thebrig

After much research in stores, and positive advice from basschatters, I think the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface will certainly do what I want. I am quite new to recording so the question I need answering is: [size=3]Is it reasonably easy/straightforward to use?[/size]

Unfortunately, our band has not been in the studio yet, hoping to soon though! So obviously I don't know how it all works. But surely the band listens to, and then decides on the final mix, how can it be down to the engineer alone to decide your sound? I thought the job of the engineer is to produce the sound that [u]you[/u] want. If he does not achieve this first time, then surely they continue until they do at no additional cost. After all, you was happy with the sound you put in, if the engineer has altered it in a detrimental way, then he/she should put it right. I might be way off the mark here, but I am interested to know how it works, as we might be doing some studio work ourselves soon.

Anyone know where I can get the transcription for Cockney Rebel's - Make Me Smile? I know it's one of those songs that every cover's band in the world does, and I must admit, that I'm fed up with it too! But we have a wedding gig coming up, and the "happy couple" have requested it, so do it, we must. I can get by playing it my way, but I would really like to play it as close to the original bassline as I can, because IMO, it is a great bassline and I imagine great fun to play, especially having seen this: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE[/url] But I have to admit, I am finding it difficult to replicate it properly. So if anyone out there knows where I can find the transcription/tabs, I would be most grateful.

Following my post regarding audio interfaces, [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567[/url] there has been a lot of recommendations for the [b]Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface.[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url] I am computer literate, and have some decent DAW's installed such as SONAR Producer, although I'm not that competent with it yet, but I'm sure if I use it more, I will get to know it eventually. I'm after being able to record my band in various situations, and maybe make some half-decent demo's. Would this be a good choice, And is it reasonably easy to use for a novice? Also, at £399, it is just under my budget of £400. All advice would be welcome.

[quote name='Bankai' post='1139527' date='Feb 24 2011, 06:03 AM']I have the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire. Definitely recommended, IMO best in class, and exactly what you're looking for it seems![/quote] I must admit that the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire seems to be a good option. I will check it out soon, along with some of the other suggestions.

[quote name='algmusic' post='1140006' date='Feb 24 2011, 02:39 PM']I've made my own cables in the past and they were very good, not blowing my own trumpet (toot, toot).. but OBBM cables are king and very well priced over making your own and as mentioned they are made by pro's not idiots like myself OBBM all the way!![/quote] Just received three cables from OBBM, and that's the reason I changed my mind about making them up myself. They are brilliant, and feel like they will last a very long time indeed.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1135862' date='Feb 21 2011, 05:37 PM']What me? I'm hardly ever on here [/quote] I knew you would be the first to respond!

Don't know whether this has been done before. But since joining BassChat a couple of months ago, I find myself hooked to it. I log in every day and spend ages reading all the great posts on here. Problem is, I should be learning new material instead of being on this site all the time. I have to say though, I have learnt so much, and picked up some great tips from all you guys/gals out there. [b]Anyone else neglecting their practise to be on this site?[/b] That's it, I'm logging off now, and I'm going pick my bass up, and start on the three new songs that I [u]should have[/u] learnt at the weekend.

At great expense, I think I have tried almost every flatwound out there, and I really liked Fenders. But a couple of months ago, I put some Ernie Ball flats on, and they are fantastic to play. Twiddling the knobs on my bass gives me all the sounds I need, from deep bass, right through to slapping, if that's what you want. They are a joy to play, very easy on your fingers, and sound better as they get older, IMO.

[quote name='Stuee' post='1134153' date='Feb 20 2011, 10:56 AM']Very wise. Much like with bass playing, buying an expensive iron and top quality solder won't get you a good solder joint without a certain level of skill, and it's a lot harder than it looks! [/quote] That's right, although I have done a bit of soldering in the past, there is no way I'm ever going to achieve a pro level joint.

[size=2]Just received some cables that Dave (OBBM) made for me. Don't think I will bother making my own now. I'll never be able to make anything as good![/size]

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132497' date='Feb 18 2011, 05:44 PM']Good to see that this may have been resolved although I'd prefer to know what had been fixed ideally or what it actually was. I was going to suggest the output trans may have issues but I'd be seeing if I could borrow a spare amp just in case. Definitely invest in decent leads...preferable studio quality cable that is garaunteed.[/quote] OBBM is going to busy making up cables and leads for me!

