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Guide to using Music Library equipment

Tips on which AV items suit certain needs and on how to use the equipment

Audio interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, 2nd generation (user manual)

  • One (1) second-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i8s are available for loan
    • If you are having issues with inputs or outputs, you may need to check the Focusrite Control application (download link for second generation listed here) on your computer to see how the sound source is being routed
  • Connects via a USB A-B cable. (USB-B on device, USB-A to computer)

    • To use with a USB-C port, request a USB-C to USB adapter too or your own USB-B to USB-C cable

  • Inputs:
    • 4 Combo (XLR / 1.4") inputs on the front
    • 4 1/4" inputs on the back
    • 1 MIDI in
    • 1 SPDIF in
    • 1 optical in (Toslink)
  • Outputs: 
    • 2 1/4" monitor outputs on the back
    • 2 1/4" headphone outputs on the front
    • 1 MIDI out
    • 1 SPDIF out

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, 3rd generation (user manual)

  • Two (2) third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i8s are available for loan
    • If you are having issues with inputs or outputs, you may need to check the Focusrite Control application (download link for third generation listed here) on your computer to see how the sound source is being routed
  • Connects via a USB C-A cable. (USB-C on device, USB-A to computer)
    • To use with a USB-C port, request a USB-C to USB adapter too or your own USB-B to USB-C cable
  • Inputs:
    • 4 Combo (XLR / 1.4") inputs on the front
    • 4 1/4" inputs on the back
    • 1 MIDI in
    • 1 SPDIF in
    • 1 optical in (Toslink)
  • Outputs: 
    • 4 1/4" monitor outputs on the back
    • 2 1/4" headphone outputs on the front
    • 1 MIDI out
    • 1 SPDIF out

Focusrite Scarlett 18i16, 4th generation (user manual)

  • One (1) fourth-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 is available for loan
  • Connects via a USB-C cable
  • Inputs:
    • 4 Combo (XLR / 1.4") inputs on the front
    • 4 1/4" inputs on the back
    • 1 MIDI in
    • 1 SPDIF in
    • 1 optical in (Toslink)
  • Outputs: 
    • 4 1/4" monitor outputs on the back
    • 2 1/4" headphone outputs on the front
    • 1 MIDI out
    • 1 SPDIF out

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (user manual)

  • Two (2) 3rd generation Focusrite Scarlett 4i4s are available for loan
    • If you are having issues with inputs or outputs, you may need to check the Focusrite Control application (download link for 4i4 listed here) on your computer to see how the sound source is being routed
  • Connects via a USB C-A cable. (USB-C on device, USB-A to computer)
    • To use with a USB-C port, request a USB-C to USB adapter too or your own USB-B to USB-C cable
  • Inputs:
    • 2 Combo (XLR / 1.4") inputs on the front
      • 1 48V phantom power button for XLR inputs 1 & 2
    • 2 1/4" inputs on the back
    • 1 MIDI in
  • Outputs: 
    • 4 1/4" line outputs on the back
    • 1 1/4" headphone output on the front
    • 1 MIDI out

M-Audio ProFire 610 (user guide)

  • One (1) ProFire 610 is available for loan
  • Connects via Firewire-600 ports, which is no longer a standard port on laptops
  • Inputs:
    • 2 XLR/TS combo jacks for mics or instrument level inputs
    • 2 1/4” TRS balanced line inputs
    • 1 stereo S/PDIF in
  • Outputs:
    • 8 1/4” TRS balanced line outs
    • 1 stereo S/PDIF out
  • Legacy interface, still functional but obsolete

M-Audio Fast Track Pro (user manual)

  • One (1) Fast Track Pro is available for loan
  • Portable 4X4 Mobile USB audio/MIDI interface with preamps
  • Inputs:
    • 2 combo XLR + 1/4" TRS inputs
    • 1 MIDI input
    • 1 S/PDIF input
  • Outputs:
    • 2 1/4" balanced TRS outputs
    • 2 unbalanced RCA outputs that mirror the signal to TRS outputs 1 & 2
    • 2 unbalanced RCA outputs that mirror the signal to the S/PDIF outputs

Apogee Duet (user guide)

  • Two (2) Apogee Duet interfaces are available for loan
  • Includes with a dual breakout cable to connect 2 XLR and 2 1/4" TRS cables
  • Compatible with Mac or PC operating systems
  • Connects to computers via included USB cable

Apogee Element 24 (user guide)

  • Two (2) Apogee Element 24 interfaces are available for loan
  • Compatible only with Mac operating systems
  • Connects only with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection *NOTE: this is an older style of Mac thunderbolt connection, it is the same shape as a Mini DisplayPort*.
  • Requires separate power supply (included)
  • Legacy interface, no longer being sold
  • Inputs: 
    • 2 Combo (XLR / 1.4") inputs on the front
    • 1 optical ADAT/SMUX/SPDIF
    • BNC word clock
  • Outputs: 
    • 2 balanced XLR outputs on the rear
    • 1 optical ADAT/SMUX/SPDIF
    • BNC word clock

Apogee One (user guide)

  • Two (2) Apogee One interfaces are available for loan
  • The Apogee One is only compatible with Mac/iOS operating systems
  • Includes a breakout cable to connect either an XLR or 1/4" TRS cable
  • Includes a built-in single-channel microphone
    • The microphone connects to computers via included USB cable
  • Legacy interface, no longer being sold

Apogee Jam (quick start guide)

