acoustictunes

I was just trying to understand how many line inputs I needed :) I currently have a Toneport UX2, which as separate line inputs from the microphone inputs, but Gearbox doesn't run on my Mac anymore. Also, it wasn't clear to me from the manual whether the UX2 knew how to monitor the line inputs and merge with the audio from the computer (youtube / itunes). The "Line 6 Audio - MIDI Devices" panel on the mac doesn't talk about any of that. I was thinking of upgrading and trying to figure out how many inputs I needed. A Focusrite 2i2 only has 2 inputs that are combo xlr and 1/4 inch, but normally I'd connect microphones to that. So I was trying to understand if I needed extra inputs or not, because I don't want to unplug my microphones every time I want to connect the HX stomp. When I looked at Focusrite 4i4 and the MOTU M2 / M4, their documentation talks specifically about routing line inputs to the analog outs / studio monitors, with very close to zero latency. They also talk about being able to control the mix between the inputs and the computer (the MOTU even has a physical dial for that). So that sounds like the right solution, instead of sending the audio from the HX stomp via usb to the computer and then back out to the audio interface. It sounds like I just need those extra cables, and I don't need an aggregate device. I think that the latency is going to be lowest if you connect the studio monitors directly to the HX stomp, but if the audio interface supports direct monitoring like the Focusrite / MOTU / every other modern audio interface, then running a cable should be fine.

Thanks -- I've been reading the HX Stomp manual (Rev C) and I see the discussion on p.55 about hardware vs software monitoring. I guess for the best latency while playing guitar, I'd want to leave it plugged into the HX Stomp. I guess I could just get a mixer to combine the HX Stomp out and the audio interface out, so that I don't have to plug in and out every time. But then I guess I have to add a mixer to my desk which is already running out of space :)

Currently I have a mac laptop hooked up to an audio interface and studio monitors. I was interested in getting a HX Stomp. If I connect the stomp via USB to the mac, and I'm playing guitar through the stomp, is there a way to make the audio from the stomp go out my studio monitors without physically connecting the cables from the stomp to the monitors? I'd prefer to leave the monitors plugged into my existing audio interface.

I was looking at Gearbox and once I have two inputs, it doesn't seem like you can set any options for processed / unprocessed. When you have one input it gives the option to change record send 3/4 to be dry. edit: Also, what kind of device do you use now to record?

Oh, cool, I see. Just tried this out. So if I'm recording 1 thing at a time I can definitely listen to the processed tone and record the dry one. I guess what can't do is record vocals + guitar at the same time and then send 4 things out to Garageband: processed vocals, dry vocals, processed guitar, dry guitar.

Thanks - but there's definitely no way to get a processed tone but then send an unprocessed one, right?

I've got a Macbook Pro with Mavericks and I noticed that I'm able to use the system preferences under Line6 Audio - Midi Devices to set the inputs and recording options without running Gearbox. Will I still get the benefit of ToneDirect Monitoring by listening through the 'Phones' jack without Gearbox running? Or do I need Gearbox to run? Normally I just record everything unprocessed. I assume if I did want to hear the processed sound I'd need Gearbox. Thanks!