Don't know whether you prefer shortscale because of less reach, or less weight, but I was having back problems etc. and also found the longer reach painful. So I hunted around for lightweight bass, and found myself a Ibanez SR500. Not only does it weigh only 7lbs, I was staggered as to how it feels to play. It feels like you are playing a guitar rather than a bass, and the reach is similar to a shortscale bass. I urge you to try one, not only is it the easiest bass I have ever played, it sounds absolutely amazing too, and is very versatile. You really don't notice the weight at all, trust me, I've had back problems for years, and was considering giving up until I found this little beauty. You should be able to find one second hand for around £250/300.

[quote name='Earbrass' post='1132069' date='Feb 18 2011, 12:06 PM']Does this mean we can expect a "road-worn" edition of the shuttle? A few scratches and dents and voila - "mojo".[/quote] I guess that over the next 50 years, they will annually re-issue the 'Shuttle' dressed up in many different guises. Just imagine, it's the year 2060, and Fender announce the release the 50th anniversary edition of my 2010 shuttle 6.0, and I've still got my original, do I put it on eBay for £150,000?

I've just been speaking to two separate stores on what they would recommend, and both advised against the [b]Zoom R24[/b], but I sort of expected that in a way, because these are guys who use recording gear all the time, know the stuff inside out, and would almost certainly turn their nose's up at something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b]. I emphasised the point, that I don't know that much about computer recording, and being a bit long in the tooth, I did not want to spend too much time learning new tricks. Anyway! They came up with a couple of suggestions, and the only one that really grabbed me, was: [b]Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Audio Interface[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url] It's packed with quality for the price, and records 16 tracks simultaneously. But, I don't know whether it will be too difficult for me to learn how to get the best from it. What do you guys/gals think? and are there any places I could go to get hand's on tuition? I know purely from a quality point of view, it will much better than the [b]Zoom R24[/b], yet only costing £20 more. But at the end of the day, I feel the [b]Zoom R24[/b] would do what I'm looking for, just simple recordings of the band, for rough demo's to hand out, and for our own use.

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1131704' date='Feb 17 2011, 11:34 PM']Maybe it's just for European Distribution?[/quote] I had a problem with my shuttle that seems to have cleared up now. But the guys in the shop said that if it re-occurs, rather than take it back to them (100 mile round trip), because they are distributed by Fender UK, I could send it direct to them in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

[quote name='bartelby' post='1131590' date='Feb 17 2011, 09:45 PM']Briefly. Set up 2 condenser mics to record the whole band for a couple of tracks. It's a little confusing to use to start with, but that would change with use. The sound quality is bloody good. We were due to do a proper recording session with it next week, but the drummer has quit so we're regrouping... If you want one, get one they're good![/quote] Cheers!

[quote name='bartelby' post='1097423' date='Jan 21 2011, 01:04 PM']The guitarist in my band bought the R24 last week, we'll be trying it for the first time a week today. Tonight's rehearsal is for a gig tomorrow night. I'm trying to get him to bring it tonight anyway, so we can at least give it a try...[/quote] Did you try the R24? I'm eager to hear your thoughts on it, as I'm thinking of getting one too.

[quote name='Bloc Riff Nut' post='1131422' date='Feb 17 2011, 07:06 PM']what about this little beauty;- M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8r [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-Ultra-8R-USB2-0-audio-interface-/250743726501?pt=Midi_Controllers&hash=item3a617da1a5"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-U...=item3a617da1a5[/url] They say m-audio have zero latentcy ! [/quote] Just seen it at Amazon for £349. I will certainly consider it.

I have [b]Sonar 8 Producer[/b] and [b]Reaper[/b] on my computer, although I can only just about use them. I now need an audio interface, that will allow me to record a minimum of 8 tracks simultaneously. I don’t know much about recording, so would like something that is easy and straightforward to use. I would like it to have decent microphone inputs though. I have a budget of £400 maximum. All recommendations and advice would be welcome. Many thanks in advance. [b]Edit:[/b] Would I be able to use the [b]Zoom R24 Digital Recorder, Sampler, USB Interface and DAW Controller?[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/zoom-r24-digital-recorder-sampler-usb-interface-and-daw-controller--74227"]http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/zoom...ntroller--74227[/url] Or the [b]Line 6 Toneport UX-8 Audio Interface?[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/line-6-toneport-ux8--43354"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/lin...port-ux8--43354[/url] And has anyone used either of them?

