Countryman Type 85 vs Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 Instrument Input (test inside)

[texisthebest]

Hi guys, I have done this test:

A) Countryman Type 85 + Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (Line input) (peak -6dBs)
B) Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (Instrument input, PAD on) (peak -3.6dBs)

The guitar is a Ibanez 321 MH.
Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Blackouts Metal AHB-2

DI's only A/B test playing the same riff two times first with Type 85 and then only 6i6

The same with Ampsims (TSE 47+ Roxolder JCM800 + TPA-1 + Ownhammer Cabs)

I've done the best I could playing the same thing twice but there may be differences. What do you prefer?

Why are there so many differences in waveform? Pink is Countryman.

I have realise that the Countryman part is peaking at -6dB while the 6i6 is peaking at -3.4dB.
Why? Because I play all the strings hard and push the gain in scarlett until the max peak was about -3dBs.
In the two cases but the countryman seems to have more dynamics and peaks at -6dB when I play only the 3 low strings of my guitar.
Anyway... what do you think? There are many benefits using a countryman?

For make a little best comparison I have raise the envelope volume so that both DIs are peak in the same levels playing the same.

Here the new DIs (level matched)
Here the same with Ampsims

 

[deLuther]

Post DIs also.

 

[texisthebest]

Post DIs also.

Edit: your wish is my command: I have upload the DIs

 

[deLuther]

Not the best choise of pickup for Hi-Z test
Too much distortion in both cases, 6i6 have even larger distortion.

 

[texisthebest]

Update: now using a 7 string Schecter Hellraiser C7 with stock EMG 707 pickups

DIs:
Countryman vs Scarlett 6i6

And:
The same with ampsims

I push the gain in the Scarlet 6i6 until I reach -3dB (aprox.), Should I record like this or should I use -18dBS or let the gain at 0 in the scarlet 6i6?

 

[Studdy]

There is clearly a "distortion" happening on the 2nd DI. Distortion tends to have a natural compression that happens. And I can see the compression on the image without even listening. Also your second question about gain is a bit of a mixed book when tracking guitars because i find certain amp sims prefer different input signals. If you are recording 24bit a general rule of thumb is to shoot for -18rms. No rules here but it's "safe".

 

[texisthebest]

There is clearly a "distortion" happening on the 2nd DI. Distortion tends to have a natural compression that happens. And I can see the compression on the image without even listening. Also your second question about gain is a bit of a mixed book when tracking guitars because i find certain amp sims prefer different input signals. If you are recording 24bit a general rule of thumb is to shoot for -18rms. No rules here but it's "safe".

Thanks for your answer, I agree with the compression, thats why I upload this image, I just wanted to know your opinions, I am still learning about audio.

I use "safe" levels (-18dBFS) when recording vocals but recording DI guitars I was not sure because of this: "guitar's signal is peaking at about -3 to -4dB"
(Glenn Fricker guide http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/f-o-h/290714-preparing-your-tracks-reamping-guide.html )

Anyway I will try more options, I supose it depends in the source and there isn't a magic recipe.

 

[deLuther]

Guitars peaking at -3/-4 dbFS can have lower RMS than -18 db, sometimes not, especially in case of active pickup at 9 V with heavy internal clipping.
It seems that Countryman can handle 707, while 6i6 can not.

 

[texisthebest]

Guitars peaking at -3/-4 dbFS can have lower RMS than -18 db, sometimes not, especially in case of active pickup at 9 V with heavy internal clipping.
It seems that Countryman can handle 707, while 6i6 can not.

Yeah, prevent high peaks and -18RMS will be my way to go, thanks for your answers.

 

[texisthebest]

It was a problem of Gain Staging: with less gain in the 6i6 It works better.
Sorry for this big images, for being so stupid and thank you for your anwers

 

[deLuther]

And what you have now?

 

[texisthebest]

THIS

DIs

Anyway this is with the gain a zero in the 6i6, I will have to find the sweetspot.

 

[deLuther]

Can you record Ibanez with the same settings as in last sample?

 

[texisthebest]

Can you record Ibanez with the same settings as in last sample?

Here we go! These pickups are too much high gain

DIs

 

[deLuther]

AHB-2 has jumper to set amount of gain, which setting do you use?
Same setting for Hi-Z as for 707?

 

[texisthebest]

AHB-2 has jumper to set amount of gain, which setting do you use?
Same setting for Hi-Z as for 707?

I am using the "less gain" option version (I was told at the music store where they installed it).

 

[DestroyingTheDevoid]

So its ok to record DI into the Focusrite with the gain knob of the interface turned all the way down?