1

I am a Indian classical violinist. I want to record my violin along with a software instrument from the iPod at home. So I need a 2x2 usb audio interface. I will be recording the violin by a Cherub WCP-60V pick up. I am confused between the two I mentioned in the question. From the reviews I read, the preamp of m-track is not so good, while that of the scarlett 2i2 is very good. But the m-track has an option for switching the monitor output between mono and stereo, which is of a particular use for me, as I only need the software instrument (Tanpura and tabla) sound from the monitor and not the violin itself (I will be recording in my room, and the monitor is essentially a Sony 2.1 speaker). This option is not provided in the scarlett 2i2. (It is provided in the 2i4, but it is too costly for me) How significant is the difference between the pre-amp quality of the two? If not much, I will go with m-track, else scarlett. Thank you in advance!

Improve this question
1
  • Honestly, no matter what interface you use it'll have less influence on the sound then your pickup. I haven't any experience with the Cherub... it has pretty good reviews, but I can't seem to quite trust it. — Generally, even a cheap condenser microphone (though not as cheap as that pickup...) will give you better recording results than even a top-notch pickup, so it might be a good idea to invest in a mic.
    – leftaroundabout
    Apr 16, 2014 at 20:56

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

What software are you planning to record into? You should be able to monitor through the software and disable record-monitoring on the violin track.

I can't speak for the quality of the M-Track's preamps, but you can get the functionality you've described through your computer, so you should go for whichever you think sounds best.

Improve this answer
2
  • Oh is that so?! I am currently using audacity but I may use Ableton live once I learn to use it properly. Is this possible in audacity as well?
    – thewhyolinist
    Apr 16, 2014 at 14:56
  • I'm not very familiar with Audacity, but I'd imagine there'd be a way to do this. If you have both, I'd say you might as well use Live, simply because it's designed for routing audio in all sorts of ways. This article on the Ableton website explains exactly how to do this (scroll down to the "Monitoring" section): ableton.com/en/articles/recording-audio If you haven't already got Live, it's worth noting whichever interface you go for, you'll get a 'lite' version of either Pro Tools or Live.
    – pfarley
    Apr 18, 2014 at 13:38

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.