recording from computer + live

[gaichele]

I want to record music saved to my computer (wav files) while I play along with it. The wavs are melody lines created through MuseScore, and I "accompany" them on uke. My DAW is Ableton Live Lite and my interface is a Scarlett 2i2 (on the same computer that plays the wavs). My questions:

1. Should I use the computer's "line out" port? (As opposed to speaker or headphones ports.)

2. Will I need a direct box to correct the impedance, etc.? If so, will a passive DI do or would an active one be better? Or do I need to put an amp in the line (the Scarlett already has preamps with phantom power on its inputs)?

Or is this just a bad idea?

George

 

[dainbramage]

You simply import the WAV into your DAW (the program you're using to record), add a new track and play along as you record that track. You will not need a DI box. Just connect your guitar to your interface using a regular guitar cable. Those inputs on your Scarlett takes both microphone- and guitarcables even if they do not look like it.

Good luck!

 

[bouldersoundguy]

You will not need a DI box. Just connect your guitar to your interface using a regular guitar cable.

That depends on the instrument's pickup and the interface's instrument input impedance. Some instrument inputs don't have high enough impedance for some pickups. A quality active DI will work with practically any instrument. But it's worth trying a direct connection to the Scarlett first.

 

[dainbramage]

That depends on the instrument's pickup and the interface's instrument input impedance. Some instrument inputs don't have high enough impedance for some pickups. A quality active DI will work with practically any instrument. But it's worth trying a direct connection to the Scarlett first.

Oh, in that case, I stand corrected. My guitars seem fine when connected to a Scarlett, but then again I never tried connecting them through a quality active DI. Maybe I should try it?

 

[gaichele]

Thanks for quick and helpful replies. FWIW, I play my acoustic uke through a condenser mic plugged into the Scarlett without di frequently and with no problem. I'll look into importing the wav.

George

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Oh, in that case, I stand corrected. My guitars seem fine when connected to a Scarlett, but then again I never tried connecting them through a quality active DI. Maybe I should try it?

I don't know what the impedance is of the Scarlett's instrument input. Some instruments, especially those with piezo pickups, require at least 1M. If your instrument has a preamp it can be connected to just about anything.