A question about USB audio interfaces.

[Frank89]

Hi,

What i want to do is replace my current speaker setup with 2 active studio monitors and a woofer and replace my amp with a USB audio interface and hook up a studio mic for recording voice, guitar, etc.

Since the pc i make music on also is my pc i play games/watch movies/listen to music on i want to know if this setup is fully functional.

So what i'm asking is this: Can i get normal audio playback from a pc through a USB Audio interface. Also can i use the studio mic for voip situations.

I figured it should work but i'm just not sure if there is anything i'm maybe missing. I don't want to buy into something thats not working the way i want it to.

For those interested in what i'm looking to buy:
-Two KRK VXT 8's
-KRK 12S
-Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 USB audio interface

Hooked up via XLR/Jack-to-XLR cables.

 

[gecko zzed]

You are on the right track. The interface takes the place of your onboard sound card.

 

[jonny deep]

What mic do you intend to use?

 

[Mr Clean]

Can i get normal audio playback from a pc through a USB Audio interface. Also can i use the studio mic for voip situations.

Yes. Your new interface will be the output for all your audio, unless you wish to keep using your old set up for things other than recording which will mean you'd have to reset the default soundcard in your computer audio settings each time. I use an interface and a soundcard and flip between the two when I want to use the other.

 

[Frank89]

You are on the right track. The interface takes the place of your onboard sound card.

Thanks! Thats what wanted to hear.

What mic do you intend to use?

A good condenser mic. Probably something from AKG, Shure or sennheiser. A buddy of mine knows a lot about these mics so i was going to ask him. Or do you have any good suggestions?

Since we're on the subject, i see there are two inputs on the front of the interface. I'd reckon these are both stereo inputs. so its not like, if i put the mic in the left one i only get audio on the left side.

Yes. Your new interface will be the output for all your audio, unless you wish to keep using your old set up for things other than recording which will mean you'd have to reset the default soundcard in your computer audio settings each time. I use an interface and a soundcard and flip between the two when I want to use the other.

Nope, the old setup is going away. Thanks!

 

[jonny deep]

A good condenser mic. Probably something from AKG, Shure or sennheiser. A buddy of mine knows a lot about these mics so i was going to ask him. Or do you have any good suggestions?

Since we're on the subject, i see there are two inputs on the front of the interface. I'd reckon these are both stereo inputs. so its not like, if i put the mic in the left one i only get audio on the left side.

I would think you want headphones, then, for tracking and for VOIPing. I'm not the best person to recommend mic's, I'm sure, but I get good results from my Rode NT1-A and have also liked my SE2200a. You'll most likely want to try a few to find the one for your voice and room.

Those are two mono inputs on the interface. If you want to record stereo, you'll have to plug into both inputs. If you record just one input, you'll generally record to a mono track, so there is no left side, as such (although the track can be panned to be on the left, right or both sides of the stereo output that comes through your monitors).

 

[Frank89]

I would think you want headphones, then, for tracking and for VOIPing. I'm not the best person to recommend mic's, I'm sure, but I get good results from my Rode NT1-A and have also liked my SE2200a. You'll most likely want to try a few to find the one for your voice and room.

Those are two mono inputs on the interface. If you want to record stereo, you'll have to plug into both inputs. If you record just one input, you'll generally record to a mono track, so there is no left side, as such (although the track can be panned to be on the left, right or both sides of the stereo output that comes through your monitors).

Ok thanks im gonna try a few out.

So when i'm on skype or something im not just on the left side of everyones headphones? The stereo thing is allright by me just do multiple recordings and pan them out like you suggested.

And headphones are allready sorted. (I bought a Beyerdinamics DT990 a few years back. (Love em)

I think i got answers to all my questions. Time to throw some money around.

Thanks to all you lovely people!

 

[jonny deep]

So when i'm on skype or something im not just on the left side of everyones headphones?

No - you'll need to set Skype to take it's mic input from whichever channel of your interface your mic is plugged into. I would assume it expects a mono source anyway as most mics are mono, then it will put that sound into both sides of the recipients headphones, presumably.

 

[ecc83]

The Skype/AI/mic situation has cropped up before and I have never seen a satisfactory resolution of the matter so IF you work it all out DO let us know!

If'twere me I would start by disabling the OnBoardSound in Device Manager. Reboot and make sure it does not startup again!

Then install the Scarlet, going strictly by the book! When the AI is all running smoothly, unplug the usb lead, re enable the OBS and try Skype. Should work as should the Scarlet when you plug it back in.

If you know how, setup the "quality" audio as a different client to everything else.

Dave.