[quote name='robocorpse' post='1130835' date='Feb 17 2011, 12:11 PM']Electronics grade solder has flux built in, no need for extra flux, its just as important to make sure the metal surfaces are clean before you start. Scotchbrite pads are good for this (nick one off the missus, or 99p for 3 in Tesco), and finish off with a quick wipe of IPA or meths on a tissue or cotton bud to degrease it. Don't touch any metal area you are soldering with your fingers after this point or you'll grease it again. Some cheap connectors have horrid plating that takes ages to get solder to adhere to without abrading it back to base metal, so stick to decent parts like Neutrik and Switchcraft. There is zero point paying double for the silver-loaded stuff at this level if you are just making up leads with OFC cable, a tiny bit of silver alloy in one joint will make no difference whatsoever against the hundreds of non-silver joints in every pedal, amp and factory-made cable you have in your rig. The eco friendly "Lead Free" solder is a pain in the arse as it has a higher melting point than traditional 60/40 and some smaller irons have difficulty with it on anything other than very small connections, so its no good for pots etc unless you have a decent iron of at least 20w with good heat recovery like a Weller PU, or you'll cook the plastic spindles while you wait for it to heat the joint sufficiently. That said, its getting hard to find 60/40 tin/lead solder now. The key to good lead making is tidiness of the preparation, exact cuts, careful removal of insulation so you don't lose or damage strands, neatness and order and no straggly ends or blobby solder. And a decent iron too. Antex XS25 is a good starting point, or a used Weller TCP series. Something between 20-50w with easily swappable tips. Under 20w and you'll have a hard time soldering anything bigger than a centre conductor, over 50w and you'll cook everything and won't be able to get fine tips. I think thats covered it?[/quote] Thanks for the info. I do intend using high quality connectors and cable etc. which is why I'm seeking help, and your advice certainly covers everything I need to know. Many thanks.

I'm thinking of having a go at making my own cables. Can anyone recommend the best solder to use, and where to purchase it? Might be a silly question, but do you need top quality flux as well? Thanks in anticipation of your responses.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1130447' date='Feb 16 2011, 11:39 PM']Sounds ok on the combo then. I have a separate 6.0 head and a Genz 4ohm Neox 2x12T I'm not sure who supplies the lead in this case? Mine was from BassDirect and Mark may of just thrown the lead in as a bonus because I had the £1299 deal all in including the manbag for the head and leads. (over £1600 if bought separately) Soon sorted with one of OBBM's super chunky affairs though.[/quote] I've just emailed OBBM, about making me up a couple of decent 18" cables for the Line6 wireless system, which I decided to buy while the guys were having a look at my amp.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1130024' date='Feb 16 2011, 06:28 PM']Just a quick word of caution although I doubt it's the problem in this case , The cheap speakon to speakon lead I got with mine melted at the first gig! A proper one from OBBM soon sorted it a thankfully the band I was playing with used speakons for the PA so I had a 20 metre speaker lead for 2" but it saved the day. The cheap one was a copy speakon and the cable far too thin for 600watts and the presumably already slightly loose connection just got warmer until letting go altogether. Give yours a good wiggle and that goes for all Shuttle owners [/quote] My Shuttle 6.0 is the 12T combo version, so the cable is hard wired inside the cab, and then through the top of the cab, which has the cradle attached, and you you then connect the speakon connector to the head. Surely GB don't supply a cheap connecting cable on a combo costing a grand, do they? If that's the case, I might have to open the cab and replace it. Mind you, the speakon cable on mine is a real chunky affair, and looks like it should do the job OK.

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1129975' date='Feb 16 2011, 05:57 PM']Did they do a repair?[/quote] Unfortunately or fortunately, it was fine in the shop, so nothing to repair. And it's still fine now! So, it's fingers crossed from now on, and hope it stays that way.