Pro Tools - Audio Interface

[jdup]

I am learning Pro Tools in a recording technique class at a local college. I would like to record into Pro Tools on my PC from my Genos 1.

Do I need an audio interface, in order to get the Genos input into my PC, or is there another way (i.e., via the Genos midi output cord). If an audio interface is required, which would you recommend?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Jim Duprey

[pjd]

Hi Jim --

MIDI is a message-based data communication protocol that conveys events like Note ON, Note OFF, pitch bend, etc. MIDI is not audio. These days, MIDI is sent over USB or the old school 5-pin DIN cables/connectors.

Audio from the Genos MAIN L and R connectors is an analog signal. If you want to send audio to your personal computer you can either buy/use an external audio interface (e.g., Steinberg UR22) or you could connect the Genos to the 3.5mm audio input (LINE level) which is built into your personal computer. Most folks prefer the external interface because the conversion quality is better and it is less subject to the internal electrical noise in the PC.

BTW, many external audio interface boxes include an old school 5-pin MIDI interface, too.

Hope these suggestions are helpful -- pj

[jdup]

Thanks, PJ. I am grateful.

Jim

[overover]

I am learning Pro Tools in a recording technique class at a local college. I would like to record into Pro Tools on my PC from my Genos 1.

Do I need an audio interface, in order to get the Genos input into my PC, or is there another way (i.e., via the Genos midi output cord). If an audio interface is required, which would you recommend?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Jim Duprey

Hi Jim,

Almost any USB audio interface is suitable for the purpose described. It just needs to have at least two identical Mono Line inputs that can be used as one  Stereo input. Very small audio interfaces sometimes only have one Microphone input and one single Line/Instrument input. With such interfaces you can record your vocals and a guitar, for example, but they would be poorly suited for recording a stereo keyboard.

Suitable audio interfaces are available with USB 2.0 or USB 3.x, from many different manufacturers, in many different sizes (number of inputs and outputs) and in all price ranges. It is therefore very difficult to give a definitive recommendation.


Best regards,
Chris

[jdup]

Thanks, Chris.

Jim

[Michael Trigoboff]

The Genos1 has an S/PDIF digital audio output that sends directly to an audio interface with a corresponding S/PDIF digital audio input; the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6, for instance. Digital audio would then travel from the 8i6 to your PC via USB. This avoids unnecessary D/A and A/D conversions.

This is by far the best way to get digital audio directly from a Genos1 to a PC. I used this exact setup for years, until I upgraded to a Genos2, which does not have the S/PDIF digital audio output. Instead, the Genos2 can send digital audio out via USB directly to a PC, so now I do it that way.

[jdup]

Thanks, Michael. I will take a look.

Jim

[Michael Trigoboff]

If you decide to go the route I described, make sure to sync the audio interface with the Genos1. Failure to do that will cause random clicking and popping in your audio.

[jdup]

Michael, I ended up purchasing the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 (following our conversations a few months back).

I am now attempting to record directly from my Genos 1 into Pro Tools on my laptop. I connected an SPDF digital cable out of the Genos into the SPDF In port on the rear of the 8i6. I then connected the USB cable (provided by Focusrite) from the 8i6 into my laptop USB port.

I have verified that the Playback Engine is set to the Focusrite.

My problem is that I cannot hear anything that I record through the headphone jacks on the 8i6. I know that the recording occurred, because I see the waveforms in Pro Tools. The volume level is up. I hear only my click track.

Any idea what my issue could be? Thanks, in advance.

Jim Duprey