What are the Do's and Dont's of an Interface?

[TNA]

Not really sure what kinds of do's and don'ts you are talking about. You should be able to plug in your interface and turn it on whenever you want. Also, I'm not 100% but I'm pretty sure you cannot blow anything out from plugging in a guitar that is too hot. The only thing that would happen would be a really distorted signal. I guess just read the manual if you are concerned. But these aren't exactly fragile pieces of equipment, just don't be stupid with it.

[codestar]

I have a pro40 I've done just about everything I could to abuse the thing and break it. It doesn't really seem to matter if its plugged in an on or anything . I think that is to preserve the mixer settings on the device which won't matter to most people. I don't think you can physically do any damage by having an instrument plugin in no matter how hot it is unless you plugged in the power out from an amp head or something

Number one

Always make sure your mics are muted if they are in the same room as your monitors and your listening back otherwise you ll feedback. If your tracking and have headphones on turn the monitors off either on the software or roll the knob.

2
This is just general recording but check your pre amp levels before you track. If your tracking at 24 bits you don't need to go that hot, use all that dynamic range set your pre to peak in the green meter before the yellow at its highest. You don't want to waste a take to digital distortion

3
Read the manul especially about the software mixing it will make it a lot easier to use and might even give you some cool ideas

4
Record in te highest sample rate you can its So much fun you deserve it! I have heard though ( only rumors) that 88.2k is better than 96k because when it gets dithered down to 44.1 for cd or mp3 it divides evenly and translates better. Give both a shot!

[Trainspotting]

Thx guys! Yeah I was wondering if when recording guitar and the gain would be too loud that it would physically damage the inputs, but i guess not, I have a pro40 too! I'm still getting used to it.

[Sir Chris]

Originally Posted by Trainspotting

Thx guys! Yeah I was wondering if when recording guitar and the gain would be too loud that it would physically damage the inputs, but i guess not, I have a pro40 too! I'm still getting used to it.

For that just always make sure your gain is at a low volume when plugging anything into it.

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[johnnyv]

Phantom power is the only thing to be careful of. I have blown Pre amps because phantom was on and a line level 1/4" cable was used in that channel, It was a Yamaha mixer too!
Phantom power can send a very loud burst of energy to the wrong component.
Always plug everything in and masters off before turning it on. I hate equipment that has global Phantom power.

[Trainspotting]

Thx guys!
Yeah i was just wondering, if i was misusing my interface

[captainate]

Firewire interfaces can and will blow up if you plug or unplug them while the interface is on. Especially Saffires. Trust me, I've done it!

Also, in response to JohnnyV, phantom power shouldn't ever apply to true line inputs. Instrument inputs will receive phantom, so it's important to know the difference, especially since they look the same! All the old/vintage consoles had global phantom power, you couldn't even turn it off if you wanted to. Contrary to popular belief, dynamics and ribbons are fine with phantom power (with the exception of ribbon mics when patched through non-XLR patch bays)

I don't think you can blow an input by turning it up too hot, it just clips.

[Trainspotting]

Thanks for the heads up!!