Blackstar Polar 2 Audio Interface Designed for Guitarist 2 in 2 out Inc: St James Software Suite & Ableton Live Lite & More

Just by looking at the packaging you get the impression that this is a premium product, and it definitely does not disappoint. The looks are very simple but very professional. As soon as you get it out of it's packaging you can tell that this is really well made and has a solid look and feel to it.Although this says this is an audio interface for guitarists, with 2 input channels, there is nothing stopping you from connecting two other instruments to it besides a guitar and a MIC (which is what I am using it for). If you are a beginner and are wondering exactly what an audio interface does, then put simply, an audio interface is a bit of equipment that allows you to connect musical instruments, or other audio equipment, to a computer by converting analogue signals to digital signals (ADC) that your computer can understand, and it also converts the signals back from digital to analogue signals (DAC). The output can be recorded or played back through speakers or even headphones that you connect to the 2 output channels on this product.When I link up my guitar and microphone to my PC through this, I always sing along whilst playing the guitar. I record the output so that I can get feedback from more experienced musicians in order that I can improve both my singing and also improve my guitar skills. Remember, although this equipment can record top quality audio thanks to the quality of it's ADC and DAC preamps, you have to have top quality speakers and a top quality amp to get a true representation of what you really sound like.With the hardware, you are also entitled to download a copy of the Ableton Live Lite software in order that you can use it with this audio interface. Obviously the Lite version means that it doesn't have all the functionality available that you get with the full version of the software, but in all honesty, if you are a beginner like me, then you don't really need it anyway. The Lite version is very powerful in it's own right and there is so much you can do with it, that for a while, I thought I was using the full version. You can quite easily produce records with just this Lite version so it's definitely worth getting. One limitation I am aware of with the Lite version is that it is limited to a total of 8 tracks. You can have all 8 as audio tracks, or 4 audio and 4 midi so it is still very versatile.What's great about this Blackstar Polar 2 is that it doesn't digitally clip the input signal so you can use it just like you would a normal amp. Simply brilliant!

As any keen guitarist who has attempted a bit of at home recording will tell you - most options for audio interfaces haven't been built with guitarists in mind, leaving you either to accept a sub-standard recording or to shell out for something far pricier. The Blackstar Polar 2 aims to fill that gap - but how does it sound sound?First impressions when you get the unit out of the box are good - it seems to be very well built, is aesthetically nice to look at and even the knobs and switches have a solid feel about them. Set up is also straightforward - on the front you can run 2 lines in plus your headphones, while on the back you've got 1/4 inch outputs, a power out and the USB-C. In theory you can run the device solely from the power provided by your computer via the USB-C, but in my tests this led to sub-optimal results so I found myself using the supplied power cable in addition.There is a bundle of software also included or it'll probably just be supported by what you usually use - Garageband was plug and play so I would hope more sophisticated options would have no problems either.When it comes to actually recording the options you have are pretty simple - plug in your guitar (or microphone/other instrument) then you can select the gain on the front of the interface. There is also an 'enhance' switch - it wasn't totally clear to me what this was doing if I am honest but maybe for some instruments it helps. The last part of the front of the device is a series of LEDs which show levels of both the inputs and outputs, these are nicely done in a way that makes it super clear what is going on.Finally, and probably most importantly - the sound quality was great both when used for a guitar and for a microphone. Given where it is pitched, I was genuinely impressed here. Overall this feels like the final plus for what is an all round solid interface, for guitarists and beyond.

As a long time user of a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 I was intrigued as to how this would perform.I was initially struck by it's relatively small footprint, but it does have two fewer inputs that the 4i4, so was probably due to that. The chassis is metal and the knobs and switches are pleasing to the touch, particularly the thin, metal switches which reminded me of gadgets from back in the 70s and 80s.Installation was painless once I'd downloaded the drivers. I installed the St James plugins, but was annoyed have to use iLok, which I find incredibly annoying.I'm not a vocalist at all so I only tried this with my electric guitar and various synthesisers.The only issues I had was setting this up with FL Studio, my DAW of choice, but I think the issues were really with FL Studio rather than the Blackstar. Once I'd sorted stuff out I was really impressed with the quality of the audio. The blurb promises that digital clipping is a thing of the past thanks to the Polar and I have to say I couldn't really find anything to dispel that pretty bold statement.I'll use this, but I find using my trusty 4i4 easier for my workflow. All-in-all an impressive piece of kit. I shall look out for future Blackstar products with interest.