Sonoma Wire Works - Support Forums

by **rowbi** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:25 pm

Here's the thing: My PODxt sounds great when I record using RW, but when I use my m-audio jamlab as an audio interface it sounds ok, but even if I run the outputs of my PODxt into the jamlab, it's still sounds no where near as good as the PODs USB interface.

What interfaces does anyone else use? I was thinking of an ESI MAYA44 USB as it's got line level stereo inputs (I use a lot of stereo effects, etc)

Note: I'm not interested in using the effects within riffworks, I just want riff works to record what I throw at it.

Thanks

Rowbi

by **gatorjj** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:55 pm

Hi Rowbi, when you say it doesn't sound as good, I'm curious where you are listening (i.e. does it sound great when you are playing but flat when you play it back?). I don't know much about the jamlab but in theory it should sound the same going in and coming out. Are you recording in stereo into RiffWorks? (little "stereo" button on the lower left should be lit)

I'm using a Focusrite Saffire and was using a PODxt prior to that.

Cheers,

J.J.

by **rowbi** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:58 pm

The m-audio jamlab only has a mono input, and it also has a headphone output. that's all it has. It generally just doesn't sound as good, live and recording, so it's probably the fact that the jamlab is about $29. I've just realised that the toneport UX1 and UX2 have a stereo line in, has anyone used the line input on either of them sucessfully with riffworks?

Rowbi

by **mauvehead** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:55 am

I use the UX2 and think it actually sounds slightly better than the PodXT for some reason (different hardware, I/O's?) although I've never used the line inputs on the UX2. I also use a Presonus Firepod for when I need a silkier sound because it seems like the UX2 does great at guitars/bass but the Firepod has better tonality on its mic inputs for all else. Right tool for the right job. It does appear you would benefit from a better ASIO input. The UX2 is great if you only need two inputs at once. Good luck!

by **ShredRex** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:13 pm

I have my trusty old Guitarport......but wonder if getting a Toneport would have any advantages like better sound quality........any opinons?

It would be nice to know, before I put up the dough!

by **scott** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:47 pm

I'm glad I bought my UX2. Better management of signals - instruments/vocals plus phantom power for my condenser mic.
Although there are more amp models/fx to choose from, it's the same old story - more isn't necessarily better. It's still the GearBox interface so it will feel very familiar to your GP. Nothing new to get to grips with.
I'd say, overall, splash the cash and go for it. I've had absolutely no regrets.

by **mauvehead** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:02 pm

Seems like the UX2 runs a bit smoother (higher track counts, less pops and crackles) than the GP did. I finally sold the GP to a student and have never looked back. And I think the UX2 has an overall better sound as far as the 1/4" input jack is concerned, but then again maybe I'm just hearing things. An even better route would be to go with a KB37 so that you can have a foot controller for wahs, volume swells, etc.. I'd buy a KB37 if it would fit in my laptop bag, but it doesn't and I need to tote the UX2 back and forth to lessons and smaller field recording jobs. But I do need a decent MIDI keyboard since my 13 year old son has taken over my old M-Audio O2. Too bad L6 doesn't allow you to use model packs on more than one interface.

by **ShredRex** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:07 pm

I was leaning towards the mini TP, cause all I need is the basic input. My GP is starting to give me trouble so I figured I would step up to something a little better quality, but keeping it all idiot proof.

I like GB so that is great that it does not change.......so the overall consensus is the TP sounds better than the GP right?

Is there anything else I should consider.....I was also looking at the stealthplug but have been scared away from that one by the reviews I have read.

My Riffworld · by **GuitarSlinger** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:13 pm

I've owned the GP, the Toneport, and a PodXTL. I my opinion they are all the same thing in different packages for different uses. There really is no sound difference of any of them. Just more input/output options. Unless you really want the extra features of the Toneport and the extra line ins/mic inputs and pre-amp and bass models, then your not gaining anything by upgrading.

by **blue4u** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:14 pm

I too went from the GP to a TonePort and noticed a significant difference in sound quality. All of the TonePorts are probably on par but the GP is older technology and while I can't say for certain, my ears tell me that the TonePort hardware is superior. The tones just seem better. I believe the sound card is higher quality with the TonePorts? Someone can correct me if I'm wrong??

I'd love to know (for the sake of curiosity) if in fact the TonePort sound card is a different manufacturer, made in a different country or just higher quality components and craftsmanship. Maybe someone else can respond who might know?

In any case, getting the extra preamp models and 5 bass amp models is ABSOLUTELY worth the upgrade. Those preamp models are truly amazing!!

Rich

by **mickeymix** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:23 pm

I've got to 2nd what my man Blue said.......I've been besides myself with glee since I went from GP to TP UX2......huge difference to these ears............plus the TP drivers are more stable......and those extra amps.....oh my! And if you do any vocals at all you must get the Toneport.....vox just don't sound the same on the GuitarPort.........

by **mauvehead** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:31 pm

Glad I'm not the only one who hears a difference between the GP and UX2. The UX2 seems to have a smoother, less digital sound, at least when comparing the two on a nice set of familiar studio monitors (which I did a lot of comparing before selling the GP).

by **scott** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:52 pm

blue4u wrote:In any case, getting the extra preamp models and 5 bass amp models is ABSOLUTELY worth the upgrade.

Rich,
Did you upgrade with the Line6 patch for the Bass Expansion? They said there would be a huge improvement in the sound quality after installing but I can't hear much difference.

by **mickeymix** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:02 pm

I did the Bass X patch for my Bass expansion and didn't notice much at all if any difference Scotty......I'm glad I'm not the only one there as well..........

by **mauvehead** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:08 am

Same here. Smoke and mirrors......

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