• Registered: 2024-11-18
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Fireface UCX II + Fractal Axe FX FM3, DI solutions?

Hello all,

I am using my Fireface UCX II to record bass and guitars with my Fractal FM3. I know the UCX II to be a very high quality device, but the DI sounds that I'm getting leave a bit to be desired. It is fizzy, all of my guitars (passive single coil pickups) sound spiky, bright, and harsh. Playing dynamics are different from an amp. I figure this is more operator error than anything, as I am able to get very high quality recordings of my synthesizers and microphones via the mic pres.

I was wondering how to get the purest DI tone possible. I have consulted the manual and other resources to try to fix the problem. I read that using a Motu ZBox has helped some people achieve a better DI tone. I have also seen others tapping the Radial JDI and other DI boxes for their ground lift capabilities.

Any advice on the matter would be appreciated.

Here is my signal chain: Guitar -> UCX Input 3/4 (+19dbu, "Instr." on) ->  (I have also tried "Instr." off, and it seems to help with the sound, but then it lacks any presence) -> Hardware Out 1/2 -> FM3 Inputs 1+2 (-10db input buffer) -> XLR stereo outs -> TRS UCX Analog Ins (+19dbu)

Thanks for any advice smile

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-11-18 20:58:53)

  • waedi
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,539

Re: Fireface UCX II + Fractal Axe FX FM3, DI solutions?

If you record your guitar thru the Fractal it is not DI.
DI means direct input you have to connect the guitar directly into the UCX and record the pure guitar.

-> UCX Input 3/4 (+19dbu, "Instr." on.
Change that to +13dBu, Instr on is correct.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2024-11-18
  • Posts: 2

Re: Fireface UCX II + Fractal Axe FX FM3, DI solutions?

Thanks for the info.

I do record DI. I record both the dry and wet signals in parallel. Does "DI" not refer to the process of recording a guitar without mic'ing an amp? The noise I am getting exists in both the dry and wet signals.

I will switch the input padding to +13

4 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-11-18 23:15:01)

  • waedi
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,539

Re: Fireface UCX II + Fractal Axe FX FM3, DI solutions?

What kind of noise is this as you can hear it in the wet signal ?
Some crackeling ? This would tend to cable or guitarsocket.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue