Is the Volt 2 just the ticket for monitors/UAFX pedals?

[Ty89m]

As I'm working towards a quieter home practice solution, I've picked up a few of the UAFX modeling pedals, as well as an OX Stomp and a pair of studio monitors with the intention of running direct from modeling pedals into the speakers. Now I'm wondering if adding an interface would be useful, and if so, which would be ideal for my limited use case?

I'll need an interface with two inputs capable of receiving instruments (Hi-Z) if I intend to utilize the stereo effects, correct? Would an Apollo be worth the trouble in this case? I see they only have one instrument input, so I'm guessing going that route would require additional gear if stereo is the goal?

Are there any downsides to consider if adding an interface to the mix? It's a pretty simple setup as-is, but it would be nice to record and utilize backing tracks (and be able to listen to computer audio through the monitors), but I wonder if I might be over-complicating things a bit...

Lastly, if vocals are of no concern, is there any reason to go 276 if the OX Stomp has a similar compressor already?

Any advice and/or input is greatly appreciated.

 

[LesBrown]

I've picked up a few of the UAFX modeling pedals, as well as an OX Stomp and a pair of studio monitors with the intention of running direct from modeling pedals into the speakers.

Your speakers are powered, correct? You would need to amplify the pedals, so un-powered speakers wouldn't cut it.

I'll need an interface with two inputs capable of receiving instruments (Hi-Z) if I intend to utilize the stereo effects, correct?

Many of us run from OX Stomp (or any UAFx pedal) to Line In instead of Hi-Z. But Hi-Z is fine, if you prefer. On the other hand, if you use Line Ins you can run stereo channels 1 and 2 out of OX Stomp (for example) and into Line 1 and 2 on the interface to listen to and/or record both. If you mean stereo effects from the pedals, yes you need 2 INs, and you can use 2 line ins as described.

Are there any downsides to consider if adding an interface to the mix? It's a pretty simple setup as-is, but it would be nice to record and utilize backing tracks (and be able to listen to computer audio through the monitors), but I wonder if I might be over-complicating things a bit...

It depends on what your needs are. If you are getting along fine with pedals into powered monitors, then you can keep doing that. If you want the benefits of an interface, you will need an interface. If you don't need to record, you might get by with a small mixer.

Lastly, if vocals are of no concern, is there any reason to go 276 if the OX Stomp has a similar compressor already?

My opinion is no. I personally wouldn't go 276 unless I was primarily recording or broadcasting with a microphone, specifically for vocals.

 

[Ty89m]

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

My monitors are powered, yes. HS7's currently.

I'll have a search around to get a better understanding of the high impedance vs. line inputs. That was something I've been meaning to dig deeper on anyway. I know it's recommended to go hi-z going direct with a guitar, but wasn't sure if it was as important using something like the OX Stomp/Dream (though I assumed it was still instrument level).

I wouldn't mind doing some recording for fun, and the price of admission on these budget oriented interfaces is reasonable. Honestly, I'd be fine going for something like an Apollo for "future proofing" as well, but was concerned about the lack of two+ instrument inputs, though it seems that may not be an issue (worst case, get a DI box?).

 

[LesBrown]

worst case, get a DI box?

Worst case. But you won't need one to go from UAFx pedal to an Apollo Hi-Z or line. I'm not saying I would go from ANY pedal to line in on Apollo, but the UAFx amp pedals are designed to be used Hi-Z or line in (Lo-Z). I would guess most folks on this forum connect the same way, since this is where I learned about it.

 

[Ty89m]

Worst case. But you won't need one to go from UAFx pedal to an Apollo Hi-Z or line. I'm not saying I would go from ANY pedal to line in on Apollo, but the UAFx amp pedals are designed to be used Hi-Z or line in (Lo-Z). I would guess most folks on this forum connect the same way, since this is where I learned about it.

Great. Maybe an Apollo Solo would be a good middle ground, but I'll do a bit more research before I get too carried away.

Perhaps (another) silly question, but beyond a Galaxy '74, I'm running non-UA effect pedals earlier in my chain. Does that have any impact on choosing instrument vs. line inputs assuming the Stomp (or Lion/Dream) is last in the chain?

 

[LesBrown]

Does that have any impact on choosing instrument vs. line inputs assuming the Stomp (or Lion/Dream) is last in the chain?

No. I use non-UA pedals before the UAFx amp pedals (I own Lion, Dream, Ruby, OX Stomp), then to the Apollo line in.