Why does my spark 2 amp sound/feels better than vsts?

G

George5150

Newbie
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I have a scarlett 2i2 and when I use it with amp vsts I can't get the same sound, feel playing experience that I get when playing through my spark amp 2. I played around with the input gain, the input in the vsts, Irs, the instrument input is on. I'm still not getting good results, it's sounds fine but I'm not 100 percent there. I'm using jbl monitors.
 
I imagine the Spark is tuned to be a bit more flattering than the JBL monitors. If you use the Spark as a monitor for your VSTs, do you find them to have more of that quality from the Spark you like?
 
You’re never going to get identical sounds between the two, and the reason is the speakers. The Spark is running through its internal speakers, the VSTs are being run through your JBLs. The Spark is probably also not using any cabinet emulation, while the VSTs do out of necessity, which typically means there’s also going to be the characteristics of a microphone baked in along with the speaker emulation.
 
Out of a dozen or so devices here that have USB recording features, the Scarlett 2i2 is the worst of them. Lifeless, dull, dead sounding direct tracks every time. I absolute despise this interface, especially for VST playing.

Your spark probably has a better input circuit tailored for guitar input, and as others have noted, it’s kind of an all-in-one so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
 
EOengineer said:
Out of a dozen or so devices here that have USB recording features, the Scarlett 2i2 is the worst of them. Lifeless, dull, dead sounding direct tracks every time. I absolute despise this interface, especially for VST playing.

Your spark probably has a better input circuit tailored for guitar input, and as others have noted, it’s kind of an all-in-one so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
Click to expand...
Mmmm it gave me an idea to try the Spark as an audio interface
 
Frodebro said:
You’re never going to get identical sounds between the two, and the reason is the speakers. The Spark is running through its internal speakers, the VSTs are being run through your JBLs. The Spark is probably also not using any cabinet emulation, while the VSTs do out of necessity, which typically means there’s also going to be the characteristics of a microphone baked in along with the speaker emulation.
Click to expand...
How come it doesnt have speaker simulation? Isn't that the final tone? The speaker and the mic placement?
 
EOengineer said:
Out of a dozen or so devices here that have USB recording features, the Scarlett 2i2 is the worst of them. Lifeless, dull, dead sounding direct tracks every time. I absolute despise this interface, especially for VST playing.

Your spark probably has a better input circuit tailored for guitar input, and as others have noted, it’s kind of an all-in-one so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
Click to expand...
I know the post is old by now but I'm been busy lol.

I tried the Spark as an audio interface and as a monitor speaker using amp plugins and it did sounded better. I also plugged the Spark to my jbls and sounded good too. I noticed that in order for the jbls and the Scarlett to sound good, the jbls, need to be loud. But the feel it still not there.

Any budget audio interface you recommend?
 
George5150 said:
I know the post is old by now but I'm been busy lol.

I tried the Spark as an audio interface and as a monitor speaker using amp plugins and it did sounded better. I also plugged the Spark to my jbls and sounded good too. I noticed that in order for the jbls and the Scarlett to sound good, the jbls, need to be loud. But the feel it still not there.

Any budget audio interface you recommend?
Click to expand...
Interesting. You have a Focusrite but it’s not working well for you? The Focusrite stuff tends to be great and highly recommended. My first interface was a Focusrite and the thing was bulletproof.
 
eggpl@nt said:
Interesting. You have a Focusrite but it’s not working well for you? The Focusrite stuff tends to be great and highly recommended. My first interface was a Focusrite and the thing was bulletproof.
Click to expand...
Idk what it is. Maybe something to do with inputs and output or something wrong with mine. I did tried a pod go direct to my monitors and as an audio interface but I didn't like it. I enjoy the Spark, direct to jbls and as a speaker monitor. I will keep the Scarlett for vocals or other instruments.
 
I have the Spark 2 and a pair of 5" studio monitors as well and honestly I much prefer my monitors. It's just the simplicity and portability of the Spark that makes it - don't get me wrong, it sounds banger for what it is but if I have time and care to sit behind my desk I almost always use my NeuralDSP plugins etc.
The speakers in the Spark aren't completely flat ("FRFR") imho, so they definitely have done some fine tuning of their own.

Which amp VST's are you using btw?
 
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