scarlett 2i2 noob

[doits]

First of all I know a y splitter used to combine two audio signals is bad. But until now it has worked fine. So I just got the scarlett 2i2 with an xlr mic and it sounds great. I'm unsure how to use the inputs for other things besides a mic. I put an aux cable from my ipod into a 1/4 adapter then plugged into scarlett and got sounds, but it was missing the low end. How do I plug a stereo connection into it like a ghetto mixer.(I think stereo to mono adapter works)

 

I also use a o2+odac is there any way to tie the two together(using o2 as dac from pc and scarlett as mic input for monitoring). I'm currently using a 2 f to 1m y cable to combine them and I get a whine and static in the background. All cables are good the whine and degraded volume just comes when both o2 and 2i2 are plugged into y(one at a time is fine in either side of y). Oh and the y split goes into pyle headphone amp splitter.

 

TLDR:

How do I combine 2i2 and o2 outputs into one signal?

Can I input an aux stereo cable into 2i2 like mixer?

Should I return the 2i2 and just get a mixer?

Would splitting audio into l/r mono, then into a mono multi channel line mixer,  combine both signals into a single stereo signal?http://www.amazon.com/Nady-MM-242-Channel-Mini-Mixer/dp/B0009XH4HU/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1441336857&sr=1-12&keywords=audio+mixer

If I should get a mixer what are some suggestions?(around price of 2i2, 2-3 stereo inputs, 1mic inputs, lag free monitoring)

[EposVox]

There should be no reason you should ever be plugging an iPod into a 2i2. It is not a headset or a standard DAC, it's an interface for analog inputs. You can force it with the Y splitter, but it will always sound like crap, just no. Play your music from your PC over USB.

 

Also I see no situation in which "tying the two together" with your O2 would be feasable, nor make any sense. You can use the 2i2 for microphone/instrument inputs, then use the O2 for actual audio playback (other than when in ASIO mode like in Adobe Audition.) Just assign the devices in Windows - 2i2 input, O2 output.

 

So unless you're using it for microphones/instruments over Line or XLR, return the FocusRite 2i2. You're doing it wrong.

 

Even with a mixer, you shouldn't be running an iPod to it. You're combining AC and DC signals and even with a ground loop isolator or two, you're going to end up with distortion, static, and electrical noise, and potentially short something out.

 

I have no clue what the heck you're possibly trying to accomplish with this spaghetti monster, but you're doing it all wrong.

[doits]

oh ma god, the spaghetti monster. I'm super dumb I should just set the 2i2 for recording and o2 for playback. I got confused since they both have a dac and thought instrument/mic line is compatible with an audio line out. Ok so does the lag free monitoring work over usb? Or do I have to be plugged into the headphone jack of 2i2? Thanks for untangling the monster, and like I said this is my first audio interface so I'm still learning ins and outs.

 

edit: The reason I used an ipod for music is because it is the easiest way to change songs while playing games without alt tab.

 

tldr: Does monitoring work over usb or how do I tie it into main pc sound?

[doits]

thanks for the reply I'll look into a usb mixer.