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Question about Guitar/Bass Recording as AudioBus Input
I think I know the answer to this, but I'm getting my head all twisted around and wanted to check with some people who know more about recording.
I have have an iPad2 and an Apogee JAM interface. You plug the instrument cable directly into the Apogee and you get a digital guitar signal, which can then be applied to modelling apps (like BIAS, JamUp, or ToneStack).
But I also have a bunch of compact guitar pedals I would use in front of a real amp. I also some multi-FX units and a few direct boxes (like the Tech21 SansAmp). I'm beginning to favor using some of my other guitar equipment to take care of the effects and modeling before it ever gets to the iPad. This prevents latency and frees up the iPad's processing power to focus on running the DAW, which is all I really need it for.
I have the Zoom B1on (which is a multi-FX for bass but NOT a direct box capable of line level output), and a Behringer BDI21 (which can be used as a direct box and has both 1/4" and XLR outputs).
My question is, what is the best way to record with these? Should I run the B1on directly into the Apogee JAM? Or does it need the additional preamp of the BDI21 in between? I had never really thought of the Apogee JAM as a "preamp", but in a sense, it is doing that as a part of the digital conversion process. So, if I had to guess, the B1on should work with iPad recording if I use it as a mere stompbox into a JAM interface. Thoughts?
Comments
If you want outboard effects and amps, and you amp doesn't have a modeled output, I think the best bet would be to mic the cab. Since you have a direct box, you should be able to run your mic through that and into your Apogee.
The easiest thing is just to connect your analog pedals to your Apogee Jam. Your Zoom B1 might be able to connect to your iPad directly via a USB hub though, I have a zoom G3X that connects that way, so it's essentially a USB guitar interface.
Thanks for the responses, @richardyot and @funjunkie27 .
I tried this last night - I was extremely pleased with the results. Turns out the best solution (at least for the B1on) is to set it to "direct", and run it directly into the Apogee JAM interface. The Apogee is actually a pretty flexible piece of equipment, due to the gain control and variable LED that lets you know when know when your signal is too hot (or too cold). They advertise that it is capable of adding 40dB of gain, so it can adjust to even fairly low output from pickups or multi-FX units.
I really do like several of the modeling apps on iOS - I will likely continue to use them. But for guitarists that don't only want to practice while hooked up to an iPad, there are a lot of advantages to recording guitar this way, as opposed to with AB/IAA and apps. It's a lot less stress on the iPad's processing ability to just grab a raw audio signal and funnel that into a DAW, as opposed to having to do all the heavy lifting through a separate guitar app. Also, for only $49.99, the G1on or B1on are like portable, battery powered sound modules that I can use to tweak tones (and practice with headphones) completely independently of working on the iPad.
For guitar, I actually prefer the DigiTech RP360 - TONS of great amps and effects, and it's a class compliant USB audio interface, so you can plug directly into the camera connection kit and record the same way.
Anyway, I've enjoyed all this equipment on its own, so it's pretty exciting how easily (and cheaply) it can all be made to work together to practice, record, and perform.
I'd like to check out the RP360 as well. Sounds like a great solution.
I never have a problem running guitar or bass or keyboards or whatever through pedals and then into iRig pro into the phone... Sometimes I'll use a few pedal chains through a mixer and the iRig from the headphone or aux out... It's great using pedals and apps...
I have the b1on and it is excellent, although it can get a little noisy sometimes. Definitely run it right into the jam and all will be well. However, my b1on usually goes into a vt bass before the DI and i love the sound of both together.
Despite the zillions of patches and effects, the more I use the b1on the less I use on it. I have a few patches I switch between live, and now each patch has a high pass filter (depth knob on the fishman model), which helps with the u-bass as it has a TON of low end.
Oh, and sadly, the usb on b1on is only for firmware updates. I wish it was able to be edited on computer like the b3, as well as be an interface directly. I have lots of custom patches now and if it ever dies they're lost (or I have to write them down and do them again, which would be a pain).