn't figure out what was going on.. What I didn't realize is that those Combi XLR/1/4" panel connectors on the 2i2 are auto switching depending on what kind of plug is inserted. Insert an XLR and you go through the 2i2 preamp and insert a 1/4" and you bypass it. Users should read their manuals closely and be aware of the input functions. Thanks
DoItYourselfMusician dude - was just going to post a question re this subject - so to lay things out stupidly simply - combo xlr/1/4trs inputs on an interface... xlr utilises the interface's preamp and using an 1/4 trs bypasses the interface's preamp? i've just reread your post - and this is what you are saying lol. just had another look through the saffire pro40 manual and can't see any mention of this.. you reckon that's standard across all xlr/1/4" inputs?
thesensoryman I don't know if it is standard across all these types of inputs or not. IIRC there was mention of this on the Focusrite help site too. I have a Pro 40 myself these days so I just use the line ins for preamps and use the combi's for mics only.
you star, and a tip of the hat to warren for making a point of the 2 input methods on the BAE pre.. the pro40 is a work horse and been using x2 universal audio 4-710ds via adat (work at 48k these days) and forcing another 4-710d via xlr through 4 of the pro40's 8 channels - it didn't feel right doing that and felt i was double preamping a some really good mic pres (UA). i mailed focusright after reading your post to get some info from the 'horses mouth', so to speak.. 2 years i've been using it like that - jeez.. thanks all and peace to you :)
DoItYourselfMusician +Produce Like A Pro (couldn't sus multiple response....) here's the response from focusrite: Using the jack input on the Pro 40 (or any of our Saffire/Scarlett interfaces) does not fully bypass the mic pre. The signal still passes through a part of the preamp. However the inputs are so clean that using the line input for an external preamp for example, will not affect or "colour" the signal. For the cleanest input path on the line input you should set the gain control to about 4.5. At this point there is no added gain or attenuation so will not affect the signal at all. The only way to get a full true bypass of the preamps would be by using a digital input i.e adat or spdif. so - food for thought.... i turn the pro40 vol all the way to zero le hero...
At the moment I am recording in a spare bedroom of my house. I have a Fender Machete 50w head with the speaker in a lined packing crate in the corner of the room. inside set just off center is Sennheiser e109 condenser and I double that with the amp's di out. that way I get the thump and noise from the mic and cab and the intenation from the Di. it works well and best of all it doesn't upset the neighbors :-)
So, does the TRS plug actually change the impedance level, even though both XLR and TRS are balanced signals? Here's my signal flow: Mic into PreAmp > PreOut into Compressor > CompOut to Interface (with XLR). It's a Scarlett 2i2, so no "Mic In" option, only Line and Instrument. Should I change that last step and go into the Interface using a TRS plug? Fantastic channel, Warren, love all your videos. Thanks a lot!
Hi Jason Costabile great question! I would use the built in Mic Pres and then upgrade as you grow as an Engineer/Producer. A class A Mic Pre like a 1073 etc will definitely give you a fatter sound due to discrete electronics and transformer balanced inputs and outputs. If that sounds like Chinese to you don't despair you'll learn gradually as you get better and better! Enjoy the journey it's a great one! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
My Current guitar setup, typically my Detemple Stratocaster into my Jim Kelley amp through a Royer 122 and a 57 into a BAE 1073 into a Matrix Halo ULN-8 into my DAW (Studio One professional). At the end of the day, my tone depends on the mic placement and Im still learning and up for all suggestions. I am happy with my current chain and my guitars and amps which range from the above to Marshalls, Fenders, Bogners and Vox and hand made Stratocasters to Gold top LP's and Tele's. Love your show Warren.
Hi +Jak Leyton Fantastic set up I'm sure it sounds fantastic!! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Drew, marvellous question! Really depends on the patching! It would primarily be the output. If I'm going to my interface which is patched into my patch bay then I'll go XLR out to TRS. If on the input I want to go from a mic pre to a compressor then again I would go int the path bay where my compressors are located with a TRS. There are many reasons why I would use a TRS, but the Pacth bay is the short answer! Have a marvellous New Year!
Hi Warren! Would be possible to record in an average quality with just a mic and a preamp into the computer?? I mean without using an interface. Very informative and helpful video, as always!
Hi End Ika thanks for the comment! Yes that would work depending on the sound card in the computer and how you can access it. What sound card does your computer have? Is it just a mini jack input? Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Hello again Warren, My computer has two mini jack inputs in the front (mic and phones input) and three more at the back (blue, green and red). Which one should I use to record? Or is it better to use an XLR-USB Adapter to record this way? Thank you very much for your answer!
Hi End Ika my gut is for simplicity and to get the best results I would try the USB option as you want have any impedance issues. Let me know how it goes! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
The XLR from the mic is preamped by the external preamp, putting it into the XLR input would preamp it again, thats why he put its into the 1/4" because it has no preamp.
This made me realize that I had a flaw in my signal path. My original setup was an AKG414 into a LA-610 mk2 which goes to a mic-pre on the Apollo. I should have been sending that to a line input on the Apollo instead correct? But now that I am using the emulated mic-pre plugins on the Apollo should I just take the hardware preamp out of the path completely?
Hi Derek Whitaker I would try both! Go line in from the LA 610 and record a vocal, then try going straight in bypassing the the LA 610 and use simulators! Would love to know how the result come out! Please let us know. By the way please download the track from Chase and do a mix, would love to see would you could do with it! The competition is running until July 4th! Have a marvelous time recording and MIXING! Excited to hear what you guys do! Many thanks Warren
Thanks for the great question Ben Asaro I have the Mic facing across the cone, basically pointed at the center. It's just where it sounded the best to me. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Thanks Warren. Just curious, was the quarter inch adapter, necessary? I plug my ART preamp, into an XLR input, on my Focusrite. should I adapt & drop to quarter inch, into line input? Cheers & I hope your Marvelous, as well. Rob
No idea if I'm right but I'd assume going to the quarter inch will bypass the preamp in the interface, as the 1073 was the preamp being used in the example, sort of like FX loop on a guitar amp :)
Hi Warren When recording with an interface, what guidelines do you have for input level? Should the signal not peak over a certain level (except for 0 dBFS of course) or is the level irrelevant as long as it doesn't clip? Also, I have a Scarlett 2i2. What external Mic pre do you suggest me checking out? I mainly record DI-tracks at home. Thanks a lot!
Cheers Waren😊 One question id i can steel som of your time. If i use good old SM 57, can i plug it straight into my interface(Lexicon Alpha), without using mic preamp? Like so: Amp cab -> SM 57-> AI -> DAW (laptop). Thank you in advance!
Hi ChrystAL Sahacic Thanks for the great question! Does your interface have a mic pre? Then of course you don;t have to use another extern mic pre unless you need/want another flavour of sound. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Just discovered this channel, and perfect timing. I've always done home recordings very guerilla style. I want to improve it all. I purchased an 8 channel M-Audio MTRACK 8, which connects via USB. I've been plugging all the mics directly into that. How important is the preamp (you used a DMP, which has a hefty price tag)? Why would it be better than what's built into the MTRACK 8? Should I put one in front of every mic in a live setting (ie, vocals, guitars, drums, etc), or is it most recommended for vocals for example? I'd love a little more color on that. And, do you have any recommendations for a mic preamp that's a lower cost?
Hi CorwynsWorld great question! Yes that seems to be a big topic of conversation! Yes the XLR is mic level and and the 1/4" is line level such as the output from a Mic Pre etc. I hope that helps. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Because if you plugged it into the XLR input of the audio interface you'd be preamping it twice, you put it into the line level because its already preamped.
Hi Paul Schmdit I'm plugging the instrument into the 1/4 input and the Mic into the XLR input. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it! Warren
For tracking with my mic pre, I use an API 512C into a Focusrite Pro40. When converting from Mic level to line level, would it be better to convert the cabling of the 512 output to 1/4" and then plug that into the Pro 40? Or plug the XLR into the Pro 40 and push the Inst on the channel? Thanks!
Will a dedicated pre amp for the mike signal be the best way to get a good recording? I have now only a cheap focusrite Scarlett interface. And a cheap condenser mike.
Hi Warren,I bought a pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones and used them with a M-audio Mobile Pre audio interface. when I connected the mics to it via XLR cables, I noticed for one of the mics that when I added just a little bit of gain, there was way too much signal, and one of the LEDs was flashing red. Plus, at random times, this problem tends to happen and then disappear. The other microphone works fine with normal gain settings. Do you know what might be causing this to occur and why?Thanks
If he had just gone from the BAE 1073 in the interface without the quarter inch adapter mic preamp, would the sound quality be that of the interfaces mic preamp?
Hi Ts Orgil Thanks very much for your great question I really appreciate it! It really depends on what the line input is. If the line input is on the interface is a 1/4 inch then that's what is best, often the XLR input is only mic level. So basically it depends if there is an XLR line input or not! I hope that all makes sense? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren: Awesomeness! (As ever) I record amp-sims. What do you think about recording amp sims through an external pre to grit up the sound a bit? And/Or using a plugin like Slate VCC (console modelling) to do a similar thing, and where might you put this in the chain? Lastly... do you think you might be able to do a vid on getting amp-sims to sound more like real amps? I've tried something recently, by adding a short 250ms d-verb after and printing that for 'pushing air'/room sound. Do you have tricks for mixing amp sims like this (eg rolling of a certain frequency from the top end)? Super appreciate your videos and time! Thank you!
Hi Simon Adams great question indeed! Yes agreed Amp Simulators can sound a little brittle, I find the McDSP Analog channel really helps me A LOT, you can simulate different tape machines and use the bias control to sweeten the top end so it's not quite as brittle. Also the Fairchild Compressor will pull in some of the excessive highs, but my main plug in I've been using for years to improve Amp Sims is the Analog Channel. Yes great idea a little Verb panned opposite the guitar will add space and help the guitar amp sim feel less alien sounding in the mix! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Also - as a random recommendation to you, if you don't have it: BIAS by Positive Grid is a relatively new and impressive amp sim. I like it a lot. Light on CPU and has an amp matching feature, so you can get close to your real amps.
I've just recently started exploring the amp sims in my DAW (dp8) but have noticed that I have to crank the trim on the MOTU just to get a faint signal. Does a D.I. box fix this, or do I have to go buy an external preamp?
Hi Warren, cheers from a fan in Brazil! And thanks a lot for the quality lessons, I can't express how greateful I am! I have one question about the connection between my preamp and my interface. I recently bought a presonus BlueTube preamp andalso presonus interface Audiobox USB96, and I have been using XLR outputs of the preamp going straight into the XLR inputs on my interface and althgough it sounds fine I do have to turn the input gain in the interface all the way down and still need to keep the signal coming out of the preamp very low in order not to clip the input on the interface. Is this normal? I just watched another video about this exactly issue ( watch?v=vd37pGAKg4U ) and the guy says this is not the best way of connecting the tow equipments and I should use a DirectBox between my preamp and the interface to turn the signal into a "line" signal going into the interface. Is this correct? Or are there other ways to connect my preamp and interface? Thanks, sorry if my question is a bit long and or confusing...
Oh, rewatching this video I think you answered my question at around 4:30... I'm gonna try that adapter tip you showed and post the results here. I do believe many people are doing the same mistake I've been doing and this might help them...
