Focusrite Saffire 6 as analog mic pre?

[kmaster]

Hey all,

I'm not really sure where to post this, but since I'm pretty inexperienced as a recordist, I figured it wouldn't hurt if I tried posting it here.

I have a Focusrite Saffire USB 6 which I have been using to track stuff into Logic (and previously, Garageband).

I've been looking into getting something like a Tascam 246 4-track cassette recorder.

The issue I would have recording with the 246 is twofold:

1. The inputs are quarter-inch female jacks, not XLR.
2. I primarily use a condenser mic, but the 246 does not provide phantom power.

Obviously, the way around these issues is to get an external phantom supply/mic preamp; this could either can send out signal in quarter-inch or require an XLR-to-quarter adaptor, but it would work with relatively little hassle.

Since the Saffire 6 has both the ability to send out in quarter-inch and provide phantom power, could I just use it as an "analog" mic pre (which would provide phantom power when I'm using my condenser)?

(And why the 246, when I already have a decent DAW? Because, as a near-graduate with a degree in music composition, I understand the idea of reduction in options for creative growth. I love the idea of the Tascam 388 but as a college student have neither the money nor the space for it, and I don't mind the reduced quality of cassette; when handled correctly, it can turn out quite nicely, as Springsteen's "Nebraska" album shows, and the 246 in particular can give sounds like this example shows, which is really not shabby in my opinion!)

Thanks y'all!

 

[Armistice]

If you can route the signal out through a line out. Yes, I'd imagine. You'd have to check what the inputs on the Tascam are expecting, however.

 

[ecc83]

There is no provision for external power on the Six therefore it cannot be used "stand alone" (some AI's can, the venerable Fast Track pro being one. Just needs 9volts up its jaxy) you could try a usb power plug but I doubt that the internal routing is hard wired.

But it should work powered from a PC.
But the obvious, better answer is a small mixer. Something like the Behringer Xenyx 802 can be had for under £50 and has two vastly more versatile mic channels than almost any AI. (gain, EQ, FX send, chan' level..) And yes, you will have to be careful of the levels sent to the cassette machine but the 802 easily covers that problem.

This is of course what mixers did, drive tape machines. Doh!

Dave.