  • One (1) Apogee jam is available for loan
    • Includes a cable for connection to iPod (via a 30-pin connector cable) and a USB cable for connection to computers
  • Designed to provide high-quality sound for electric guitar and bass, including essential metering and a built-in soft limiter
  • The Apogee Jam is only compatible with Mac/iOS operating systems
    • If your Mac computer only has USB-C ports, you will need a USB-C to USB adapter to connect to the Apogee Jam

iRig MIDI (user guide)

  • One (1) iRig MIDI is available for loan
  • Connects via a 30-pin connection only
  • Allows you to connect any MIDI-equipped device (such as a keyboard, sound module, drum pad set, guitar pedal board, etc.) to your 30-pin compatible iOS device
  • You can also use apps to send note or controller information from the mobile device to external MIDI instruments

Avid Mbox Pro (user guide)

  • One (1) Mbox Pro is available for loan for Sound Recording (SR) students, SR Faculty, and SR Qualifying-year students only
  • Requires an Avid-qualified USB-equipped Mac or Windows-based computer
  • Analogue inputs:
    • 2 combo mic/line/instrument inputs with Variable Z (impedance)
    • 2 combo mic/line inputs with Variable Z
    • 4 line inputs (inputs 7–8 shared with FX Returns)
  • Analogue outputs: 
    • 2 stereo monitor outputs (Main and Alt)
    • 2 headphone outputs
    • 2 Hi-Z switchable FX Loops Sends
    • 1 Hi-Z out to amp (mirrors FX Send 2)

Mixers

Behringer 1202FX (user manual)

  • One (1) Behringer 1202FX mixer is available for loan
  • 12-channel analogue mixer:
    • 1/4" main outputs
    • 4 XLR channels
    • 4 stereo 1/4" TRS channels
    • 1 unbalanced RCA tape input, 1 unbalanced RCA tape output
    • The 4 XLR channels have 3 bands of EQ dials (hi, mid, low)
    • Channel faders are dials rather than sliders
  • Main outputs are 1/4"

Mackie ProFX12v2 (user manual)

  • One (1) Mackie ProFX12v2 mixer is available for loan
  • 12-channel mixer
    • 6 channels with XLR inputs:
      • 2 XLR 1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z)
      • 5 XLR (mic)
    • Line inputs:
      • 2 1/4"
      • 6 1/4" (3 stereo)
      • 1 1/8" (stereo)
    • 1 unbalanced RCA tape input, 1 unbalanced RCA tape output
    • Each input has an aux and FX send, gain control and three-band EQ
  • Main outputs are XLR
  • Built in USB recording interface with simple setup for Mac or PC

Allen & Heath Zed60-14FX (user manual)

  • One (1) Zed60-14FX mixer is available for loan
  • Page 31 of the user manual includes sound mixing tips for first time users
  • 14-channel mixer:
    • 8 Mic XLR inputs
    • Line inputs:
      • 8 1/4"
      • 1 dual RCA stereo
      • 2 1/4" (ST1)
      • 2 1/4" (ST2)
    • Other inputs:
      • 2 x 1/4" (USB in L,R)
      • 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
    • Outputs:
      • 2 XLR main
      • 1 dual RCA stereo (monitor)
      • 1 dual RCA stereo (record out)
  • Main outputs are XLR
  • Channels:
    • Mono input channels 1-6 contain:
      • XLR input
      • 1/4" balanced or unbalanced line-level input
      • Gain control
      • 100Hz hi-pass filter
      • 4 EQ (Hi, Mid-hi, Mid-lo, Lo)
      • FX send
      • Aux send
      • Pan
    • Mono input channels 7/8 contain:
      • Same features as channels 1-6
      • A Hi-Z input designed to specifically match signals from instrument pickups (useful for guitars)
    • Stereo input channels contain:
      • RCA Phono sockets for unbalanced line level stereo signal sources
      • Balanced 1/4" line inputs
      • Gain control
      • 2 EQ (Hi & Lo)
      • FX send
      • Aux send
      • Pan

Pre-amplifiers

PreSonus BlueTube DP V2 (user manual)

  • One (1) preamplifier available for loan
  • High-headroom Class-A XMAX mic pre-amplifier with 80 dB gain range
  • Inputs:
    • 2 balanced combo mic/unbalanced instrument inputs
  • Outputs:
    • 2 balanced XLR main (L/R) line outputs
    • 2 unbalanced 1/4" main (L/R) line outputs

Black Lion Audio B173 (user manual)

  • One (1) preamplifier available for loan for McGill Music students, faculty, and staff
  • 70dB of gain, a revamped gain stage, and a lower noise floor for cleaner, lower distortion sound
  • Analogue inputs:
    • 1 x XLR (mic)
    • 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
  • Analogue outputs:
    • 1 x 1/4" TRS

Grace Design M101 (user manual)

  • One (1) preamplifier is available for loan for McGill Music students, faculty, and staff
  • Provides ample gain for use of any type of microphone in any recording situation, with a gain range of 10-75dB, including the additional +10dB of gain available with the output trim control
  • Inputs:
    • 1 balanced XLR mic input (on rear panel)
    • 1 1/4" TRS high-impedence instrument / line input (on front panel)
  • Outputs:
    • 1 XLR balanced
    • 1 1/4" TRS balanced
    • 1 1/4” TS unbalanced

Focusrite ISA One (user guide | mode d'emploi)

  • One (1) preamplifier is available for loan for McGill Music students, faculty, and staff
  • Classic mic preamplifier with independent DI channel
  • Transformer microphone preamplifier that can be used to record microphone, line-level or instrument sources
Subjects: Music

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