Hi... got a question for you... I currently use a kemper... and have a Zoom Livetrak L20R If I want to record 4 tracks into the DAW, 2 stereo audio XLR out from kemper (with all efects etc) and 2 via SPDIF raw DI signals for re-amping later... What's your view on using two interfaces at the same time? (cuz the zoom doesn't have SPIDF) Do you know inexpensive interfaces to record 2 audio + 2 spdif ? Or should I get a second interface only for SPDIF and use both at the same time (is that possible)> I use Logic Pro X thanks in advance
I recently got my first tube mic. I've been connecting it this way. Let me know if it's wrong. XLR from Tube Mic's Pre to XLR on a 2nd tube mic-pre, XLR from 2nd mic-pre to XLR mic in on Presonus Firestudio interface. Should I be going into my interface with 1/4" like you showed in the video instead of XLR? Is it Ok to use the 2nd mic-pre or is it a waste?
Hi +Sean O'Brien Great question! I think you are talking about the XLR from the Tube Mics Power Supply, that should go to the XLR input the Mic Pre and then that will put put line level via the 1/4 inch jack to the interface. What Mic and Mic Pre is it to double check? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Warren, thanks for the quick response. Sorry for the confusion, your right about the mic power supply. The mic is a cheap Behringer T-47 the price was right ($60) and preamp is a Art Pro MPA 2. I guess I'm just a bit confused on why you use 1/4" in on the interface instead of XLR? Does that bypass the mic-pre in the interface?
Hi +Sean O'Brien That's a great question! Is the 1/4 inch input an instrument or line input? If it's a Line Input then you will plug in from the mic pre to the 1/4 inch. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Michele, I appreciate it! Glad to be able to help! I like both, but would use the Focusrite as it's more current and the mic pres sound better to me! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
tribunation they also won't break since they are built really tough ,but it's best not to test and saves you power electric bills. I herd a person tried it once and noticed no difference and never did it again lol. I don't like being angry and yelling at my equipment for not working right so i never did it myself.
I've had to do it a number of times when recording drums in the studio because of the audio interface having phantom power on channels 1-4 and 5-8 so I couldnt have it just for mics that needed it and it has never been a problem. When using ribbon mics though thats a differrent story
James Nixon I herd someone did that too,but it made a weird pop/click sound when they plugged it in a pre amp with the phantom power on before pluging it in. www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/554806-will-phantom-power-damage-sm57.html . The comment is on the bottom about that specifically from AdmiralQuality. He does have a point about plugging them it then hitting phantom power as well as turning out phatom power and plugging them out since it fades the power in or out and not instantly.
blood lord cool, thanks for the link. Interesting find but its still nothing to worry about, most people like me turn the phantom power on after the mics are connected any way and muted them too, in a studio situation this helps them from damaging the monitors
Hi Allen Smith, great question! When I microphones source signal, such as an electric guitar cab etc is really loud you might want to pad the mic which will stop the mic from sounding distorted. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Warren,.. but why not just turn the input down and skip the pad ? I can see why you might want the amp really loud, but is there a sonic benefit to keeping the input hot with the pad on?
Hi Allen Smith the pad is on the mic so it stops the mic from sending a overly hot/distorted signal to the mic pre amp. A hot signal of course is good, but too hot and clipping badly is not a good thing. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hello, wonderful channel , very well done and very helpful thank you. My question is regarding how to connect an outboard pre to my presonus 1818 interface so that it bypasses the built in pre of presonus? Is this possible with this unit and of so what are the steps . I am looking to acquire a Golden age pre 73 and would like to connect it to the 1818vsl. I appreciate your guidance, thank you and God bless.
Hi +P.o.B pedals That;s a great question! I haven't personally used the 1818, does it have line inputs? If so that;s where you will coke out of the mic pre into! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi warren. I was wondering what's the benefit of buying and using a dedicated preamp and using that in combination with the built in preamps in my focusrite Safire 40 interface? Will a dedicated preamp unit give higher sound quality over using the built in mic pres of my Safire 40? Can u use both together even or would the Safire built in preamps still continue working over the dedicated preamp unit?
Hi +Larry Tate The Saffire Pre Amps sound, especially for the money! However one really high quality pre will step it up, but I would say where are you sending your money? Maybe a better mic would be a first step? What's your vocal mic? Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thanks for the feedback warren, I'm using an audiotechnia at4040 for vocals and sometimes guitar. I have a shure sm57 for guitar. I have the audix d series drum mic pack. Audix adx51 penceil condesnsors as drum overheads. Think an ISA 428 would sound good with a Safire 40
Do you think more high drum over heads would be a good idea for better sound before preamps? The adx 51s sound pretty decent on drums, they're a bit heavy in the highs maybe.
Hi +Larry Tate I do like big quality overhead mics where I ca use them. However at my home studio I sue Lewitt LCT340's which are fairly inexpressive and sound good! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I Checked out the lewitt mics. you were right, they got rave reviews. I noticed they have a dual element kick mic too. Condenser and dynamic in one mic. Have you tried or heard it?
Hi . That is a PERFECT tutoria but i have a question. I am using a Focusrite Pro40 as my audio interface and Cubase 6.5 as my DAW. If i plug my bass directly on my interface and then use Bass Amp simulators on my input signal then i would have 4 different input gains. ( 1 from my bass ,2 from the interface 3 the Ampex master out and 4,my DAW's input channel fader) So in this case what should i be aware off? I mean whats the best signal to establish . The initial signal coming from my bass or the final stage on my DAWs input meter (mixer) . Thanks
Hi +Stavros Stavrou I'm not entirely clear on your signal flow? Are you duplicating the track multiple times? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi James Nixon thanks for the great question. My typical vocal chain for the last few years is a Neumann U47 or a Lewitt LCT 940 into a BAE 1073, DBX160 VU to an 1176. I hope that helps! I often use the DMP73 as well when traveling to different studios. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
thanks for the reply, so when using the desk does that connect to your interface through the insert? Im just curious as I have wondered how people do digital multitrack recording with a analogue mixer
Hi James Nixon thanks for the great question. I come out of the individual analog outputs of the interface, in this instance an HD system to the individual inputs on the console. Then the stereo out of the console prints back into two tracks in Pro Tools. I hope that helps! Let me now if I can be of any more assistance. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Hi +owen yeah It realIy depends on your budget. believe that in the lower price range both Art and Focusrite make 8 channel Mic Pres. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Hi +ThematicMuzik Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Check out my Hybrid Mixing Videos! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi +owen yeah Great question! The XLR inout is for a Mic and the 1/4 inch is for a line or instrument level, I hope that clarifies? Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
It's probably a stupid question, but since I don't have any of the equipment I don't know. Why can't you plug the XLR from the preamp into the interface, why must it be line input?
Hi Daniel, great question! Typically the impedance would be totally mismatched and the signal would be distorted. Come out line output into line input. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, just to let you know these older videos are just as awesome as the new ones! :-) Stay well sir! Marty from the UK
This is one of the best music channels on TH-cam. Love what you do man!
Thanks ever so much!!
Hi Warren. THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this. I abandoned my $200 online course when i stumbled on your channel! You're amazing!!! I used to record with the mic connected to an audio interface & then to DAW, without any problems. But i recently acquired a preamp. You talked about running the mic into the preamp & then into the 1/4"TRS line input of the audio interface. I could record with the mic when i did this, but there wasn't any sound in my headphones. I use Art Pro MPAii preamp connected to Avid Mbox3 Pro. So, i tried running the same connection into the mic input (instead of line input) on the Mbox3 Pro; it has a XLR/ TRS1/4" input combo for mic & DI. Everything worked fine. I was able to track audio & hear myself through the headphones at the same time. I even realized i had cleaner vocals: & I'm sure I'm not using the preamp in the interface, because I'm using a condenser mic & the only phantom power turned on is that of Art MPAii. Is this signal flow acceptable? Or is it prone to damage my gear as time goes on? And maybe I'm not setting something correctly causing the lack of sound in the headphone when connected to the line input. HELP!!!
Wow! Thank you ever so much! I'm so glad to be able to help! Yes, if the phantom is sending from the Art and you are hearing the mic then it is working properly my friend!
Hi Warren, Can you please go over signal flow when recording through digital mixer (bypassing processing and dynamic) into interface into analog gear into DAW and return to mixer from DAW? I have not seen any videos that really go over this flow since many people track, mix and master in the box.
Dude, that was some insane chicken pickin! I loved that. Thank you for your videos, what a wealth of knowledge. And you don't suck at teaching either.
Ø Microphone!
Ø Tone Beast TB12 Pre-amp
Ø Behringer Ultragraph Pro EQ
Ø Warm Audio WA76
Ø Audient iD14 interface
- Reaper
Anyone listening in 2020? I just got a Focusrite Scarlett Solo with a Focusrite condenser and headphones set. The cool thing about the Scarlett is that it got an integrated preamp and analog/digital interfase.
I got it during the pandemic and use it mostly to record me and my friends playing music for mass. Since we cannot meet they send me their recordings and I mix them in pro tools first. Then I send the “máster” to the video technician and he plays it at cue.
Hi Warren!
How how about signal flow using an external compressor , eq etc.. !?
Love your videos
I learn everyday
You could run a line out of the preamps into the compressor then out of the compressor into the interface.
I have a question on setting volume levels. For instance, I run the mic through my preamp (has volume settings), into my audio interface (vole settings as well), into the track that has gain ability. What's the best way to get the purest/best signal?
Hi +Robert McClellan That's a big question! It depends, because if yu have a great pre you might want to push it hard or you might want to keep it super clean. For cleanest results have the output gain fully up and then adjust the input gain/sensibility! I hope that helps? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Hey Warren, thanks so much for these videos, man. I've got a home studio and I've been teaching myself stuff for quite a while, but your videos are more helpful than most in the way you show us everything. Seeing things is such an immense help. Anyway, I have sort of a follow-up question to Robert's. I understand what you just said about pushing your preamp (I record my bass through a UA 6176, and I record my guitars through an Axe Fx Ultra and then from there into one of the new UA Apollo 8's. What I've never been clear on is what the optimal input volume levels are inside ProTools for guitar and bass. Any tips?
Hi Warren, love your channel! what do you find to be the biggest advantage soundwise in using an external preamp instead of the build in?
A lot of times I hear it sounds 'better' and I'm sure it does, but I want to know how exactly it sounds better? hope you can help answer my question, thanks!
Who also checked his Mailbox at 3:00 min? :-)
Great video. Today not so useful for me because I've done that a thousand times before, but still: I love your videos! Thumbs up!
Hi Andreas Franzmann yes the lap top was turned up and the email notification went off! Good spot! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Having a small home studio and using a usb mixer as my interface, the BAE preamp is well above my budget. Are there any more affordable mic preamps you would recommend for the small home studio?
Nicely done video Warren - Nicer desk!!
Haha exactly samusicals Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thanks a lot for tons of useful videos! It's really inspiring me to do something new for me and to try new techniques! The one thing I still don't get is "How to connect mixing console to DAW?"( for hybrid mixing and so on). How we can record and then mix on the same console without repatching cables and other stuff? Many thanks for attention :)
Hi Чикунов Максим thanks for watching and thanks for the great question! I do go out analog out of my interface so that will use cables, depending on how you break it out. I use an HD system with the SSL which has 40 outputs. I hope that helps. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro thank you for answer, it's very helpful. Seems, I get the point how does it work. Cheers!
Hi Чикунов Максим great, glad I could help! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
I'm really enjoying my SM 58 over the Samson C01U usb mic i had. It's not only better not being usb ,but i like having the freedom to shape my sound with this dynamic mic compared to a condenser dealing with noise getting picked up and having to be really careful about mic placement. I'm starting to learn how to sing in a dynamic mic and really like that it doesn't sound too much if you get really close and i have a natural really bass kind of voice so it was really annoying using condenser mics for me and dealing with that really loud AC i need on or i'll melt with all my equipment. Later on when i get a better place for recording i'll try out condenser mics as well as ribbon mics. Also you said you did Cartoon music?
Hi blood lord great! Yes a good dynamic mic can be an amazing go to! Some of the best acoustic sounds I've done have been done with a dynamic mic, so it's not always necessary to use extremely expensive mics to get a great result. Yes I've written music for cartoons etc, I'm always doing multiple projects, I'm truly blessed! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Im using a motu 828x interface. I have an ART Voice Channel, a Pro MPA II pre and a PRO VLA II....I changed the tubes in them as the originals are very clean sounding. I wanted to add a little more mids and such and the tubes are doing a nice job of it. I have Makie mrk8 mk2 speakers. I use Samplitute Pro2 for my DAW.
I really like the way everything sounds and the usability of it all.
Hi Ronny George fantastic! You are the perfect example of someone who knows how to use his equipment and get the best out of it! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Excellent teacher! :)
Another great video and awesome playing BTW...!!!
Thanks Warren. Simple and I enjoyed it.
HI Damilola Adepitan thanks I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Is better to record the guitar sound like that with a mic than recording directly with the guitar line to the interface?
Hey man
I’m learning so much from you and enjoying your videos immensely
Only one thing annoys me -
As a subscriber and email lister, I’d prefer it if you pitched at the outtro
That’s all
Peace and love from Bristol, England
Another good video Warren. I'd like to relate a trap that I fell into with an interface that might help some viewers. I was using a Scarlet 2i2 and ran an XLR cable from a preamp to the Combi connector on the 2i2 resulting in saturating the 2i2 input and I couldn't figure out what was going on.. What I didn't realize is that those Combi XLR/1/4" panel connectors on the 2i2 are auto switching depending on what kind of plug is inserted. Insert an XLR and you go through the 2i2 preamp and insert a 1/4" and you bypass it. Users should read their manuals closely and be aware of the input functions. Thanks
DoItYourselfMusician dude - was just going to post a question re this subject - so to lay things out stupidly simply - combo xlr/1/4trs inputs on an interface... xlr utilises the interface's preamp and using an 1/4 trs bypasses the interface's preamp? i've just reread your post - and this is what you are saying lol. just had another look through the saffire pro40 manual and can't see any mention of this.. you reckon that's standard across all xlr/1/4" inputs?
thesensoryman I don't know if it is standard across all these types of inputs or not. IIRC there was mention of this on the Focusrite help site too. I have a Pro 40 myself these days so I just use the line ins for preamps and use the combi's for mics only.
you star, and a tip of the hat to warren for making a point of the 2 input methods on the BAE pre.. the pro40 is a work horse and been using x2 universal audio 4-710ds via adat (work at 48k these days) and forcing another 4-710d via xlr through 4 of the pro40's 8 channels - it didn't feel right doing that and felt i was double preamping a some really good mic pres (UA). i mailed focusright after reading your post to get some info from the 'horses mouth', so to speak.. 2 years i've been using it like that - jeez.. thanks all and peace to you :)
Hi thesensoryman and DoItYourselfMusician great topic of discussion guys! You both Rock! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
DoItYourselfMusician +Produce Like A Pro (couldn't sus multiple response....) here's the response from focusrite:
Using the jack input on the Pro 40 (or any of our Saffire/Scarlett interfaces) does not fully bypass the mic pre. The signal still passes through a part of the preamp. However the inputs are so clean that using the line input for an external preamp for example, will not affect or "colour" the signal. For the cleanest input path on the line input you should set the gain control to about 4.5. At this point there is no added gain or attenuation so will not affect the signal at all.
The only way to get a full true bypass of the preamps would be by using a digital input i.e adat or spdif.
so - food for thought.... i turn the pro40 vol all the way to zero le hero...
At the moment I am recording in a spare bedroom of my house. I have a Fender Machete 50w head with the speaker in a lined packing crate in the corner of the room. inside set just off center is Sennheiser e109 condenser and I double that with the amp's di out. that way I get the thump and noise from the mic and cab and the intenation from the Di. it works well and best of all it doesn't upset the neighbors :-)
So, does the TRS plug actually change the impedance level, even though both XLR and TRS are balanced signals?
Here's my signal flow: Mic into PreAmp > PreOut into Compressor > CompOut to Interface (with XLR). It's a Scarlett 2i2, so no "Mic In" option, only Line and Instrument. Should I change that last step and go into the Interface using a TRS plug?
Fantastic channel, Warren, love all your videos. Thanks a lot!
Question, since I'm so new at this kind of stuff: What is the function of the preamp? Why use an external instead of the built in?
Hi Jason Costabile great question! I would use the built in Mic Pres and then upgrade as you grow as an Engineer/Producer. A class A Mic Pre like a 1073 etc will definitely give you a fatter sound due to discrete electronics and transformer balanced inputs and outputs. If that sounds like Chinese to you don't despair you'll learn gradually as you get better and better! Enjoy the journey it's a great one! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
My Current guitar setup, typically my Detemple Stratocaster into my Jim Kelley amp through a Royer 122 and a 57 into a BAE 1073 into a Matrix Halo ULN-8 into my DAW (Studio One professional). At the end of the day, my tone depends on the mic placement and Im still learning and up for all suggestions. I am happy with my current chain and my guitars and amps which range from the above to Marshalls, Fenders, Bogners and Vox and hand made Stratocasters to Gold top LP's and Tele's. Love your show Warren.
Hi +Jak Leyton Fantastic set up I'm sure it sounds fantastic!! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Quick question Warren, why do you use a XLR/TRS adaptor before plugging into the interface, rather than just plugging the XLR in directly? Cheers!
