Best way to connect Axe-Fx III?

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djsuperdock

Member
Just received my Axe FX III yesterday and I'm super excited to start creating. I connected it this way first: output 1 (L & R XLR) into the 2 inputs on my Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen). Then that goes out to 2 studio monitors. I initially had no sound despite the Axe showing that it was getting input and sending output, and then I flipped the "direct monitoring" switch on my Scarlett and then had volume. However, to my ear I could not perceive any stereo width to any of the patches that were supposed to have it going on. It sounded like everything was centered.

So is there a better way to connect the Axe Fx? Perhaps by using the usb connection to a computer? Help me out guys!
 
Just found an older thread about the Axe II and the same interface which makes me believe that I'm correct about the Scarlett outputting in mono.
 
Most audio interfaces that have a direct monitoring button or switch on the front will sum the inputs to mono before sending them to the outputs. If the Scarlett has an app for controlling the monitoring, there’s probably a way to pan the inputs in the app.

If you don’t use the mic preamps on your Scarlett, I agree with Yek. Just use the Axe as your interface.
 
getlostinsound said:
Most audio interfaces that have a direct monitoring button or switch on the front will sum the inputs to mono before sending them to the outputs. If the Scarlett has an app for controlling the monitoring, there’s probably a way to pan the inputs in the app.

If you don’t use the mic preamps on your Scarlett, I agree with Yek. Just use the Axe as your interface.
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So you are saying I have to connect the Axe FX III directly to the monitors? Or is there a way to keep the monitors connected to the interface. Something like: Axe FX III (usb) --> computer --> scarlett interface --> monitors?
 
djsuperdock said:
So you are saying I have to connect the Axe FX III directly to the monitors? Or is there a way to keep the monitors connected to the interface. Something like: Axe FX III (usb) --> computer --> scarlett interface --> monitors?
Click to expand...
No, I was saying that if you want to keep the monitors connected to the audio interface, you’ll either need to use direct monitoring (mono) or use the Scarlett monitoring app to adjust level and pan (not sure there’s is an app, just going on experience with other audio interfaces). What model Scarlett do you have?

Otherwise, just connect the monitors directly to the Axe FX.
 
Right now you have it hooked directly, so it will be mono. If you’re going to use the Scarlett, you need to use a DAW (or similar app) so that you can pan your inputs hard left / hard right.
 
getlostinsound said:
No, I was saying that if you want to keep the monitors connected to the audio interface, you’ll either need to use direct monitoring (mono) or use the Scarlett monitoring app to adjust level and pan (not sure there’s is an app, just going on experience with other audio interfaces). What model Scarlett do you have?

Otherwise, just connect the monitors directly to the Axe FX.
Click to expand...

I have the Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen. There is no monitoring app or software associated with it to my knowledge. So I guess to keep the monitors connected to the interface I would have to use a DAW and pan L and R and then monitor that. Is this generally not done because of latency?
 
Do you need the Scarlett because you want higher sampling rates than 48khz?
in my opinion, unless you have a universal audio thunderbolt 3 interface, ditch the Scarlett, and use the AXE III solely. The quality you’ll get out of your guitar tones @ 48, straight in is stellar.
 
The 2i2 direct monitor is in Mono only. I've used it. You have to use monitoring back from your DAW to get stereo. Or alternatively the 2i4 (i use in my bedroom) has a switch for direct monitoring between Mono & Stereo.
 
The Scarlett is an Interface
The AxeFX is an Interface.
As others have said, you only need two Interfaces if you are recording more than just guitar (vocals for instance).

So if you are only playing guitar, connect the monitors to the AxeFx & leave the Scarlett out.
If you want to use the Scarlett pre's, I'd suggest connecting the two interfaces via s/pdif.
 
djsuperdock said:
I have the Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen. There is no monitoring app or software associated with it to my knowledge. So I guess to keep the monitors connected to the interface I would have to use a DAW and pan L and R and then monitor that. Is this generally not done because of latency?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’d avoid that due to latency. Do you need the Scarlett for recording via microphone?
 
getlostinsound said:
Yeah, I’d avoid that due to latency. Do you need the Scarlett for recording via microphone?
Click to expand...

Not at the same time as I use the Axe Fx. I guess I was just trying to find a way that I didn't have to unplug the monitors from the interface and plug them in the Axe FX every time I use it but its not a big deal.
 
What kind of monitors? Do they, by chance, have more than one input? If so, run the Scarlett and Axe to different inputs.
 
djsuperdock said:
Not at the same time as I use the Axe Fx. I guess I was just trying to find a way that I didn't have to unplug the monitors from the interface and plug them in the Axe FX every time I use it but its not a big deal.
Click to expand...

Here's an idea: use the Scarlett as a standalone preamp and connect it to the Axe FX III.

Connect the Axe FX III to your computer via USB and connect your monitors directly to it. In this scenario you'll use this as your main audio interface.

Plug the Scarlett into your computer via USB (you may even be able to make this work by plugging it into a USB power "brick"). Put it in direct monitoring mode, Plug in a mic, and connect the Scarlett's monitor output (left or right) into Axe FX input 2 (left or right). On the Scarlett, turn the monitor knob to 100% (no attenuation), and then use the mic preamp knob to adjust the input signal. When you want to record via mic, just use Axe FX input 7 or 8 (depending on whether you plugged into the left or right side of input 2 on the Axe).

GaryB said:
What kind of monitors? Do they, by chance, have more than one input? If so, run the Scarlett and Axe to different inputs.
Click to expand...
Yep, this will work if the monitors each have individual inputs on separate "channels" (usually with separate level control), but if they just have a 1/4" and XLR input, chances are they are directly connected. In that case, you shouldn't connect separate devices to each connector. The outputs of the Axe will be trying to "drive" the outputs of the Scarlett, and vice versa.

If these options don't "pan out" ;), you could just buy a simple monitor switcher to switch between the Axe and the Scarlett, like this.
 
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