Mic (to) fx pedal (to) interface?

[Mall_Security]

Here's what I'm trying to do:



I want to record vocals (processed by an fx pedal) into my daw. I know recording processed vocals is considered a bad practice by many, but let's not worry about that right now; however, if there is a way to apply the fx pedal's settings to raw, unprocessed vocals then by all means share
My question to you is how do I route this properly?

Here's what I tried:



This configuration produced god awful (input or output?) gain noise, even with the input gain knobs on both the pedal AND interface turned to zero.
I'm not sure if the problem is my routing of hardware, but I hope so because I just got this pedal today. The mic works as it always has when plugged into the interface, so I know it's not the problem. Any insight is welcomed

 

[DainBramaged]

That mono output on the pedal, is it mic or line level out? If its line and you haven't flipped the input switch to line on your interface that would cause the gain issue.

 

[Armistice]

Rough guess is that your cheap interface assumes if you plug an XLR cable into it, it's a microphone level signal - you see the switch there says line/inst, not mic/line? That would explain your gain distortion, I reckon.

I very, very much doubt the output of that TC device is microphone level.

Try using an XLR to TS cable (you have one, right?) from TC to interface (assuming the TC has only XLR outs), and you can then specify inst or line on the input, whichever works best.

Never buy the bottom of the line anything, is the learning...

 

[pikingrin]

Just thinking out loud here...may be way off...but... Would (or could) there be an issue if phantom power is turned on at the interface and the helicon? OP never mentioned where +48 was coming from; the TC unit has it, as stated, but if both units have phantom power on maybe that could be an issue?

(Please correct me if I'm wrong...again, just thinking out loud)

 

[DainBramaged]

There's nothing wrong with the focusrite Scarletts. Having to select line instead of mic doesn't mean they are bottom of the line.

 

[Armistice]

There's nothing wrong with the focusrite Scarletts. Having to select line instead of mic doesn't mean they are bottom of the line.

I didn't say there was, but the 2i2 is the bottom of the Scarlett line (or it used to be), which was what I did say. You can't select mic instead of line - you can only select line or instrument as when you stick an XLR into it it will configure for a mic level signal.

Here, it's on page 10 of the manual, which the OP should read:

"The front panel input sockets are Neutrik Combo��, which accept either an XLR male connector (you
will probably have one on the end of your microphone cable) or a ¼” (6.35 mm) jack plug. Note the
Scarlett 2i2 has no “Mic/line” switch – the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically configured
for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect
a jack plug."

 

[Mall_Security]

Rough guess is that your cheap interface assumes if you plug an XLR cable into it, it's a microphone level signal - you see the switch there says line/inst, not mic/line? That would explain your gain distortion, I reckon.

I very, very much doubt the output of that TC device is microphone level.

Try using an XLR to TS cable (you have one, right?) from TC to interface (assuming the TC has only XLR outs), and you can then specify inst or line on the input, whichever works best.

Never buy the bottom of the line anything, is the learning...

The interface is suppose to automatically switch to mic when an XLR is plugged with the phantom power button is on, otherwise line/inst are the only default options. Cheap I know, but I'm still a noob. I don't have an XLR to TS cable, but I'll pick one up tomorrow and try that

Just thinking out loud here...may be way off...but... Would (or could) there be an issue if phantom power is turned on at the interface and the helicon? OP never mentioned where +48 was coming from; the TC unit has it, as stated, but if both units have phantom power on maybe that could be an issue?

(Please correct me if I'm wrong...again, just thinking out loud)

I tried with just the TC +48 on/off, as well as the one on the interface. Same result
But as Armistice said, it could be my lack of XLR to TS cable.


Thank you guys for the insight, I'll pick up the cable tomorrow and try with that.

 

[Mall_Security]

also, is there a reason I should use an XLR to TS over an XLR to TRS?

 

[Armistice]

Probably wouldn't matter - dig the manual out online and see what it says - I did see it there somewhere but can't remember.

 

[Mall_Security]

Looks like main outs are Balanced XLR, so TRS. Just wanna make sure I don't buy the wrong thing.

 

[ecc83]

That TC pedal is an AI in its own right, you don't need the 2i2. In any case TC is NOT bottom shelf! Any mnfctr that can write a specification as well as that is definitely a cut above.

Yes if you want to drive the F'rite you need XLR female to TRS jack plug but!

IF you are of an experimental bent, get equipped to make your own cables. Solder iron, pliers, cutters and a 50mm tabletop vice and THE most indispensable tool for the home recordist? A modest ~$20+ digital multimeter.

There are only a few connectors to learn, XLR, Jack, RCA (phono). mono/stereo wiring, balanced/unbalanced wiring. That's about it. MUCH easier than the Highway Code theory test!

Dave.