Hi Drew, marvellous question! Really depends on the patching! It would primarily be the output. If I'm going to my interface which is patched into my patch bay then I'll go XLR out to TRS. If on the input I want to go from a mic pre to a compressor then again I would go int the path bay where my compressors are located with a TRS. There are many reasons why I would use a TRS, but the Pacth bay is the short answer! Have a marvellous New Year!
Hi Warren! Would be possible to record in an average quality with just a mic and a preamp into the computer?? I mean without using an interface.
Very informative and helpful video, as always!
Hi End Ika thanks for the comment! Yes that would work depending on the sound card in the computer and how you can access it. What sound card does your computer have? Is it just a mini jack input? Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Hello again Warren,
My computer has two mini jack inputs in the front (mic and phones input) and three more at the back (blue, green and red). Which one should I use to record? Or is it better to use an XLR-USB Adapter to record this way? Thank you very much for your answer!
Hi End Ika my gut is for simplicity and to get the best results I would try the USB option as you want have any impedance issues. Let me know how it goes! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thanks for your answer Warren! Definetely, I would try the USB option and tell you how it goes.
Great End Ika let me know how it goes! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Super video! Just wondering what is the advantage of converting the XLR from the mic pre-amp to 1/4" verses staying in the XLR mode?
The XLR from the mic is preamped by the external preamp, putting it into the XLR input would preamp it again, thats why he put its into the 1/4" because it has no preamp.
This made me realize that I had a flaw in my signal path. My original setup was an AKG414 into a LA-610 mk2 which goes to a mic-pre on the Apollo. I should have been sending that to a line input on the Apollo instead correct? But now that I am using the emulated mic-pre plugins on the Apollo should I just take the hardware preamp out of the path completely?
Hi Derek Whitaker I would try both! Go line in from the LA 610 and record a vocal, then try going straight in bypassing the the LA 610 and use simulators! Would love to know how the result come out! Please let us know. By the way please download the track from Chase and do a mix, would love to see would you could do with it! The competition is running until July 4th! Have a marvelous time recording and MIXING! Excited to hear what you guys do! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thank you very much.
Thank you! Thanks for watching and commenting I really appreciate it. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great video, as always. Do you typically turn your capacitor mics 90 degrees?
Thanks for the great question Ben Asaro I have the Mic facing across the cone, basically pointed at the center. It's just where it sounded the best to me. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Thanks!
You're welcome Ben Asaro Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Thanks Warren. Just curious, was the quarter inch adapter, necessary? I plug my ART preamp, into an XLR input, on my Focusrite. should I adapt & drop to quarter inch, into line input? Cheers & I hope your Marvelous, as well.
Rob
No idea if I'm right but I'd assume going to the quarter inch will bypass the preamp in the interface, as the 1073 was the preamp being used in the example, sort of like FX loop on a guitar amp :)
Great Video
Do I need an audio interface to record?
Hi Warren
When recording with an interface, what guidelines do you have for input level? Should the signal not peak over a certain level (except for 0 dBFS of course) or is the level irrelevant as long as it doesn't clip?
Also, I have a Scarlett 2i2. What external Mic pre do you suggest me checking out? I mainly record DI-tracks at home.
Thanks a lot!
Cheers Waren😊
One question id i can steel som of your time. If i use good old SM 57, can i plug it straight into my interface(Lexicon Alpha), without using mic preamp?
Like so:
Amp cab -> SM 57-> AI -> DAW (laptop).
Thank you in advance!
Hi ChrystAL Sahacic Thanks for the great question! Does your interface have a mic pre? Then of course you don;t have to use another extern mic pre unless you need/want another flavour of sound. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Just discovered this channel, and perfect timing. I've always done home recordings very guerilla style. I want to improve it all.
I purchased an 8 channel M-Audio MTRACK 8, which connects via USB. I've been plugging all the mics directly into that. How important is the preamp (you used a DMP, which has a hefty price tag)? Why would it be better than what's built into the MTRACK 8? Should I put one in front of every mic in a live setting (ie, vocals, guitars, drums, etc), or is it most recommended for vocals for example?
I'd love a little more color on that. And, do you have any recommendations for a mic preamp that's a lower cost?
I thought you couldn't bypass the pre's on mbox 2?
Quick question...if the back of the preamp has an XLR, why use the 1/4" adapter? Is it a matter of signal level (+4dbv vs -10dbu)?
Hi CorwynsWorld great question! Yes that seems to be a big topic of conversation! Yes the XLR is mic level and and the 1/4" is line level such as the output from a Mic Pre etc. I hope that helps. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Because if you plugged it into the XLR input of the audio interface you'd be preamping it twice, you put it into the line level because its already preamped.
Warren, I my be being obtuse here but when you are plugging the mic from the mic pre into the interface via 1/4" why can't you just use the XLR?
Hi Paul Schmdit I'm plugging the instrument into the 1/4 input and the Mic into the XLR input. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it! Warren
For tracking with my mic pre, I use an API 512C into a Focusrite Pro40. When converting from Mic level to line level, would it be better to convert the cabling of the 512 output to 1/4" and then plug that into the Pro 40? Or plug the XLR into the Pro 40 and push the Inst on the channel? Thanks!
Will a dedicated pre amp for the mike signal be the best way to get a good recording? I have now only a cheap focusrite Scarlett interface. And a cheap condenser mike.
Do you need to turn off the preamp in the interface if use and outboard mic preamp?
Hi Warren,I bought a pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones and used them with a M-audio Mobile Pre audio interface. when I connected the mics to it via XLR cables, I noticed for one of the mics that when I added just a little bit of gain, there was way too much signal, and one of the LEDs was flashing red. Plus, at random times, this problem tends to happen and then disappear. The other microphone works fine with normal gain settings. Do you know what might be causing this to occur and why?Thanks
If he had just gone from the BAE 1073 in the interface without the quarter inch adapter mic preamp, would the sound quality be that of the interfaces mic preamp?
so, did you connect the SSL as otuput mixer?
Hi, why should use 1/4 instead of xlr when using external pre amp
Hi Ts Orgil Thanks very much for your great question I really appreciate it! It really depends on what the line input is. If the line input is on the interface is a 1/4 inch then that's what is best, often the XLR input is only mic level. So basically it depends if there is an XLR line input or not! I hope that all makes sense? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren: Awesomeness! (As ever) I record amp-sims. What do you think about recording amp sims through an external pre to grit up the sound a bit? And/Or using a plugin like Slate VCC (console modelling) to do a similar thing, and where might you put this in the chain? Lastly... do you think you might be able to do a vid on getting amp-sims to sound more like real amps? I've tried something recently, by adding a short 250ms d-verb after and printing that for 'pushing air'/room sound. Do you have tricks for mixing amp sims like this (eg rolling of a certain frequency from the top end)? Super appreciate your videos and time! Thank you!
Hi Simon Adams great question indeed! Yes agreed Amp Simulators can sound a little brittle, I find the McDSP Analog channel really helps me A LOT, you can simulate different tape machines and use the bias control to sweeten the top end so it's not quite as brittle. Also the Fairchild Compressor will pull in some of the excessive highs, but my main plug in I've been using for years to improve Amp Sims is the Analog Channel. Yes great idea a little Verb panned opposite the guitar will add space and help the guitar amp sim feel less alien sounding in the mix! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Warren. Very gracious of you to respond the way you do to us avid music-makers!
Cheers
Produce Like A Pro Also - as a random recommendation to you, if you don't have it: BIAS by Positive Grid is a relatively new and impressive amp sim. I like it a lot. Light on CPU and has an amp matching feature, so you can get close to your real amps.
You're welcome Simon Adams! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Hi Simon Adams I will definitely be on the look out for that plug in! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
I've just recently started exploring the amp sims in my DAW (dp8) but have noticed that I have to crank the trim on the MOTU just to get a faint signal. Does a D.I. box fix this, or do I have to go buy an external preamp?
Hi Warren, cheers from a fan in Brazil! And thanks a lot for the quality lessons, I can't express how greateful I am!
I have one question about the connection between my preamp and my interface.
I recently bought a presonus BlueTube preamp andalso presonus interface Audiobox USB96, and I have been using XLR outputs of the preamp going straight into the XLR inputs on my interface and althgough it sounds fine I do have to turn the input gain in the interface all the way down and still need to keep the signal coming out of the preamp very low in order not to clip the input on the interface. Is this normal?
I just watched another video about this exactly issue ( watch?v=vd37pGAKg4U ) and the guy says this is not the best way of connecting the tow equipments and I should use a DirectBox between my preamp and the interface to turn the signal into a "line" signal going into the interface. Is this correct? Or are there other ways to connect my preamp and interface?
Thanks, sorry if my question is a bit long and or confusing...
Oh, rewatching this video I think you answered my question at around 4:30... I'm gonna try that adapter tip you showed and post the results here.
I do believe many people are doing the same mistake I've been doing and this might help them...
Is the original mbox mini good enough? I have limited budget.
why go from the ouput of the preamp into the mbox with quarter inch rather than keep it xlr?
Hi... got a question for you...
I currently use a kemper... and have a Zoom Livetrak L20R
If I want to record 4 tracks into the DAW, 2 stereo audio XLR out from kemper (with all efects etc) and 2 via SPDIF raw DI signals for re-amping later...
What's your view on using two interfaces at the same time? (cuz the zoom doesn't have SPIDF)
Do you know inexpensive interfaces to record 2 audio + 2 spdif ? Or should I get a second interface only for SPDIF and use both at the same time (is that possible)>
I use Logic Pro X
thanks in advance
I recently got my first tube mic. I've been connecting it this way. Let me know if it's wrong.
XLR from Tube Mic's Pre to XLR on a 2nd tube mic-pre,
XLR from 2nd mic-pre to XLR mic in on Presonus Firestudio interface.
Should I be going into my interface with 1/4" like you showed in the video instead of XLR? Is it Ok to use the 2nd mic-pre or is it a waste?
Hi +Sean O'Brien Great question! I think you are talking about the XLR from the Tube Mics Power Supply, that should go to the XLR input the Mic Pre and then that will put put line level via the 1/4 inch jack to the interface. What Mic and Mic Pre is it to double check? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro
Warren, thanks for the quick response. Sorry for the confusion, your right about the mic power supply. The mic is a cheap Behringer T-47 the price was right ($60) and preamp is a Art Pro MPA 2. I guess I'm just a bit confused on why you use 1/4" in on the interface instead of XLR? Does that bypass the mic-pre in the interface?
Hi +Sean O'Brien That's a great question! Is the 1/4 inch input an instrument or line input? If it's a Line Input then you will plug in from the mic pre to the 1/4 inch. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Thanks again Warren!!
Hi +Sean O'Brien You're welcome! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, amazing channel, you're doing an awesome job! Is it better the mbox shown in this video or the focusrite scarlett 2i2? Thanks!
Hi Michele, I appreciate it! Glad to be able to help! I like both, but would use the Focusrite as it's more current and the mic pres sound better to me! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
So an SM57 does not need phantom power? If phantom is engaged with the SM57 will it effect the volume of the signal + or - or at all?
Thank you. :-)
A sm57 is a dynamic microphone so doesn't need phantom power. If you put phantom power onto an sm57 it wouldn't make a difference to the audio signal.
tribunation they also won't break since they are built really tough ,but it's best not to test and saves you power electric bills. I herd a person tried it once and noticed no difference and never did it again lol. I don't like being angry and yelling at my equipment for not working right so i never did it myself.
I've had to do it a number of times when recording drums in the studio because of the audio interface having phantom power on channels 1-4 and 5-8 so I couldnt have it just for mics that needed it and it has never been a problem. When using ribbon mics though thats a differrent story
James Nixon I herd someone did that too,but it made a weird pop/click sound when they plugged it in a pre amp with the phantom power on before pluging it in. www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/554806-will-phantom-power-damage-sm57.html . The comment is on the bottom about that specifically from AdmiralQuality. He does have a point about plugging them it then hitting phantom power as well as turning out phatom power and plugging them out since it fades the power in or out and not instantly.
blood lord cool, thanks for the link. Interesting find but its still nothing to worry about, most people like me turn the phantom power on after the mics are connected any way and muted them too, in a studio situation this helps them from damaging the monitors
What is the pad button for. ??
Hi Allen Smith, great question! When I microphones source signal, such as an electric guitar cab etc is really loud you might want to pad the mic which will stop the mic from sounding distorted. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Warren,.. but why not just turn the input down and skip the pad ? I can see why you might want the amp really loud, but is there a sonic benefit to keeping the input hot with the pad on?
Hi Allen Smith the pad is on the mic so it stops the mic from sending a overly hot/distorted signal to the mic pre amp. A hot signal of course is good, but too hot and clipping badly is not a good thing. Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great thank you very much
Hi Anand Khati of course! Glad I can be of help! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it! Warren
Thank you , Enjoying your every lessons, its great , God bless you more , with regards
Hi Anand Khati thanks very much! I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Everybody can chime in ofc😊
Hello, wonderful channel , very well done and very helpful thank you. My question is regarding how to connect an outboard pre to my presonus 1818 interface so that it bypasses the built in pre of presonus? Is this possible with this unit and of so what are the steps . I am looking to acquire a Golden age pre 73 and would like to connect it to the 1818vsl. I appreciate your guidance, thank you and God bless.
Hi +P.o.B pedals That;s a great question! I haven't personally used the 1818, does it have line inputs? If so that;s where you will coke out of the mic pre into! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi warren. I was wondering what's the benefit of buying and using a dedicated preamp and using that in combination with the built in preamps in my focusrite Safire 40 interface? Will a dedicated preamp unit give higher sound quality over using the built in mic pres of my Safire 40? Can u use both together even or would the Safire built in preamps still continue working over the dedicated preamp unit?
Hi +Larry Tate The Saffire Pre Amps sound, especially for the money! However one really high quality pre will step it up, but I would say where are you sending your money? Maybe a better mic would be a first step? What's your vocal mic? Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thanks for the feedback warren, I'm using an audiotechnia at4040 for vocals and sometimes guitar. I have a shure sm57 for guitar. I have the audix d series drum mic pack. Audix adx51 penceil condesnsors as drum overheads. Think an ISA 428 would sound good with a Safire 40
Do you think more high drum over heads would be a good idea for better sound before preamps? The adx 51s sound pretty decent on drums, they're a bit heavy in the highs maybe.
Hi +Larry Tate I do like big quality overhead mics where I ca use them. However at my home studio I sue Lewitt LCT340's which are fairly inexpressive and sound good! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I Checked out the lewitt mics. you were right, they got rave reviews. I noticed they have a dual element kick mic too. Condenser and dynamic in one mic. Have you tried or heard it?
Hi . That is a PERFECT tutoria but i have a question. I am using a Focusrite Pro40 as my audio interface and Cubase 6.5 as my DAW. If i plug my bass directly on my interface and then use Bass Amp simulators on my input signal then i would have 4 different input gains. ( 1 from my bass ,2 from the interface 3 the Ampex master out and 4,my DAW's input channel fader) So in this case what should i be aware off? I mean whats the best signal to establish . The initial signal coming from my bass or the final stage on my DAWs input meter (mixer) . Thanks
Hi +Stavros Stavrou I'm not entirely clear on your signal flow? Are you duplicating the track multiple times? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
How did you connect your analogue mixer to your interface?
Hi James Nixon thanks for the great question. My typical vocal chain for the last few years is a Neumann U47 or a Lewitt LCT 940 into a BAE 1073, DBX160 VU to an 1176. I hope that helps! I often use the DMP73 as well when traveling to different studios. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
thanks for the reply, so when using the desk does that connect to your interface through the insert? Im just curious as I have wondered how people do digital multitrack recording with a analogue mixer
Hi James Nixon thanks for the great question. I come out of the individual analog outputs of the interface, in this instance an HD system to the individual inputs on the console. Then the stereo out of the console prints back into two tracks in Pro Tools. I hope that helps! Let me now if I can be of any more assistance. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro thanks for the reply, that does help :D
Fantastic James Nixon Glad that helped!
Art v3 mic pre is amazing!!! I wish I had 8 of them what is a good 8 channel mic pre
Hi +owen yeah It realIy depends on your budget. believe that in the lower price range both Art and Focusrite make 8 channel Mic Pres. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Looks like my Line 6 Sonic Port, IPad and GarageBand isn't the cutting edge rig I always thought it was! 😆
feeed
I wish everyone would stop fucking saying subscribe. Yeah we will if your shit is good.
nobody:
literally nobody:
Warren: *shreds an insanely cool blues riffs out of fucking nowhere*
This would be great if it explained signal flow through an analogue console. If you can learn a console then you can learn pretty much anything.
Hi +ThematicMuzik Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Check out my Hybrid Mixing Videos! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Why wouldn't you use the Xlr input on the interface why use the quarter inc
Hi +owen yeah Great question! The XLR inout is for a Mic and the 1/4 inch is for a line or instrument level, I hope that clarifies? Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
It's probably a stupid question, but since I don't have any of the equipment I don't know. Why can't you plug the XLR from the preamp into the interface, why must it be line input?
Hi Daniel, great question! Typically the impedance would be totally mismatched and the signal would be distorted. Come out line output into line input. Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren