Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so

Subject: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 18 Nov 22 - 09:57 AM

Could I solicit some advice for electro-acoustic guitar/vocal interface use and purchase, for my laptop? I'm looking for Zoom work (in and outside song sessions) and home recording. Thank you all in advance.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Ian H Bruce
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 11:32 AM

I am very happy with my Tascam DP-008EX – 8-Track Digital Portastudio for home recording. Whether it is suitable for Zoom sessions I wouldn't know but I suspect it would be OK.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 03:27 PM

I think some techie people overpower Zoom with fancy equipment, so be careful about that. Test it with a friend before subjecting a larger group with it. Amplifiers and such can produce hums and distortion, and you can often be better off with plain-Jane equipment.
I sometimes get caught with really distorted sound on Zoom myself. I've found that I can fix it by going to sound options on the lower left hand corner of my screen and disconnecting the sound and then reconnecting to computer audio. It's like rebooting without actually rebooting.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Rigby
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 04:07 PM

Hi Nick,

The best option is a small USB interface with two mic inputs. Make sure at least one of the mic inputs offers a 'high impedance' mode and you'll be able to plug your guitar into that. The most popular option is probably the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but many other manufacturers make something similar. The SSL 2 and 2+ are also good and have lots of gain on the mic input so you can use it with quiet mics like an SM58.

If you want it to sound good over Zoom it's a easier to wear headphones rather than using speakers. Otherwise the Zoom sound can end up being rebroadcast over the speakers and picked up again by the mic, unless you have things set up just so.

Where are you based? I may be able to dig up something suitable next time I'm in the studio.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 01:38 PM

I'm in Lancashire. I have bought a Behringer Um2 2x2. I'm struggling to get a decent recording using Adobe, or Wave sound editor. I've got Cool Edit somewhere, but that's pretty old. The laptop recognising the interface is a bit of a problem. The downloadable driver has instructions that might as well be in Swahili. My ears and mind are open to advice.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Rigby
Date: 25 Nov 22 - 03:44 AM

You're on Windows I take it? Ideally you need a recording program that supports the ASIO driver format. Not sure if Adobe does. You could try downloading Reaper or Audacity for example.

To use it with Zoom or Wave sound editor or whatever, you need to select it as the system sound device. It's a long time since I did this but I think if you go to Control Panel and choose Sound you should be able to do it from there.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 25 Nov 22 - 04:59 AM

Thanks Rigby. I managed that but I think I might take your advice and try Reaper or Audacity. I'll get there I'm sure.

Subject: RE: Tech: Interface for Zoom /Recording. Advice so
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 03:44 AM

Unfortunately, the driver for the interface completely screwed up my internal mic, leading me to miss half a Zoom session, and having to fire up an old computer. I think I have sorted it by using system restore.
Be very careful of downloading drivers. The interface is going back tomorrow.