For recording use Line in pre amp on front or inputs on back of Fireface 800

    Hi, just got my new Kemper. Am very excited. I am an expert on tone and playing guitar, but not so technically oriented.


    I do have a Mackie mixer but I don't use it and would rather not. I've just started going direct since the fireface has pre amps with a line in input for each one.


    For my amp sims like Vandal I go directly into the preamps (line in) on the front of my RME Fireface 800 for recording.(mono)


    When I've used the pod or tonelab I go into an input in the back of my FF(stereo)


    . How should I connect the Kemper amp for recording into my DAW? It says in the manual to go to the ins in the back of your mixer.


    Since it says I should use the main outputs should I record each one to a separate track or record a stereo track.


    So do I record from the line in on the preamps in the front or the regular inputs on the back?


    Thanks for answering what is a very "newbee" question.


    Usually I dive right in and start tweaking away before even reading the manual. But with this Kemper technology I want to get it right even before I go searching for that perfect Vox AC-30 sound!

    Why is S/PDIF better? At this point I am not profiling amps, I just want to use what is there and perhaps add some more profiles. Why do I need to sync the Kemper to my Fireface. It sounds complicated. Don't mind 44:1 or 24 bit wave files.


    I thought the output was supposed to be analog. If I am not re-amping or profiling what is benefit of using the S/PDIF connection?


    I don't have XLR cables right now so I tried putting the main outputs from the unit into the 1/4 inch inputs on the back of the FF800.


    No sound. Then I put them through the front of the FF using the preamps line in on inputs 1 and 2. I recorded in stereo and only got one half of the stereo channel. Only comes out of one speaker.


    Doesn't the Kemper need the preamps to give power to amplify the signal for recording?


    In the manual for recording it only mentions plugging into the inputs on your mixer.....but nothing about going in directly from the audio interface in which case I am using the FireFace 800, which is what I would like to do....why add more devices between the amp and the recording interface?


    Any help will be greatly appreciated so I can start laying down some beautiful guitar sounds.


    I got this device for my home recording studio. I am surprised there is not more info about using the Kemper for recording.


    Seems like more info and settings for playing live than recording. I read that this unit really shines as an addition to a studio that doesn't have a lot of vintage amps and for recording power chords and blistering leads in a quiet setting.


    I need more help specifically for recording.


    Thanks.

    Using the S/PDIF will give you a digital to digital connection with your recording device.


    Here's a brief explanation of the your Guitar signal chain.


    Your guitar plug into the Kemper that signal is converted to digital by way of a A/D converter so now the signal is totally digital inside to Kemper.


    Now the Kemper gives you two way to send the signal out. The signal can be sent digitally to another device or converted back to analog via a D/A coverter.


    Now let say every time you use a Digital converter there's a chance of some kind of loss in the conversion.


    So going digital from one device to another has less of a chance of loss because you don't have to run the signal through 2 conversions.

    1. Are you using RME's Total Mix with the Fireface 800?


    2. Are you seeing proper levels on your input channels in Total Mix?


    3. Are you able to monitor the Kemper through the Fireface 800? Plug headphones or your monitors into the Fireface and set the levels with Total Mix (in Total Mix click on the output channel then raise the levels of the input channels).


    4. Are you selecting both Fireface 800 input channels in your DAW (for stereo), or only 1 (giving you mono)?


    If you use S/PDIF you will still want to monitor the levels in Total Mix.


    I have used the Kemper with a Fireface UFX using the rear inputs and it works great, just make sure you have the Fireface inputs configured correctly in RME's Total Mix (there is a setup button on each channel that looks like a wrench).

    Edited 3 times, last by MaxTwang ().

    I have a Fireface 800 too! You the rear inputs instead of the front inputs for recording; you don't want the preamps on the front inputs to colour your sound, even though the RME preamps are really transparent.


    BTW, you can record using the stereo outputs, SPDIF and a dry signal all at the same time! Of course, with SPDIF you're locked to one sample rate, but if you don't hook it up, you can select any of the sample rates available within your DAW.

    I connected it to the back of the FF800 as you suggested. This time it worked perfectly. Do I need to be using balanced cables? Do I really need to use XLR cables?


    I understand about the SPDIF now. So I need a basic RCA SPDIF cable?


    I record in 44:1 24 bit (I use 32 bit float too) but that works for me.


    Is the signal stereo for effects or do the regular amp sounds output a stereo image that is different for each speaker?


    Thanks a lot for all your help. Onward to the TONE!

    Quote from thyrdeye

    I connected it to the back of the FF800 as you suggested. This time it worked perfectly. Do I need to be using balanced cables? Do I really need to use XLR cables?


    No.


    Quote from thyrdeye

    I understand about the SPDIF now. So I need a basic RCA SPDIF cable?


    Just a simple 75 Ohm coaxial cable with RCA plugs (yer regular rca cable will probably do fine too). Don't be fooled by expensive shit :)


    Quote from thyrdeye

    Is the signal stereo for effects or do the regular amp sounds output a stereo image that is different for each speaker?


    You need to select what to send out of the Kemper. Read the manual. Often you'd like to record just the amp mono and a reamp track (direct guitar signal).


    Quote from thyrdeye

    Thanks a lot for all your help. Onward to the TONE!


    Aye! 8)

    Edited once, last by Trazan ().

    Hey Thanks!


    Ths SPIDIF cables I ordered are 25 ft. is that too long?


    Also how do I record the SPIDIF signal into my DAW. I've never worked with a SPDIF signal. What do I select on my DAW (Samplitude) to record SPIDIF onto a track. Only see audio and midi. (I know its a lame question but I'm more about writing and playing)....others do the mixing, but I need to know how to get the best results from recording on my end....Ya know!


    I understand about the dry signal. Doesn't the Kemper need to put out a stereo signal if you using effects like chorus or certain delays that make use of stereo tracks?

    Quote from thyrdeye

    Ths SPIDIF cables I ordered are 25 ft. is that too long?


    That's some long cable...why would you need that?


    Quote from thyrdeye

    Also how do I record the SPIDIF signal into my DAW. I've never worked with a SPDIF signal. What do I select on my DAW (Samplitude) to record SPIDIF onto a track. Only see audio and midi. (I know its a lame question but I'm more about writing and playing)....others do the mixing, but I need to know how to get the best results from recording on my end....Ya know!


    Connect to the 800's spdif in. Set sync/clock to spdif. Look at Totalmix. The spdif inputs are named, or have a number. Chose those in Samplitude. Either both L/R as a stereo channel if you want to record the guitar stereo, or two mono channels - the L being guitar mono and R being the dry reamp guitar.


    Quote from thyrdeye

    I understand about the dry signal. Doesn't the Kemper need to put out a stereo signal if you using effects like chorus or certain delays that make use of stereo tracks?


    If you want to print stereo effects when recording, yes. It is common to just record the amp in mono though, applying stereo effects afterwards. Hard to know what and how much you need until the arrangement/mix is done!