Ableton Forum

In the near future I want to buy and jam on hardware synths (TD3, Crave, etc), using Ableton only for:

• Adding FX to the individual synths (e.g. distortion to TD3, chorus to Crave)
  Compression to master output
  Triggering drum loop samples from inside Ableton itself

I'm happy using the synths' internal sequencers, but I would want to sync the synths and Ableton, obviously.

I'm seriously confused about audio interfaces. Could you please post a link to an audio interface that could take at least 2 synths and allow each synth to have FX added separtaly in Ableton?

Also, if the synths are to show separately in Ableton what cables/ports are required in my PC to take whatever comes out of the audio interface?

Hello
Any ASIO souncard can be used for that.
You will just need 2 line inputs if you want to plug 2 synths. Very common jacks cables are necessary..
Usually you willjust need one USB 2. port on your pc to plug the soundcard
And maybe anothers for your synths if they handle MIDI with USB..If not you will need a little Midi hub to send data to your synths

Hi Schlam, thanks for your answer. It really helps me.

Would something like this do? It has more inputs than I need, but that could be good for the future. But these look like the wrong kinds of inputs?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/behringer-UMC- ... 26&sr=8-20

Would I be able to add FX in Ableton to each synth separately?

Thank you

Go for a Focusrite Scarlett with as many inputs as you can afford, it has better driver support. And yes whichever interface you go for, Ableton can see each input separately

Yes the scarlett seems a better choice.. I eared about driver problem with ASIO and beringer soundcard.

And yes you will be able to use every Live effects for each synth srparatly.
midi effect Before the synth..arpeggaitor etc...
Audio effect after the synth..distortion chorus etc...

Thanks Mark. Am I right in thinking this one would allow me to input 4 synths? The synths I'm interested in are mono BTW

https://www.andertons.co.uk/focusrite-scarlett-4i4

Thank you, this is such a help to me.

schlam wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:00 am

Yes the scarlett seems a better choice.. I eared about driver problem with ASIO and beringer soundcard.

And yes you will be able to use every Live effects for each synth srparatly.
midi effect Before the synth..arpeggaitor etc...
Audio effect after the synth..distortion chorus etc...

Thank you schlam. I'm getting excited now... I feel a purchase coming on! Thanks for your help.

futuremoves wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:05 am

Thanks Mark. Am I right in thinking this one would allow me to input 4 synths? The synths I'm interested in are mono BTW

https://www.andertons.co.uk/focusrite-scarlett-4i4

Thank you, this is such a help to me.

The 4i4 is 4 inputs yes, you can get 2i2 which is 2 inputs, but in my opinion, its worth getting more inputs than you need NOW, as better to have more now than not enough later. Just my opinion, but its your money.

Mark Williams wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 19, 2021 12:41 pm

futuremoves wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:05 am

Thanks Mark. Am I right in thinking this one would allow me to input 4 synths? The synths I'm interested in are mono BTW

https://www.andertons.co.uk/focusrite-scarlett-4i4

Thank you, this is such a help to me.

The 4i4 is 4 inputs yes, you can get 2i2 which is 2 inputs, but in my opinion, its worth getting more inputs than you need NOW, as better to have more now than not enough later. Just my opinion, but its your money.

Thank you Mark. That's been very reassuring.

futuremoves wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:05 am

Thanks Mark. Am I right in thinking this one would allow me to input 4 synths? The synths I'm interested in are mono BTW

https://www.andertons.co.uk/focusrite-scarlett-4i4

Thank you, this is such a help to me.

That means 4 audio inputs. And 4 audio outputs. I actually have this interface because it hits the sweet spot for me.

4 audio inputs means either 4 mono synth inputs or 2 stereo inputs (or one stereo and two mono).

Many synths don’t do much with stereo, but a number of synths might have stereo qualities.

Thanks @yur2die4 I thought that was the case but very helpful to have it confirmed. Just trying to make sure I don't end up buying the wrong thing (and having yet another "gadget" gathering dust!)