Is there an interface that works better with active pickups?

  • Thread starter Thread starter chrisgr
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chrisgr

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I currently have a Focusrite scarlett solo 3 gen and when I play through it using my eclipse guitars with EMG 81/85 and 57/66 pups it seems like its too hot of a signal going in the interface. I have the gain level pretty much all the way down on the focusrite, no clipping. I saw that IK multimedia has the axe i/o interface that has a switch for passive/active pickups but haven't heard too many reviews on if its just a sales gimmick. Would upgrading my interface make any diiference in the sound quality? I don't record, just use the interface to play the guitar through bias fx, amplitude, and some Neural stuff.
 
the problem is that specific interface, those are horrible with clipping the input. I have the axe i/o and except for the amp out its pretty freaking solid. But I dont have an active pickup guitar to answer that question.
 
Did you try running a DI box in between? Some have pads for hot signals.
 
The Axe I/O has an active/passive switch that helps prevent clipping, and maybe does some impedance magic.
 
I ordered a Black Lion revolution 2x2. They were on sale and seemed to have good reviews. Will see if there is any difference.
 
I've had passive pickups peak a lot higher than EMG's. EMG's aren't THAT hot. They're hot alright, but they've got the addition of clipping internally.

A 500T, Black Winter, or X2N are MUCH hotter.
 
Weird. I have guitars with the same pups and use the same interface and don't have any issues. I'm using it with NAM through the power amp in on my Katana and it works great.
 
What I'm guessing is you're hearing your DI's sound clipped... but EMG's clip internally, so that's pretty normal with them. Can we see a waveform of DI's you recorded?
 
OP, you’re saying the attenuation indicator light is lighting up red on the interface with the attenuation knob turned fully down on the interface, or you’re saying that you hear clipping but there’s no visual indicator of clipping?

I have the same interface and multiple EMG 81-7 equipped guitars (tuned down to G# with a .70 for the low string) and have never had an issue.
 
boltzthrower said:
OP, you’re saying the attenuation indicator light is lighting up red on the interface with the attenuation knob turned fully down on the interface, or you’re saying that you hear clipping but there’s no visual indicator of clipping?

I have the same interface and multiple EMG 81-7 equipped guitars (tuned down to G# with a .70 for the low string) and have never had an issue.
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No, it's not in the red
 
I've had issues with EMGs in the past. They don't clip the input of the DI but end up producing a block waveform. This has always ended up being because the pickups were mounted too high on the guitar. Back then off and you'll see your dynamics return.
 
MatrixClaw said:
I've had issues with EMGs in the past. They don't clip the input of the DI but end up producing a block waveform. This has always ended up being because the pickups were mounted too high on the guitar. Back then off and you'll see your dynamics return.
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Never thought of that, I'll give it a try. Appreciate the input.
 
I use the AXE I/O and have three guitars with EMGs. I have zero issues with clipping.
 
fuck the axe io btw

never had trouble from any interface and active pickups

but it is true that a di box will sound better and give you better staging than most cheap interface hi-z inputs
 
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