Axe FX III output clipping into Scarlett 8i6

K

kcyrowolf

Member
Hi there,

Sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything specific on this issue.

I finally upgraded to an Axe FX III Mk2 Turbo, connected from Output 1 to my Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 interface, using the rear line level inputs. I have found when monitoring through the Scarlett, I am hearing clipping in the audio when the Output 1 is turned all the way up. What is strange is that no levels seem to be clipping on the audio interface (which I checked using the Focusrite Control software).

When I turn Output 1 down a little the clipping goes away, though the sacrifice is a significant drop in volume. When monitoring through headphones directly from the headphone out on the Axe FX III, everything is completely clean, regardless of how hard the output is being pushed.

I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I'm sure there must be something I'm missing, so it would be great to get some thoughts.

Many thanks.
 
Likely clipping the input of the 8i6. The Axe-Fx can produce over +20 dBu which is too hot for low-cost interfaces. Don't turn Output 1 up all the way.
 
kcyrowolf said:
Hi there,

Sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything specific on this issue.

I finally upgraded to an Axe FX III Mk2 Turbo, connected from Output 1 to my Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 interface, using the rear line level inputs. I have found when monitoring through the Scarlett, I am hearing clipping in the audio when the Output 1 is turned all the way up. What is strange is that no levels seem to be clipping on the audio interface (which I checked using the Focusrite Control software).

When I turn Output 1 down a little the clipping goes away, though the sacrifice is a significant drop in volume. When monitoring through headphones directly from the headphone out on the Axe FX III, everything is completely clean, regardless of how hard the output is being pushed.

I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I'm sure there must be something I'm missing, so it would be great to get some thoughts.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
I’m at 4/10 in output 1 when I rec with the 8i6.
Never maxed the output in any situation 😅
 
GlennO said:
This is one of the reasons why people use digital connections between devices. That way you don't have to deal with issues like this.
Click to expand...

But going direct (AX3 > computer) via USB introduces latency issues, right? That's why I've avoided it. Seems like a mess.
 
kcyrowolf said:
Hi there,

Sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything specific on this issue.

I finally upgraded to an Axe FX III Mk2 Turbo, connected from Output 1 to my Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 interface, using the rear line level inputs. I have found when monitoring through the Scarlett, I am hearing clipping in the audio when the Output 1 is turned all the way up. What is strange is that no levels seem to be clipping on the audio interface (which I checked using the Focusrite Control software).

When I turn Output 1 down a little the clipping goes away, though the sacrifice is a significant drop in volume. When monitoring through headphones directly from the headphone out on the Axe FX III, everything is completely clean, regardless of how hard the output is being pushed.

I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I'm sure there must be something I'm missing, so it would be great to get some thoughts.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Have you reviewed p. 20 in the manual? If you are using Out 1 in the preset, then you can use USB input channels 1 and 2 on the computer for the same signals that are preset at the FX3’s output jacks.

@GlennO is one of the most knowledgeable ones on the forum for how this works so I’d definitely follow his advice.
 
GlennO said:
This is one of the reasons why people use digital connections between devices. That way you don't have to deal with issues like this.
Click to expand...
This ^^ - Digital connect = less fussing AI input levels, frees up Axfx analogue outs, save a d/a and a/d conversion.
 
Thanks for the advice everybody!

As it happens, after noticing an issue with Focusrite Control not detecting my hardware interface, I ended up doing a thorough reinstall of the Focusrite drivers and software.

Since reinstalling, I have found that I am not getting any clipping or breakup issues any longer...

FractalAudio said:
Likely clipping the input of the 8i6. The Axe-Fx can produce over +20 dBu which is too hot for low-cost interfaces. Don't turn Output 1 up all the way.
Click to expand...

Since the above steps were taken, I have the Axe FX III is running with Output 1 Level set at +4 dBu, turned all the way up on the front panel, and the input meter on the Scarlett 8i6 is reading at approx -12dB in Focusrite Control.
Even with these settings, the guitar seems a little quiet compared to the system volume, so I simply dropped my main monitor levels inside Focusrite Control to balance, rather than boosting the Scarlett inputs higher.
With this, everything seems to be working just as I need it!

Budda said:
May I ask why you are using the scarlett with the axefx?
Click to expand...

It's just always been my usual workflow. I prefer to have a separate interface not just for recording, but for general system usage also. I don't really want to have to run my Axe FX III every time I use my PC for the sake of monitoring audio, and prefer to have something compact in easy reach on my desk.
 
kcyrowolf said:
It's just always been my usual workflow. I prefer to have a separate interface not just for recording, but for general system usage also. I don't really want to have to run my Axe FX III every time I use my PC for the sake of monitoring audio, and prefer to have something compact in easy reach on my desk.
Click to expand...
I agree and do this as well. I find no reason to leave any piece of gear on constantly when I’m not using it, and often use my computer setup when not playing guitar. So an audio interface or mixer for the computer works well, and I add the axe when I need it.
 
jaycal6 said:
But going direct (AX3 > computer) via USB introduces latency issues, right? That's why I've avoided it. Seems like a mess.
Click to expand...
All USB audio has a certain amount of latency.
Many interfaces offer a direct monitoring feature that is a direct connection to the headphone amp from the XLR input.
This my preference as I primarily play live and need to rehearse and setup presets that are routed to FOH.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom